Case Study: Modernizing a Historic Chicago Office Building with Building Automation

September 1st, 2026

When you manage a large commercial building, replacing equipment that still works is hard to justify. That was part of the challenge at Two North Riverside Plaza in Chicago. The building was renovated in phases, and its HVAC controls were added and updated at different times. The owners wanted better control and visibility without ripping out systems that still had years of use left. Althoff Industries, Inc. found a way to incorporate the existing controls into the upgrade.

Our team at Althoff Industries, Inc. found a way to bring the old and new controls together without turning the project into a full tear-out. Here’s how we did it, what changed for the building staff, and why the new setup gave Two North Riverside Plaza more flexibility going forward.

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How Smart HVAC Design Reduced Clean Room Capacity Requirements by Over 60%

July 7th, 2026

Most people assume that a clean room requires a massive HVAC system to meet strict environmental standards. Our team at Althoff Industries, Inc. found a better solution that reduced HVAC capacity requirements by more than 60% while still achieving FDA compliance. By focusing on how the space would actually function, we improved efficiency, reduced costs, and delivered a system tailored to the client’s real-world needs, rather than relying on oversized equipment. Learn more about how smart HVAC design can solve complex facility challenges.

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One Partner, Many Systems: Why Integrated HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Controls Matter in a Busy Summer

June 2nd, 2026

Summer puts industrial buildings under pressure with cooling systems that run harder than ever. Machines put out heat, debris, and moisture while electrical demand increases as tenant projects accelerate. Small mechanical problems can quickly turn into costly disruptions. When something goes wrong, commercial property owners and facility managers are under pressure to coordinate separate HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and controls contractors during a busy season. That’s why more commercial properties around Chicago are turning to integrated commercial service partners.

Learn more about how our team at Althoff Industries, Inc. helps connect HVAC, electrical, plumbing, controls, and overall building performance. We get commercial buildings operating more efficiently with fewer disruptions.

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Is Your Building’s Cooling Strategy Ready for Chicago’s Next Heat Wave (and the Cooling Ordinance)?

May 5th, 2026

If your building’s cooling strategy isn’t ready before Chicago’s next heat wave, you’re already a few steps behind. Chicago building owners need a proactive strategy that keeps tenants, residents, staff, or visitors comfortable and your property compliant.

Chicago’s cooling ordinance requires certain buildings to provide cooling and dehumidification in designated common spaces under specific conditions. Covered buildings may need accessible indoor cooling areas that can maintain safe temperature and humidity levels as outdoor temperatures rise.

With hotter summers and increasing expectations around occupant safety, commercial HVAC planning needs to cover more than basic comfort. Here’s how to prepare your building for sustained heat, humidity, and HVAC system performance under pressure.

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Spring Changeover Playbook: How Chicagoland Facilities Should Transition from Heating to Cooling

April 6th, 2026

As winter ends and spring begins, Chicagoland facilities face a unique challenge—quick temperature swings that can shift from the 40s to the 70s in just days. For facility managers, a smooth transition from heating to cooling is essential. A coordinated spring changeover ensures systems are ready to respond effectively, preventing comfort issues and costly downtime.

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Spring Melt: Commercial Drain Maintenance Reminder for Chicago-Area Properties

March 2nd, 2026

As winter transitions into spring, commercial properties across the Chicago area face a new set of plumbing challenges. Melting snow, combined with early-season rains, can place significant strain on storm and sanitary drainage systems. If these systems have not been properly maintained, the increased water flow can expose hidden issues and lead to flooding in basements, parking garages, and loading docks. Proactive drain maintenance is one of the most effective ways to prevent costly disruptions to your operations.

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Winter Energy Tune-Up: Operational Tweaks Facility Managers Can Make Without Major Capital Spend

February 2nd, 2026

Winter energy costs can rise quickly in commercial facilities, especially when systems run longer to maintain comfort. The good news is that improving efficiency doesn’t always require major upgrades or large capital investments. Strategic operational adjustments can significantly reduce energy waste while keeping buildings comfortable, compliant, and productive throughout the colder months.

A winter energy tune-up focuses on maximizing performance from existing systems. That’s where experienced facility partners make a real difference.

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Post-Holiday System Check: What Facility Managers Should Review Before Deep Winter Sets In

January 5th, 2026

January is a critical time for facility and property managers. After holiday shutdowns or periods of reduced occupancy, building systems often transition quickly back to full operation just as winter conditions intensify. A post-holiday system check helps ensure HVAC and mechanical equipment are ready to perform reliably before late-winter cold places maximum demand on the system.

Conducting a structured review now allows managers to identify hidden issues, correct control settings, and avoid unexpected disruptions during the coldest stretch of the season.

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Smart Thermostats & Automation: Reducing Energy Waste Over the Holidays

December 1st, 2025

For commercial buildings, the holiday season often brings shifts in occupancy patterns, reduced staffing, and temporary closures. With fewer people in the building, heating and cooling needs change dramatically. Uet many facilities continue operating on their normal schedules, wasting energy and increasing operational costs. Smart thermostats and building automation systems offer an effective way to reduce unnecessary energy use during low-occupancy periods, especially throughout the holidays.

Commercial HVAC automation isn’t just a convenience. It’s a strategic way to optimize performance, protect equipment, and support more efficient operations during one of the most unpredictable times of the year.

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Stop Wasting Heat: How Air Rotation Units Keep Your Facility Comfortable & Efficient

November 3rd, 2025

In large commercial and industrial spaces, winter heating can feel like an uphill battle. Warm air naturally rises to the ceiling, creating a toasty upper layer while workers on the floor shiver in cold pockets. This thermal stratification doesn’t just compromise comfort—it drives energy costs through the roof as systems overwork to compensate. Air Rotation Units (ARUs) from Althoff Industries, Inc. solve the problem by gently recirculating air from top to bottom, delivering even temperatures, lower bills, and a more productive environment.

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