Chicago Access Network Television
CAN TV Studio
New 20,000 sqft one-story base building, home to Chicago’s public cable television service.
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  • Project Type
    • Building
  • Status
  • Delivery Method
    • Construction Management At-Risk
  • Services
  • Location
    • Chicago, IL
  • Duration
    • 12 Months
  • Size
    • 20,700 sqft
  • Architect
    • Ross Barney
Project Overview

The City of Chicago established Chicago Access Corporation in 1983 as a public cable television service. The independent nonprofit has five local channels and features diverse people and voices that are often excluded from the mainstream media. CAN TV settled into its first permanent home in its 30-year history. The new facility, located at 1309 S. Wood Street, is was completed in 2016. CAN TV now has permanent residency in the Illinois Medical District community, which is flourishing with health initiatives, technology research and STEM education projects.

The 20,700 sqftt facility provides opportunities for Chicagoans to take advantage of the latest digital tools in a modern, multi-use space. The welcoming, central hallway doubles as a meeting space that opens into updated TV studios, increased training space, and accessible editing and production areas.

Approach

Berglund Construction built CAN TV's new studio, office and administrative spaces. The single-story base building sits on standard foundations with an enclosure of precast, corrugated metal panels and glazing systems. The site contains a new parking lot (54 spaces) adjacent to the building. Studio spaces built with as an isolated precast box with-in the building due to the proximity of the pink line and nearby heliport. Designed for future expansion in mind, for additional studio and future technology infrastructure.

Some challenges included contaminated soils and existing obstructions below grade. Ensuring all acoustical requirements were followed to the most stringent standards to ensure the Studios and Production Rooms met the client’s needs. Placement of the building, close to the property lines and to maximize parking spaces created a challenge to work with existing neighbors and public so construction did not interfere with day to day activities.

Outcomes

The new building provides improved accessibility meanwhile increasing visibility. Now CAN TV can better suit controlled operating costs which allows them to build financial stability and provide infrastructure to support future technology growth.

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