That's pretty amazing TomW~ and a easily implemented program ,as you say. 

Yeah, Sage.  I'm shocked when I go into building and think how people can get so much out of so little and just won't do it.  Good on these folks.  Most of these changes aren't bad for the pocketbook either, so there is very little sense in opposition.

I worked there for about a year and a half a bit before they formally made most of the changes but while they were in the planning stages.  Had to move a couple of times for the carpet changes.  It really did make a big difference, particularly in the huge rooms with fifty cubicles.  The floor we were on had huge windows that faced the river and brought in a lot of light during the spring and summer.  Really impressive building, totally worth visiting if you ever visit Chicago (good food court too).

  Small world, Free.  That's cool that you worked there.  I'm no country mouse, but I am a West Coaster.  The idea of a 4 million sq. ft. building is mind boggling.

It's really amazing.  I was in awe at my interview.  I think half of Chicago works in that one building.  I love being self employed but that was such a cool place to work.  The train station is built right into the building, which makes it incredibly convenient, particularly during the winter.  Chicago is a decent city to drive in but the old elevated train is the way to go downtown. 

The building is pretty classic art deco and the first floor is almost entirely rented to interior designers, lighting specialists and builders for their showrooms.  Chicago has made some great efforts at clean up; it has a long way to go, but when you consider that people still swim in the beaches on the city's borders, they're doing pretty well.