Specialized Bicycle Components

Chicago, Illinois

When Specialized opted to change the game in Chicago’s retail market, they looked to OKW. As the first store of its kind outside of California, the concept had to not only work architecturally, but function as a community center that could host local events. OKW worked with Specialized to translate their vision into reality, blending the programming requirements of a retail store with the architectural details of hospitality environments.

We drew inspiration from Specialized’s history as a manufacturer of steel frames. The material palette was a product of the company’s commitment to honestly express real, natural materials. Our designers looked to the unique Chicago riding experience — of zooming down the Lakefront Path and meeting the urban cliff at Oak Street Beach — to create the sculptural wooden slats on the south wall. A glazed fitting room allows for an open view of Specialized employees working on their customers’ body geometry, tailoring each detail of their bike to exacting standards.

The result is a mixture of elegance and grittiness, of light woods and steel, combining the beauty and sculpture of their signature product with the energy and strength of their customers.

Photography by Tom Harris

RELATED: Changing the Game: The Specialized Retail Experience, insights with our designers on the overall rollout and client experience