Market Court
Early in 1989, Bob Corker finalized an agreement with Northwest National Life Insurance to lease two floors of what was then an empty former Sears department store. At that point, we began one of the most ambitious design-build projects TWH has ever undertaken. Over the course of less than twelve months, we designed a completely new exterior, created a 5-story atrium and, during the construction, essentially redesigned the building as it was being rebuilt due to conditions discovered during the renovation.
The Sears building had been vacant for a few years after they closed the downtown store. The store had been “renovated” in the 60’s when it received its spartan brick facade. To implement the new design, the existing brick skin was removed and a new brick and glass exterior was created. Corner office “towers” were built. The overall effect created a building that seemed much lighter and taller, certainly the abundance of exterior glazing enhanced the office areas as well as the waterfall at the 5-story atrium accented by a Jim Collins sculpture. Large public areas connecting Broad and Market Streets are floored in marble which further adds to the richness of the interior spaces.
