The Harriet F. Rees House, an iconic Romanesque Revival town-home built in 1888, faced the challenge of preservation amidst modern development plans in Chicago. Threatened by the construction of an entertainment district, including a hotel and a university arena, the historic landmark stood in the way of progress. To facilitate the $600 million redevelopment project, Klein & Hoffman collaborated with Wolfe House Movers, LLC., orchestrating the intricate relocation of the 760-ton building to a new site, marking one of the heaviest residential moves in US history. Through meticulous planning and engineering, including the design of a temporary steel platform and bracing system, K&H ensured the structural integrity of the Rees House throughout its journey to its new location at 2017 South Prairie Avenue, preserving a piece of Chicago’s architectural heritage amidst urban development.

K&H provided stamped construction drawings and oversaw the execution of the relocation process, meticulously calculating load distributions and implementing safety measures to safeguard the historic structure and surrounding buildings. With a commitment to preserving architectural legacy while accommodating urban progress, the successful relocation of the Rees House stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved in this extraordinary preservation project.