Cook County Administration Building - Fire Sprinkler Retrofit Project

United States Fire Protection is taking part in the retrofit of a 38 story building that houses the offices of the administration of Cook County. When complete, approximately 6,700 fire sprinklers will be installed. The Cook County Administration Building is located at 69 W Washington, which is in downtown Chicago, within sight of City Hall and the Cook County courts building.

Tragically, six people lost their lives as a result of a fire in the Cook County Administration Building on October 17th, 2003. The fire occurred during the work day, with extensive news coverage both while it was burning and after the fact. This incident has spurred some significant dialogue within the City of Chicago to pass sprinkler retrofit legislation.

Cook County officials and other occupants have not been allowed to return to the building until recently when just Cook County offices have been occupied. To remedy this situation, the sprinkler installation has to be done on a super fast track basis. Within two days of the award of the contract, United States Fire Protection started installation and completed five floors within 2-1/2 weeks. The pace will remain intense until completion next summer.

United States Fire Protection is installing Viking white semi-recessed quick response fire sprinkler heads in the Cook County Administration Building, as specified by Cook County. Originally, the building was not protected by fire sprinklers above the lobby level and that area was only partially protected. The new fire sprinkler system should prevent future fires, like the one on October 17th, 2003.

While this is technically not a required system, Cook County wants to do whatever it will take to make the Cook County Administrative Building safe for the occupants.

Click here for more information on the retrofit of fire sprinkler systems.