Hotel Allegro

Built in 1926 in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, the historic Bismark Hotel had been surrounded for over 70 years by the many sounds of the Windy City, the most predominant of which was the elevated train that passed on the building’s West side. When the Bismark was sold and slated for a massive renovation before reopening as the Hotel Allegro in March of 1998, the new hotel operators knew that the issue of noise infiltration had to be addressed.

According to Hotel Allegro general manager, Jan McCormick, replacement double pane windows were considered for the project, but the cost was prohibitive. In addition, all of the windows, even those in rooms located in relatively quiet parts of the hotel, would had to have been replaced to keep a uniform appearance to the exterior of the building.

Instead, Maine Glass interior insulating windows, designed as a cost-effective option to full window replacement, were selected. Maine Glass windows feature double strength glass and a tight seal construction, which reduce noise infiltration by over 55 percent. Custom manufactured and easily installed inside the building’s existing windows, Maine Glass windows also have a low profile, which allowed The Hotel Allegro to keep from altering the historic appearance of the building.

"With the Maine Glass system, we were able to significantly reduce noise infiltration and increase guest comfort without the high price and extensive installation process associated with window replacement," said McCormick.

Immediately after the Maine Glass windows were installed, they were promptly put to the test, as an important airline client, familiar with the Bismark’s noise problems, wanted assurance that the rooms would be comfortable for its employees. The Hotel Allegro commissioned a test by Acoustic Associates, Ltd. to determine what effect the Maine Glass windows had.

Acoustic Associates sampled the noise level in three rooms on the hotel’s West side (near the train tracks) with a sophisticated sound level meter and digital audio tape recorder. The first room had only the original windows; the second room had been fitted with Maine Glass windows inside the original windows; and the third room had been fitted with Maine Glass windows inside the original windows and had curtains.

The three rooms were rated by the NC rating system, which is used by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The recommended rating for rooms within hotels is NC-30 to 35. The lower rating is better, and usually applies to new construction whereas the higher rating is intended for existing buildings. The first room, without a Maine Glass window, had a rating of NC-40. The two rooms with the Maine Glass windows fitted inside the original windows had ratings of NC-25. The curtain appeared to have no substantial effect on the noise rating.

An architect and a regular guest at the Bismark, Lauren McCracken, was so amazed at how quiet the rooms were at the new Hotel Allegro he asked the hotel what was done to reduce the noise. "It was such a simple solution, but it made a world of difference in my stay," said McCracken.

The Maine Glass window system was indeed a simple solution, according to Ron Sheldon, project manager for the Hotel Allegro renovation. "The Maine Glass windows were installed with virtually no inconvenience or disruption," said Sheldon. "And because they were installed from the interior without any special equipment or materials, we did not have to be concerned with downtime and cleanup brought on by a window project or the weather."

Although bids for replacement windows at the Hotel Allegro renovation were over one million dollars, Maine Glass completed the Maine Glass installation for $197,000.

Maine Glass windows are custom manufactured to fit each opening, are available in static or operable models, and can be modified to allow appropriate room for hand cranks or other extensions on the existing window.

Maine Glass windows have been used to solve many problems in addition to noise infiltration. Most commonly, the windows are specified for their ability to eliminate air infiltration and decrease the effect of conduction. The added pane of glass also creates a natural, protected space for the installation of blinds that will never have to be cleaned or repaired as they work to significantly reduce solar heat gain.