680 Lake Shore Drive
Bathroom Remodel
A complete bathroom transformation in one of Streeterville's most iconic lakefront high-rises. Modern, minimal, and built to last.
Before & After
From dated tub and worn tile to a modern walk-in shower sanctuary
Before: What We Started With
After: The Transformation
What We Did
Demo & Removal
Removed existing tub and floor tile. Careful work required in high-rise environment.
Drain Relocation
Changed drain position to accommodate the new walk-in shower configuration.
Concrete Shower Base
Poured custom concrete foundation for a solid, level shower surface built to last decades.
Waterproofing
Full cement board and Durock membrane system on all shower walls. Essential for high-rise living.
New Tile Throughout
Floor tile installed throughout bathroom with proper slip resistance and drainage.
Complete Fixtures
New vanity with quartz top, toilet, mirror, and all light fixtures — fully coordinated design.
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See Our Other Bathroom Remodel in This Building
This is our second bathroom renovation at 680 Lake Shore Drive in just eight weeks. We've become the trusted contractor for residents in this iconic Streeterville high-rise.
View Our First 680 Lake Shore Project →From Dated to Modern in 2.5 Weeks
When we met with the client at 680 Lake Shore Drive, he was at a crossroads — uncertain whether to sell but clear that he wanted something more modern and welcoming to enjoy while still there.
The original bathroom showed its age in every corner. The existing tub dominated the small footprint, the floor tile was worn and dated, and the overall feeling was dark and cramped.
Our design team developed a vision that would maximize impact within the existing footprint. The goal was clear: create a clean, minimal design that would brighten up the space and make it feel more roomy.
For the shower base, we poured a custom concrete foundation designed to last for decades. On top of that, we installed cement board on all shower walls and applied Durock waterproofing membrane to create a completely sealed system.
We finished the project exactly as we start every job: with a thorough cleaning that removes all dust and debris. The client walked into a space ready to use immediately.
Why This Project Worked
High-rise bathroom renovations require specialized knowledge. Building access restrictions, freight elevator scheduling, noise ordinances, and HOA requirements all add complexity. At 680 Lake Shore Drive, we navigated all of this seamlessly.
The design-build approach meant the client had one point of contact from start to finish. No coordinating between separate designers, contractors, and trades.
Every material selection was made with durability and aesthetics in mind. The quartz vanity countertop doesn't require sealing and maintains its beauty with simple daily cleaning.
The total project took 2.5 weeks from demolition to final walkthrough, and the complete cost of $31,000 included all labor, materials, design, and project management.
What a 680 Lake Shore Drive Renovation Actually Involves
Renovating in a 29-story, 415-unit Streeterville landmark takes more than good design — it takes a contractor who knows how the building works.
The Logistics Start Before Demo Day
At 680 Lake Shore Drive, the work begins long before the first tile comes off the wall. In a building this size, every material delivery and every debris haul-out runs through a reserved freight elevator on the building's schedule — not ours. Before demolition, we coordinated the alteration agreement and certificate of insurance with building management, protected the shared corridors and elevator cab, and scheduled the loud demolition work inside the building's permitted hours so neighbors were never disrupted. This is the part of a high-rise project most homeowners never see, and it is exactly where an inexperienced bathroom remodeling contractor in Chicago runs into trouble.
Why Waterproofing Carries Higher Stakes Up Here
Waterproofing matters more in a high-rise than in a single-family home. With occupied units directly below, a shower that is not sealed correctly does not just damage one bathroom — it can damage the ceilings of the units beneath it. That is why we poured a custom concrete base and ran a full cement-board and Durock membrane system across every shower wall, building one continuous sealed envelope rather than relying on the tile alone. For more on how condo and high-rise bathrooms differ from standard remodels, see our Chicago condo bathroom remodeling guide.
The Tub-to-Shower Conversion in a Compact Footprint
Converting the original tub to a walk-in shower meant relocating the drain to suit the new layout. In a compact condo bathroom, that single change is what lets the walk-in shower sit correctly without shrinking the rest of the room — and it is the kind of rough-in plumbing that has to be exactly right before any waterproofing or tile goes down. The finished space reads larger and brighter than the original, even though the footprint never changed.
What This Project Cost
This complete renovation came in at $31,000 all-in, finished in 2.5 weeks. For how condo and high-rise bathroom budgets break down across Chicago in 2026, see our Chicago condo bathroom remodel cost guide.
Planning a High-Rise Bathroom Remodel?
We specialize in bathroom and full-unit renovations in Streeterville, Gold Coast, and River North high-rises. See our condo remodeling services, or get a free consultation.
Call (312) 544-9150
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Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?
Schedule a free in-home consultation. We'll assess your space, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed project estimate.
Schedule Free Consultation →Or call (312) 544-9150