Park Monroe

What It Was

55 East Monroe is an office building with new luxury condos on the top nine floors. The building’s original neon roof lighting had been expensive to maintain and was in disrepair. Looking for a fresh, calm, color changing effect to draw attention to the building, the owners hired Lightswitch Architectural.

What We Did

Lightswitch Architectural used color changing LED luminaires to light the elevator core which extends above the roof line of the building. LED luminaires are initially more expensive, but more than make up for it with low energy costs and minimal maintenance requirements. Since roof mounting is a challenge, the designer first mocked up the design to verify the spacing and set back. Steel arms were installed on poles, holding the luminaires which are locked in the correct pan and tilt positions.
The display is programmed for holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, as well as pink for October--breast cancer awareness month. An integrated astronomical time clock turns the lights on at sunset and off at sunrise.

Why It Worked

Lightswitch Architectural provided a deep understanding of this cutting-edge LED technology. We worked with the contractors to ensure correct installation. The roof top lighting fulfills the client’s desire for a design which attracts attention, has low maintenance and energy costs, and is automated with programmed themes and an astronomical time clock.