November 3, 2016
This week we focus the Epstein Throwback Thursday spotlight on our design of the Royal Continental Box Company's new headquarters and manufacturing facility. This Epstein designed and engineered 104,000 square foot facility located at 1301 S. 47th Ave. in Cicero, Illinois was completed in March of 1963. This new facility was needed after a fire in May of 62 destroyed Royal's existing facility and the owners of Royal, Sam and Jordan Nerenberg, contacted Epstein to immediately begin design of a replacement HQ and production plant. Design on the new building began shortly thereafter, construction commenced in September of '62, and the facility was completed a little over 6 months later! An amazingly feat nonetheless, and one that takes on added significance as most of the construction was completed during an always challenging winter season.
The new facility, which manufactured specialty paper and cardboard boxes, contained 96,000 square feet of completely sprinkled manufacturing space and 8,000 square feet of office space. Epstein's architects and engineers, in order to achieve an economical design, used nearly 80% of the old column footings and foundation walls.
Royal's history is similar to our very own as the firm was founded in Chicago in 1922, one year after Epstein's, and also like our founder, Abraham Epstein, the Nerenberg family were immigrants from Eastern Europe. We are also pleased to state that Royal Box and this facility are still running strong. Again just like us as well!
Royal is now part of The Royal Group, one of the largest independent packaging companies in the box manufacturing industry with l6 locations in the United States. And, the facility, thanks to some recent Google Steet Views, seems to be in pretty good shape as well. Although, the clean masonry façade present in our design has been replaced with a precast skin and the dock depths have been expanded to accommodate an increase in the size of truck trailers in the 53 years since this building was completed.
Related Highlights
Rooted in Raleigh: Building a Legacy of Innovation and Community
August 26, 2024 Discover how Epstein, a century-old leader in architectural, engineering, and construction solutions, has deepened its roots in Raleigh. From joining the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce to contributing to the iconic City of Hickory’s Riverwalk, our team is committed to shaping the future of the North Carolina Triangle. Explore our journey and vision for the region in our latest update!Historical, Epstein-designed Stockyards Livestock Bank up for Redevelopment
December 11, 2023 Epstein's team of architects and engineers pulled off the near impossible and designed the International Amphitheatre in a little over seven months after the 1934 fire.Members of Epstein's Architecture Studio Visit S.C. Johnson
November 7, 2023 Epstein served as architect and interior designer of record along with Foster + Partners, the London-based design architect led by world-renown architect Lord Norman Foster.Let's Go!
We’ll never use your email except to send you the latest highlights and top-tier knowledge.