Solving Poor Cell Signal in Historic Buildings
Historic buildings bring undeniable value: architectural detail, character, and a connection to the past. In cities like Chicago, they’re some of the most sought-after properties for offices, residential conversions, hospitality, and mixed-use spaces.
But there’s one challenge that comes up again and again: poor cellular coverage.
Why Historic Buildings Struggle With Cell Signal
Thick brick, concrete, stone, steel framing, and even modern energy-efficient windows can significantly weaken cellular signals. What once made these buildings durable now makes them difficult for today’s wireless networks to penetrate.
The result?
Dropped calls
Slow data speeds
Frustrated tenants and employees
Reduced competitiveness in the market
In a city as connected as Chicago, that’s no longer acceptable.
The Modern Solution: Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is one of the most effective ways to deliver reliable cellular coverage inside challenging structures, especially historic buildings.
Rather than relying on a single outdoor signal source, DAS works by:
Capturing available carrier signals
Amplifying and distributing them throughout the building
Delivering consistent coverage where people actually work and live
The right DAS design can improve signal strength by up to 30x or more, supporting voice, data, and multiple carriers, all without altering the building’s appearance.
Designing DAS for Historic Spaces Takes Experience
Installing DAS in a historic building isn’t a plug-and-play solution. It requires careful planning, coordination, and execution.
At Low Voltage Solutions, we approach DAS projects with a contractor-first mindset:
Custom system design tailored to the building’s materials, layout, and usage
Minimal visual impact, preserving historic finishes and architecture
Carrier-agnostic solutions that support multiple providers
Seamless integration with existing low-voltage infrastructure
Whether it’s a landmark office tower in the Loop or a converted warehouse in the West Loop, our team designs systems that work within the building, not against it.
Why Connectivity Matters More Than Ever
Reliable cellular coverage is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s an expectation.
Strong in-building wireless supports:
Tenant satisfaction and retention
Emergency communications
Hybrid work and mobile-first workflows
Higher property value and long-term competitiveness
Historic buildings can absolutely meet modern connectivity demands with the right partner.
Preserving the Past. Powering the Present.
Chicago’s historic buildings tell a story. Our job is to make sure they’re ready for what’s next.
If your building struggles with cell coverage, LVS designs and installs DAS solutions that respect the architecture while delivering the performance today’s users demand.
Let’s make your building connected: without compromising what makes it special.
