Design and construction of an outdoor training village for Chicago Police and Fire Departments on a 12.4 acres site. Facility includes 5 full scale training structures including two tactical building areas comprised of two and three flat residential houses and a multi-story mixed use structure, two live-fire training structures comprised of one multi-story apartment tower and one multi-story mixed use structure. The fifth building area is the Urban Search and Rescue structure containing confined space training elements, a leaky-pipe training element, temporary shoring/brace elements, and a liquid propane burn pit for hazmat training. The facility also includes 160,000 SF concrete paved tactical driver training course. Structures were designed and permitted as un-occupied training structures with minimal mechanical, electrical, and plumbing utilities throughout the buildings. Building construction included cold-formed metal framing, plywood, concrete, and masonry materials.

This is a one-of-a-kind training campus that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Design creative process included a series of meetings with training personnel for detailed insight on how training programs and exercises were to perform to ensure project design met and exceeded these minimum requirements. One of the specific project challenges were the “Live Fire” training structures in which 38 design burn areas were constructed throughout the respective training structures. A high-temperature lining system was procured and installed for protection of the structures while allowing for repeated burns. Other key design considerations and implementations included: high-temperature rated paint, specific product selections on door hardware to eliminate components not suitable for high-temps, and protection for lead joint drain piping.

With a high volume of concrete and masonry installed for the project quality and long-term durability for the high abuse training environments were top of mind for the construction team. As a result, the construction team invested in third party testing for quality inspections as well as remote sensor monitoring for concrete pours to ensure proper strength was achieved. Certain design/training elements such as the high-temperature lining systems installed for the live-fire burn buildings as well as the liquid propane hazmat training equipment required engagement with specialty trade partners who designed, supplied, and installed these unique training systems.

Safety was a top priority throughout the Chicago Joint Public Safety Outdoor Scenario Village (Police & Fire Phase II) project. We ensured the safety of tradespeople, onsite first responders, and the surrounding community by strictly adhering to comprehensive safety protocols and maintaining a proactive approach to hazard prevention. Our team closely coordinated with first responders to ensure safe operations during live-fire and tactical training exercises. With an outstanding EMR rating of 0.47, we are committed to upholding a strong safety culture, minimizing risk, and ensuring the well-being of all personnel involved in the project.

This project brought in local, minority, and female workers for the project to help aide in the economic growth of the nearby community. Local material vendors were utilized for various parts of the project as well.

The Chicago Joint Public Safety Outdoor Scenario Village (Police & Fire Phase II) project advanced community inclusivity by creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. In collaboration with the Alderman and local organizations, the project prioritized hiring and training individuals from diverse backgrounds, addressing systemic barriers to participation and promoting equity.

The project enhanced the quality of life in the disadvantaged area by providing essential services, creating sustainable jobs, and investing in local infrastructure. Not to mention, prioritizing the relationship between first responders and police force with civilians – bringing a greater understanding of how everyone has the same goal – to keep our neighborhood safe.

Ultimately, the project delivered immediate economic benefits while establishing a foundation for long-term growth, resilience, and equity, leaving a lasting positive impact on the community.

The Chicago Joint Public Safety Outdoor Scenario Village (Police & Fire Phase II) project positively impacts the community by providing advanced training facilities that enhance the readiness of Chicago’s first responders, directly contributing to public safety. The project team demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility by engaging local communities and providing opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. Employment was prioritized for diverse workers, ensuring the project benefited a wide range of groups. Additionally, the facility’s design was inclusive, with accessible training structures for all public safety teams. Overall, the project promoted workforce diversity while enhancing critical training capabilities for Chicago’s police and fire departments.

XTchange Chicago is a 28,000-square-foot facility located in the heart of Greater Grand Crossing. This building has long been tied to the economic vibrancy of the community. Originally an AT&T warehouse that housed transport vehicles to support the area’s once-thriving industrial sector, it later became a satellite food wholesale and retail site, employing just seven people—reflecting the economic decline and disruption the neighborhood has faced. Now, Xchange Chicago is transforming this space into a hub for innovation, driving a new economic corridor focused on commercial tech opportunities. This extensive rehabilitation project has turned the building into a forward-looking workspace, equipping the community with access to the global digital economy and pathways to upward mobility. Designed with a modern, futuristic aesthetic, the project was completed safely, on time, and within budget—catalyzing revitalization and a beacon of opportunity for the Greater Grand Crossing community.

The bright orange façade of the Xchange Chicago building has become a symbol of optimism and transformation in the community. Its futuristic design not only inspires confidence but also fosters a strong sense of belonging, reinforcing the organization’s mission to drive workforce development and career readiness.

The project needed creativity by all parties to achieve the end goals. A design build approach with architecture, structural, MEP and Civil design was used to keep budget and develop the program to meet all shareholder’s goals. This was a seamless process with the Comer Foundation, Norcon, and John Ronan Architects.

Safety was a top priority throughout the Chicago Joint Public Safety Outdoor Scenario Village (Police & Fire Phase II) project. We ensured the safety of tradespeople, onsite first responders, and the surrounding community by strictly adhering to comprehensive safety protocols and maintaining a proactive approach to hazard prevention. Our team closely coordinated with first responders to ensure safe operations during live-fire and tactical training exercises. With an outstanding EMR rating of 0.47, we are committed to upholding a strong safety culture, minimizing risk, and ensuring the well-being of all personnel involved in the project.

In its inaugural year—while the building’s rehabilitation was still underway—Xchange Chicago made significant strides in advancing economic mobility. The organization secured partnerships with four corporate employers and 12 community organizations providing wraparound support, from housing assistance to financial literacy. Additionally, Xchange trained and placed 42 individuals into IT careers, with an average starting salary of $50,000.
Building on this momentum, Xchange Chicago is set to more than double its impact in the coming year. The space has also attracted Fortune 500 companies, bringing business leaders into a neighborhood they may not have previously engaged with. Xchange Chicago is not just a building—it is a catalyst for meaningful connections, groundbreaking conversations, and transformative career pathways that were once out of reach for this community.
Xchange Chicago is redefining economic development for a historically marginalized and overlooked community. This project exemplifies equity in action, demonstrating that world-class infrastructure and economic opportunity belong not only in downtown districts but also in the heart of residential neighborhoods on the South Side. By strategically positioning Xchange Chicago in a predominantly residential area, the project challenges the notion that economic hubs must be centralized, proving those local economies—where people live and work—are just as valuable and deserving of investment.

The success of the Xchange Chicago building—its timely completion, cleanliness, safety, and overall development—is a direct result of intentional community engagement and unwavering commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. The project team ensured that the community was not just informed but actively involved, creating an impact that extended far beyond construction.

From project financing to construction, diversity and equity were embedded in every phase—not as a requirement to check a box, but as a core principle. The general contractor team fully embraced the ownership’s mission, ensuring that small businesses and local community members were recruited, bid for contracts, and ultimately worked on the project. These individuals not only contributed to the building’s development but also became ambassadors for its vision, sharing opportunities with their families and neighbors. This grassroots engagement directly supported the workforce development programming, reinforcing a place-based approach to hiring, training, and placing local talent into tech jobs.

(See above)
The strength of this community partnership was especially evident when the core and shell completion coincided with a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway hosted at Xchange Chicago. This event symbolized not just the completion of a building but the creation of a space built with and for the community—one that stands as a model for inclusive, community-driven development.

For decades, A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative operated from an undersized facility. A nomadic and costly operations scheme had the organization frequently moving in and out of up to 15 rented classrooms at schools within the region.

The organization resolved to build a new flagship facility that would consolidate all programs at one location. The facility would have to meet the needs of its unique population, eliminate overcrowding, and improve efficiency.

The resulting A.E.R.O. Therapeutic Center is designed for students with special needs and for the teachers who help them thrive. The 150,000-square-foot facility, constructed with no days lost or injuries, brings all 420 students and 375 employees (550 students and 400 employees max) under one roof in a central location. It also creates a safe, nurturing environment with connections to daylight and nature for students with cognitive/physical disabilities and behavioral/emotional diversities.

A core team of administrators, superintendents from the 11 member districts, and the design/construction team met monthly throughout planning and design. Additionally, more than 20 focus group meetings gathered staff input. The design responds to several key objectives identified during these sessions:

Create a Calming Environment for Neuroatypical Students
• Six entrances support efficient movement of a neurodiverse population.
• Classroom wings are rotated 10 degrees to make the building appear smaller and therefore less intimidating.
• Each wing has unique color, texture, and graphic treatments to create a sense of community and support wayfinding.
• A variety of features reduce stressful transitions. Examples include rounded corners to follow along, strategically placed lighting, and a calming color palette.
• Spaces such as in-classroom retreat zones, quiet rooms, sensory rooms, and “stair pockets” allow students to safely separate from their peers.
• A centralized gymnasium subdivides into quadrants, each of which has its own entrance and stair. This allows student groups to move in and out with minimal distraction.

Develop Specialized Classrooms
• Three classroom types respond to different special needs and provide room for specialized furniture and equipment.
• Every classroom includes therapy swing infrastructure. Six classrooms offer ceiling-mounted track and patient lift systems for assisting students with mobility issues.
• Teachers have access to shared group rooms between classrooms for pull-out intervention.
• Classroom entrances have curved corners, lower soffits, and a natural wood palette to smooth transitions.

Promote Connections to Nature
• Biophilic examples range from the clerestory windows that draw natural light into the offices to the tactile wall panels at classroom wing entrances. Even the flooring is inspired by natural textures.
• The building surrounds and displays two internal courtyards, each designed to support students in an enclosed outdoor environment.
• The back of the facility offers two secure outdoor play areas which are age/ability appropriate.

Support Holistic Student Development
• Each wing has a core area with offices for key staff such as therapists and nurses as well as workrooms and storage.
• Home Life Skills and Commercial Life Skills rooms support daily living and job skills training.
• The diagnostics room resembles a living room with a kitchen. Adults sit at the “kitchen table” and observe how children behave and interact in a non-threatening environment.

Precast Concrete: Quiet, Cost-Effective, and Distinctive
The A.E.R.O. campus’s location near Chicago Midway Airport and a major railyard posed a challenge: the facility needed to dampen the rumble of aircraft and the screech of train brakes … critical for a population that is particularly sensitive to sound and vibrations.

The answer came in the tilt-up precast concrete panels that form the school’s exterior. The inherent mass of concrete absorbs noise and vibrations. Additionally, this material accelerated construction and reduced costs.

The team did not want the facility to look like the typical precast concrete warehouse. When they discovered most precast options had the same buff-colored appearance, IHC and Legat worked with the manufacturer to add to the aggregate black speckles that distinguish the concrete. Also, differing window sizes and copper window treatments break up the monotony of the precast.

Steel Scarcity Pivot
The COVID-19 shutdown happened just before construction of the A.E.R.O. facility started. Two major online retailers started snatching up all the metal to build their massive warehouses. This caused the demand for steel bar joists to skyrocket.

The team changed the facility’s structural system from steel to concrete planks. This pivot not only allowed the project to meet the original schedule and budget, but it also further mitigated sound transmission between floors.

Dual-Purpose Gym Protects Students
IHC built the centrally located gymnasium to double as a tornado shelter that closes off from the rest of the facility. The second-floor exercise room, which is part of the shelter, would protect students who were unable to get to the first floor in time.

There were no days lost on this project. Safety was a fundamental element of the construction scheduling. The large building footprint required a phasing rotation of work through the west, east, and central building areas to set precast panels, pour floors, install finishes, etc. This phasing rotation allowed multiple trades to safely work in different areas of the building at the same time to accelerate construction.

One example is the installation of the curved precast concrete benches in the interior courtyards. The benches were set in the courtyards while finishes were installing on the building interior. Area restrictions were also used to ensure the path of travel for the benches from receiving to interior courtyards was kept clear to prevent conflicts with other trades.

A.E.R.O. Therapeutic Center has transformed the landscape of special education in the Midwest and set a new benchmark for inclusive and accessible design. By consolidating previously scattered programs into a centralized, 150,000-square-foot facility, the project unites 420 special needs students (with capacity for 550) from 11 underserved Chicago-area school districts.

The design embraces neurodiversity with details that reduce stress and foster independence. Features like rounded corners, calming color palettes, and strategically placed lighting ease transitions for students. In-classroom quiet zones, sensory rooms, and stair pockets offer safe spaces for self-regulation. Each classroom includes therapy swing infrastructure, and several feature ceiling-mounted track and lift systems to support students with mobility challenges

The facility also supports A.E.R.O.’s life skills development program. Spaces such as the Home Life Skills and Commercial Life Skills rooms enable students to gain independence through hands-on training in daily tasks and workplace preparation.

Extensive stakeholder engagement guided the design process. Monthly meetings with superintendents from member districts and over 20 staff focus groups ensured the facility met the diverse needs of its users. This collaborative approach not only addressed immediate educational goals but also incorporated biophilic elements like internal courtyards and nature-inspired interiors to enhance community well-being.

“A.E.R.O. Therapeutic Center is a game-changer for special education facilities throughout the Midwest and beyond. For the first time, we have a building designed specifically to meet the complex needs of our students and staff. The flexible classrooms, sensory-friendly environments, and enhanced safety features allow our team to provide personalized care and innovative programs that weren’t possible in the old facility. This center truly reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering space where everyone can thrive.” – Dr. Dan Riordan, Executive Board President. A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative

A Flagship Facility for Special Needs Students
A.E.R.O. Therapeutic Center supports the special education students (ages 3 to 22) of 11 Chicago-area school districts, many of which cater to underserved communities. Consequently, a key goal for the facility was to enrich the educational experience of A.E.R.O.’s population of differently abled and behaviorally challenged students.

The design and construction team took two key steps to achieve this goal:

• Consistently met with not only A.E.R.O. administrators and staff but also with leaders of each of the 11 member districts
• Prior to design, conducted extensive research into the specific needs of neurodiverse students

The facility’s lower level houses severely disabled students in one wing and students with varying degrees of disability in the other three. Two wings on the second floor accommodate the P.R.I.D.E. program for students with behavioral disorders. The remainder of the second floor hosts high school and post-high school students enrolled in A.E.R.O. programs dedicated to building critical academic and life skills.

Designed for Neurodiversity
The focus on inclusion and accessibility is apparent the moment one passes through the main entry. Unlike the typical new school designed for neurotypical students, the atrium is not a massive space, and there are no vibrant colors. Beneath the staircase, a nook welcomes students who might want to retreat yet still feel part of the atrium activity. Halfway up the stairs, a subtle birch tree wall graphic creates a connection to nature without becoming disruptive or intimidating.

The design’s focus on advancing A.E.R.O.’s program while respecting the budget appears in everything from the textured wayfinding walls to the layout that places specialists at the building’s core to be as close as possible to students. The building surrounds two internal courtyards, each designed to support the therapeutic needs of students in a safe, enclosed outdoor environment.

A variety of features reduce stressful transitions. Examples include human-scaled canopies, rounded corners to follow along, strategically placed lighting, and a calming color palette. Spaces such as in-classroom quiet areas, sensory rooms, and stair pockets allow students to safely separate from their peers.

The classrooms, nearly twice the size of previous A.E.R.O. classrooms, not only offer much more instructional space but also provide more room for the specialized equipment needed by many of the students.

During planning, administrators shared concerns that the new school’s large size could distress some A.E.R.O. students. One of the many ways the design responds is by rotating classroom wings 10 degrees. This not only lowers costs by reducing square footage but also makes the building appear much smaller.

Independence and Employment
Because A.E.R.O. manages students through age 22, the center also offers spaces where older students can learn daily living and job skills:

• The Home Life Skills room is a simulated apartment including a living room, dinette, kitchen, laundry nook, bedroom, and washer/dryer nook.
• In the Commercial Life Skills training room, students learn everything from folding silverware and dishwashing to food preparation. It offers ovens, countertops, work surfaces, and a commercial washing machine.
• A dedicated laundry room on the first floor has a commercial-grade washer and dryer for multiple daily loads and skills training.
• The second floor houses foyers/waiting rooms and staff offices for A.E.R.O.’s Connect program, which helps students who have completed the high school program to transition into the community and find employment.

The Chicago Jesuit Academy Renovation and Expansion project is a 50,000-square-foot addition that enables the school to welcome girls to attend the formerly all-boys academy. Built by Walsh Construction and designed by SCB, the addition complements the existing historic structure and is connected through a new double-height, steel-framed, glass entrance and lobby. Inside, 16 new classrooms surround a support core of smaller rooms for one-on-one instruction and office space for social workers. Spaces for co-curricular activities, including a robotics lab, art studio, and a large multi-purpose room, allow for experiential learning opportunities. Offices for the school’s college persistence program are co-located with a new alumni lounge. A new suite for the school’s principal and staff leadership is located on the ground floor. The development and construction teams committed to putting safety first and foremost resulting in zero injuries during the construction of the new expansion.

SCB was very intentional about the design of the CJA; with a long history of working with the school and their dedicated staff, the design team knew the strength of the school’s bond to the community it serves. This space needed to be a backdrop for that community, authentically representing the legacy of the institution in the neighborhood while also looking forward to its continued impact. The SCB team met with parents of current and prospective students and workshopped how the spaces should feel, what colors and textures should be celebrated, and, equally important, what should be avoided. SCB presented the parent group with the principles of trauma-informed design and facilitated an open discussion on how these could be integrated in a meaningful way.

The outcome of this process allowed the design team to create an environment that holistically supports student success. Large windows in all classrooms and a series of skylights and floor openings infuse the learning spaces and core of the building with daylight, helping to connect students to the natural world around them.

Mediating between the existing 1900’s building and the addition is a new main entrance and lobby, a double-height space that serves as a portal between the neighborhood and the secure campus within. The architectural expression of the new addition is composed of brick and stone, referencing the materiality of the school’s existing historic structure. A rhythm of strong vertical brick piers gives the building a feeling of solidity and permanence, reflecting CJA’s role as an institutional anchor in the community.

Seeking to create softer and more nurturing educational spaces, nature-inspired finishes such as stone and wood, and cool, calming colors such as greens and blues are used throughout. Commissioned and student art are prominently featured in the building, celebrating the school’s students and mission while creating a positive environment for learning.

Walsh Construction has strong foundational quality control values that were represented at the Chicago Jesuit Academy Renovation and Expansion project throughout the construction process. Walsh is committed to delivering the highest standard of work and takes pride in quality work. Dan Walsh of Walsh Construction was quoted, “Quality is the only legacy we leave behind to our customers.” Walsh utilized its quality program centered around a Three Phases of Control Plan to implement the work, communicate the plan and work the plan. Walsh dedicates themselves to embracing a culture of open communication and promoting quality in all areas of work starting with all individuals on the jobsite on day one. Crews also participated in Walsh’s Quality Week, a time for the project teams to further train, educate, celebrate and reinforce quality culture. Moreover, this job had a state-of-the-art energy efficient mechanical system which we began designing and coordinating using the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Process as soon as the award was made. This was critical in keeping the overall open feel to the building design and integrating the old building to the new building. While constructing the new campus addition, the current school was in session. This meant keeping disruptions to a minimum and organizing potentially distracting activities outside of school hours. This became particularly difficult when we connected to the existing building and renovated some of the existing building facilities. As a result, the project teams built temporary soundproof walls on the inside of the existing building to eliminate dust and mitigate the noise level. Additionally, the teams did their noisier work during off school hours while the school was in summer session.

Safety at Chicago Jesuit Academy was led by Walsh Construction’s senior safety leadership team. Through Walsh’s Core Safety Program, the leadership teams’ dedication to achieving safety excellence relies on their Actively Caring Culture, encouraging the workforce to speak up about safety items. From day one, Walsh implements training and planning designed to equip their workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and uphold safety systems and processes while being able to identify potential hazards and risks on the job site. Each morning, the workforce teams participated in a stretch and flex where safety personnel and the superintendents could collectively review the day’s scheduled activities while preparing their bodies for the day ahead. This activity encouraged the staff members to get to know the field team while evaluating their daily agenda together. In addition to daily activities, the project also participated in “Safety Week,” which further emphasized the ultimate goal of No One Gets Hurt and engaged our work forces, proactively discussed safety as a core value, demonstrated best practices from across the industry, while focusing on the wellbeing and mental health of our team members. Through all these initiatives and precautions taken, Walsh self-performed over 20,000-man workhours with zero injuries.

The campus addition reinforces CJA’s position as an educational anchor in the community. By increasing the school’s capacity to 400 students, including their ability to enroll girls, the project expands on the foundational culture of their program, ensuring a lasting, positive impact on future generations. The academy draws its students from families impacted by historic disinvestment in the surrounding neighborhoods and offers students free tuition. In addition to involving the community in the design process, the construction team also participated in efforts to promote inclusion and community involvement and brought on three pre-apprentices through the Walsh Pre-Apprenticeship Program that were local to the area and Chicago Jesuit Academy graduates. Walsh also hired local Section 3 construction workers from the Austin area to work on the Walsh team full-time as union workers. It was very crucial to Chicago Jesuit Academy that the students saw a diverse workforce building this important project. Walsh hired 30% minority-owned businesses and also hired 6% women-owned business.

The Chicago Jesuit Academy Expansion and Renovation project was able to expand and modernize the campus to extend educational opportunities for female students. Each firm involved worked together to deliver the expansion and focus on their core mission for the Chicago Jesuit Academy and how to give all the students the gift of learning and the best environment to learn in.

The Chicago Jesuit Academy does not charge tuition for students and is for students and families from these resilient communities that have been impacted by historical disinvestment. With the new expansions added, including alumni support and counseling offices, these additions will help further support students and families beyond graduation by providing them with assistance when transitioning into the next chapters of their lives. Additionally, the new classrooms spaces are designed to enhance new educational learning opportunities for students by creating spaces for special education sessions and social workers. Along with additions dedicated to after-school activities and academic clubs including a robotics lab, art studio and multi-purpose room, these allow the students to improve their social skills and promote social and cognitive development while improving their academic performance and finding a hobby they enjoy.

The project team participated in various efforts to encourage community and inclusion initiatives to have a strong impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. The Walsh Pre-Apprenticeship Program allowed the project team to bring three pre-apprentices to the jobsite that were local to the area and graduates from the Chicago Jesuit Academy. Through the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, these individuals were given the opportunity to gain industry-based exposure and preparation to start a career in the construction trades. This program allowed these workers to partner with subcontractors on the site to provide exposure to the construction trades with the goal of sponsoring successful pre-apprentices into a trade union. The individuals observed the various construction activities on site to further explore their job interests. In addition, Walsh hired Section 3 construction workers who were also local to the Austin neighborhood to work on the Walsh project team as full-time union workers. Walsh also hired 30% of minority-owned businesses, which included 10% that were African American-owned, and collaborated with 6% women-owned businesses. Walsh aimed to support the Chicago Jesuit Academy’s request by ensuring that students would encounter a diverse workforce as they passed by the project each day into the school.

The Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building completes a campus transformation on eleven acres in the nation’s largest urban medical district to a hub for leading edge patient care, research, and education. The overarching mission is a belief that cancer and neurosciences patients deserve services designed to meet their needs and complex problems, in a streamlined, supportive, and highly effective way. The vision was to create a facility that embodies this evolution of care and enables Rush to deliver a closely coordinated, unmatched outpatient experience, to more patients than ever before. The central goal was to improve health by applying the Rush values of innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence.

SCB was very intentional about the design of the CJA; with a long history of working with the school and their dedicated staff, the design team knew the strength of the school’s bond to the community it serves. This space needed to be a backdrop for that community, authentically representing the legacy of the institution in the neighborhood while also looking forward to its continued impact. The SCB team met with parents of current and prospective students and workshopped how the spaces should feel, what colors and textures should be celebrated, and, equally important, what should be avoided. SCB presented the parent group with the principles of trauma-informed design and facilitated an open discussion on how these could be integrated in a meaningful way.

The outcome of this process allowed the design team to create an environment that holistically supports student success. Large windows in all classrooms and a series of skylights and floor openings infuse the learning spaces and core of the building with daylight, helping to connect students to the natural world around them.

Mediating between the existing 1900’s building and the addition is a new main entrance and lobby, a double-height space that serves as a portal between the neighborhood and the secure campus within. The architectural expression of the new addition is composed of brick and stone, referencing the materiality of the school’s existing historic structure. A rhythm of strong vertical brick piers gives the building a feeling of solidity and permanence, reflecting CJA’s role as an institutional anchor in the community.

Seeking to create softer and more nurturing educational spaces, nature-inspired finishes such as stone and wood, and cool, calming colors such as greens and blues are used throughout. Commissioned and student art are prominently featured in the building, celebrating the school’s students and mission while creating a positive environment for learning.

Tenets of Target Value Delivery principles were used and resulted in a streamlined construction solution that coexists with exemplary design. A rigorous set-based design process was used for selecting a high-quality exterior brick material, noted as reminiscent in a warm and familiar way, but pivotal in meeting our target cost. In addition, the local subcontracting community was more adept at managing the quality of brick, over terracotta or synthetic materials.

The design and construction team were in a co-located studio in addition to partnering with the owner’s equipment consultant, systems furniture designer and technology consultant. BIM models were hosted on the cloud, and we integrated all consultants’ work into the implementation documents for clarity of design and permitting. It was a collaborative process as we selected and onboarded trade partners for design assist including elevators, MEP trades, curtainwall, and framing. Our excavation contractor proposed a utility tunnel jack and bore system, a first for Chicago. The innovative boring pit and utility sleeve installation was half the cost of a traditional tunnel excavation solution, and it was safer than an open pit. We created as-built conditions for the Board of Underground and the final installation was implemented with pinpoint accuracy.

Lean construction evaluation was a project constant. During our mockup room evaluation, the builder was able to review constructability fabrication workflow. Concurrently, we conducted integrated team milestone and phase pull plan sessions that subdivided our workstream into Utility Tunnel, Shell & Core, Fit Out, and Site/Parking Garage. A regulatory workflow was also established due to the complexity of approvals needed by multiple agencies in Chicago.

Fifty-four bid packages and five permit packages were issued, plus two zoning and planned development applications. A micro-schedule was developed just for the planned development and zoning variance permitting. Difficult constraints were commonly overcome by our component teams holding a regular cadence of coordination workshops. Real time decisions were essential to our success. A project execution plan was developed that addressed document control (e- Builder) and quality (Finishline). In total, 35,170 were entered in Finishline, checked, and resolved.

Quality meetings were conducted every Thursday through the entire construction process. The design team employed an envelope consultant, and the owner held a contract with a testing and quality control consultant. Together they coordinated reviews of drawings, specifications mockup tests and field inspections. When significant issues arose, we would swarm the item with a SWIFT (Specific Work in Focused Time) team and develop a path to meet the owners project requirements.

Prior to construction Rush led the implementation of forming a Safety Charter and Committee. Safety talks were conducted routinely. The Safety Committee was another standing meeting that monitored jobsite safety, any field observations, and documented any incidents. Safety was a hot topic and safety moments were the first agenda item in the weekly OAC (Owner/Architect/Contractor) meetings. A total of 8,751 safety observations were recorded during this mega-project. The owner was instrumental in developing a root cause analysis process when a non-compliant observation was reported. Like a SWIFT team these observations were swarmed immediately, and work could be halted depending on severity of incident.

This project was early into construction at the outset of the pandemic in early 2020. While all other Rush projects were halted, this facility was designated a critical project by the Governor of Illinois and construction was permitted to continue. An additional level of precautions was implemented for the safety of our respective team members and Rush issued a zero-tolerance policy on PPE, social distancing, and temperature testing upon entry to the jobsite. Due to the severity and prior to immunizations, members of the construction team were removed from the project if not adhering to safety guidelines.

While the near westside community is diverse, Rush had never established mandatory MBE/WBE/DBE targets for all parties. Every goal exceeded target except for one while 930,949 total manhours were expended on constructing the project:
Community Business Spend 9.82% met versus 3% goal.
Minority Female 44.12% met versus 32% goal.
WBE 7% met versus 6% goal.
MBE 30% met versus 26% goal.
City Residency 36.5% met versus 50% goal.
Design Team 33.79% met versus 32% goal.

Specific IDE facility design accommodations included: All-Gender Multi-Stall Restrooms for equity, people with disabilities, and granting safe spaces for transgender and gender nonconforming patients, visitors, and staff; adult changing tables to allow caregivers and patients the opportunity for privacy and comfort; and pet relief areas for patients who have therapy and emotional support animals.

Social relevancy was accomplished through a granular ethnography study that included patient interviews, provider workshops, and human-centered research. The future state analysis was particularly insightful for the cancer service line patients and validated the tenets of collaboration, community, and connectivity and, in turn, the Pillars of Success for people, growth and reach, quality and safety.

Situated on an 11-acre site within the Illinois Medical District, this outpatient care facility for cancer and neurosciences is part of a fully integrated hospital campus. It connects to an existing patient tower with a pedestrian bridge that spans Ashland Avenue, a major north-south arterial road in the city. The site benefits from excellent transportation access, with two bus stops at West Harrison and South Ashland serving four bus lines, immediate proximity to the I-290 Expressway, and the CTA Blue Line, providing convenient connections to both the western suburbs and downtown Chicago.

Community engagement played a critical role in the planning and design process. Regular meetings with the surrounding community ensured that the new facility would enhance the area through aesthetic appeal and a welcoming environment. Attention was given to preserving views for residents of the Near West Side neighborhood and maintain Rush University Medical Center’s positive relationship with the community.

The campus-wide transportation improvements prioritize pedestrian-friendly walkways, dedicated lanes for Pace van drop-offs and pick-ups, and well-designed vehicular access, including turning lanes, exit ramps, and speed ramps leading into the parking garage. A bypass through the parking garage and a reconfiguration of traffic patterns were incorporated to reduce congestion and benefit the neighborhood. Additionally, a Type 2 ambulance accommodation was provided at the off-stage radiation oncology entrance.

Significant collaboration with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Bureau of Forestry ensured that the project addressed and incorporated community feedback. Enhancements to the pedestrian right-of-way, particularly along Harrison Street, were carefully designed to improve accessibility and connectivity. A large landscape buffer with existing and newly planted trees shields the residential area to the south from the parking lot, while the service court and loading area are located at the northeast corner of the site to minimize impact on nearby residents.

Seating areas on the south side of the building provide welcoming spaces for visitors and staff, while the overall design supports the critical work of the hospital building. This sensitivity to the site’s unique context — flanked by a small residential area to the south, the I-290 Expressway and CTA Blue Line to the north, and the Rush Medical Campus to the east — ensures that the facility integrates harmoniously with its surroundings while meeting the needs of patients and the community.

A welcoming space is synonymous with safety and security, which were key elements of the owners’ performance requirements in the final design, with accommodations including: all-gender multi-stall restrooms for equity, and people with disabilities, and granting safe spaces for transgender and gender nonconforming patients, visitors and staff; adult changing tables to allow caregivers and patients the opportunity for privacy and comfort; wheelchair nooks for easy access available on every floor; and pet relief areas for patients who have therapy and emotional support animals.

The outpatient care building was designed with an emphasis on universal and inclusive design principles, ensuring accessibility and equity for all users. A prominent architectural feature of the site is the pedestrian bridge, which further enhances connectivity.

The project included a complete redesign of the pedestrian right-of-way along Harrison Street, Ashland Avenue, and West Congress Parkway. This overhaul prioritized accessibility, featuring improved pedestrian crosswalks and street intersections. Site furnishings were thoughtfully selected with inclusivity in mind to accommodate a variety of users.

The project is a 36,000 sq ft building in the Austin neighborhood which prioritizes patient and employee well-being through natural light, bright materials and colors, and access to outdoor space. This new building embodies PCC’s holistic vision of care by providing areas for primary and specialty care, mental health services, nutritional assistance, fitness education, and financial resources. Additional features include a green rooftop walking track on the second floor and two rooftop decks on the third floor. It is a fully electric building, with no scope one greenhouse gas emissions. It utilizes sustainable features such as a geothermal heat pump, high performing insulated exterior wall panels and windows, and LED light fixtures.The building strengthens PCC’s commitment to the Austin neighborhood, complementing their existing Austin Family Health Center and the PCC Austin farm, which provide important resources and opportunities to the community.

The creative process for this project was rooted in stakeholder conversations about wellness, and sustainability. It is no secret that being in the healthcare field is extremely demanding and filled with fatigue, burnout, and stress. As a community health provider PCC was very focused on sustainability, both in terms of the energy consumption of the building, but also in terms of their operating practices, and the quality of the patient and staff experiences. That is why we held the design of not only the patient, but also the staff and administration spaces to such a high standard. As an organization, PCC was fully committed to this aim through the pursuit of Well Building certification, which not only requires a focus on the building’s healthful design features for staff and visitors, but also requires that PCC back up this commitment with sustainable and healthful operating policies throughout the lifetime of the building. Incorporating ample natural light into the spaces, providing multiple indoor areas to decompress and take a seat if needed, adding a green rooftop walking track and two separate rooftop gardens were just some of the ways that we worked hand in hand with the PCC administration team to let the staff know that they matter.

This project faced several challenges, including a lengthy acquisition process via Cook County Land Bank, project kickoff during COVID, alley vacation, securing New Markets Tax Credit funding, and meeting the requirements of funders and Green Globes and Well Building certification programs. Additional complications included working adjacent to a CTA substation, environmental concerns such as contaminated soil and underground storage tanks, and the loss of a key subcontractor late in the project.

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In underserved areas of Chicago, access to healthcare often necessitates driving or taking public transportation across the city. This can be a significant barrier to both families and individuals. By providing extensive primary and specialty care services directly in the communities that need it most, our client PCC seeks to eliminate the barriers to healthcare. This project takes PCC’s vision of community wellness one big step into the future by pairing health services with exercise, health education, and healthy eating resources on site. The health and wellness programming housed under this one big roof is designed to engage community members on a more routine basis to facilitate positive health outcomes and healthy lifestyles through increased patient contact and support.

With a new construction building filled with natural light, bright colors, sustainable features, and a large variety of services, the message to the community is clear: its health and well-being are important. Investments of this scale are rare, and rarer still are places where medical care blends with daily wellness programming for the public. This building is the culmination of collaboration between healthcare professionals, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, trades, politicians, investors, community leaders and members, and many more groups of people. The dedication of so many people to the shared vision of creating a space for people to improve all facets of their health is an incredible accomplishment that we hope the community cherishes for many years to come.

PCC is a federally qualified health center serving the underserved where they live. This project realizes PCC’s vision of a full wellness campus for the Austin neighborhood housing not only primary care, specialty care, and behavioral health services, but houses a full suite of fitness and wellness programming responsive to the social determinants of health.

From its inception to its ongoing operations, this project focused on strategies of inclusion in community engagement, the development of a programmatic agenda, neighborhood workforce development during construction by Ujamaa, and continuing on into the day to day services now offered on site. Great care and effort were taken to make this a building not only a place made for the neighborhood, but a place made by the neighborhood.

Alexian Brothers Medical Center (ABMC) is a critical care hospital and emergency facility offering specialty services, including heart/vascular care, neurosurgery, critical care, cancer treatment, stroke care, orthopedics and women’s health. To better serve the community, ABMC entrusted Walsh Construction with two significant projects: the Surgery Renovation and Expansion and the East Tower Expansion.

The Surgery Renovation and Expansion project included adding a three-story Operating Room (OR) Suite and renovating an existing Same Day Surgery (SDS) and Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The 45,226 SF expansion had ground-level shell space, additional ORs, a mechanical penthouse and upgraded SDS facilities. The East Tower Expansion was a two-floor vertical extension to an existing tower with a horizontal expansion to the mechanical room. By detailing design considerations, construction procedures and safety protocols, Walsh successfully kept its team and ABMC’s staff and patients safe.

The design for Brighton Park South is rooted in the concept of holistic well-being, inspired by the interconnected elements of mental, physical, and social health. This idea informed the ethos of the building, influencing the design’s focus on creating a space that fosters healing, community engagement, and accessibility. While the triangle served as a conceptual starting point to explore these elements, it shaped the project’s overarching mission rather than dictating its architectural form. Instead, the design prioritizes functionality, inclusivity, and visual impact to align with Esperanza’s goal of providing high-quality healthcare to Chicago’s southwest side, overcoming barriers such as language, insurance, and immigration status.

Guided by these principles, the building was envisioned as a sanctuary for healing and a civic space for connection and learning. Achieving this balance required thoughtful spatial organization, creating open, community-focused areas alongside private zones dedicated to health and well-being. The design sought to create an uplifting environment that reflects Esperanza’s mission and provides a welcoming atmosphere for all.

One of the project’s main challenges was blending vibrant aesthetics with functional requirements. The exterior features bold, canted yellow aluminum composite panels that convey energy and optimism, visually connecting to the existing healthcare campus while establishing the expansion as a symbol of growth and renewal. This was complemented by vertically ribbed metal rainscreens and strategic glazing, which add depth and texture to the building while ensuring durability and performance. The massing was designed to activate and protect outdoor pedestrian spaces, reinforcing the building’s role as an inviting hub for the community.

The interiors further embody the concept of well-being through the use of color to enhance navigation and evoke specific emotional responses. Vibrant orange tones were selected for high-interaction areas such as the super lobby, café, and group rooms, fostering energy and engagement. Circulation spaces, waiting areas, and exam rooms utilize calming yellow tones to reflect their quieter functions. For the PACE program, which serves active aging populations, a thoughtful palette of orange, teal, and green creates a balanced, health-oriented environment. These design decisions not only improve the user experience but also ensure intuitive navigation throughout the building.

Ultimately, the design’s fusion of symbolic meaning and functional purpose resulted in a building that serves as a vibrant, uplifting hub for the community. By addressing challenges in materiality, aesthetics, and spatial organization, the project achieved a dynamic yet cohesive design that reinforces Esperanza’s mission to promote holistic well-being for all.

The new facility was built using structural steel, curtainwall and composite metal panels attached to a cold formed metal framing system. The team also expanded the 134-spot surface parking lot on the East side of California Avenue.

Mortenson’s daily on-site leadership promoted a safe jobsite, maintained the schedule, upheld high-quality standards, and allowed for effective cost control. This dedication led to constant, clear communication with the owner and design team, avoiding surprises and ensuring budget transparency.
Craft engagement was a priority, starting with daily announcements and bend and stretch exercises. “One Voice” meetings allowed trade forepersons to discuss issues, streamlining mitigation and fostering a transparent culture. Throughout construction, lunches and tours encouraged engagement and excitement among the project team, the owner, and visitors.

Forepersons prepared flow schedules for review during each work phase. Block scheduling helped trade partners manage workflow and crew size. Together, the team explored alternative construction methods, enhancing quality and optimizing value. During construction, Mortenson implemented the Last Planner System and 5S. Last Planner featured detailed meeting agendas, a weekly work plan, a constraint log, and PPC (Plan Percent Complete), boosting productivity, safety, and quality. 5S promoted a safer, more organized jobsite, improving material flow and early identification of abnormal conditions.
Each feature of work had pre-installation meetings to review submittals for safe, quality installation. Superintendents and forepersons ensured materials and methods met design intent. All of this contributed to the team completing the project with Zero Injuries.

MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF A DIFFICULT JOB
• Continued effects of the pandemic contributed to unprecedented inflation and cost escalation, making the original budget insufficient for the building’s anticipated size. To help in realigning the budget, an extensive analysis of system needs, and a detailed value engineering process was conducted. Mortenson, UrbanWorks, and McNitt Consulting guided Esperanza to identify cost-effective, value-added solutions without losing critical program requirements.
• Initial designs included costly precast and decorative perforated metal panels, which, due to extended lead times, would have caused an extension to the schedule. Mortenson, UrbanWorks and McNitt Consulting collaborated to develop a cost-effective solution that adhered to the project schedule, budget, and aesthetic vision.
• To accommodate the reduction of parking due to the South building construction, the team built an adjacent surface lot for faculty and patients utilizing the North building. The team procured a 20-week underground storm detention system early in design phase to avoid impacting parking capacity. Temporary lighting and custom solutions for asphalt temperature restrictions ensured the lot’s usability during winter, providing parking for the active building on campus and also allow for construction to continue for the new building.
• The owner’s removal of utility poles and relocation of overhead lines to continue serving adjacent businesses were delayed. Working with trade partners, Mortenson adjusted contractor phasing for exterior work to ensure the project stayed on track and did not disrupt the businesses nearby.
• Through BIM coordination the team discovered that an HVAC Rooftop Unit needed to move locations which also impacted the location of required supporting steel beams. Because this was caught early the team was able to adjust the plans, so the appropriate structural steel was fabricated and did not impact the schedule or budget.
• With a focus on reducing environmental impacts, the team diverted 80% of waste from landfills.

Safety was always the number one priority for all stakeholders on the project. As a result, the team was able to maintain a strong safety record with 71,000 manhours worked with a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.00, which, compared to 2.3 as an industry standard, is exceptional.

For more than 25 years, Mortenson has been implementing a Zero Injury program. The cornerstone of the program is to ensure that every worker is empowered, in fact obligated, to stop any unsafe work or correct any unsafe condition without fear of reprisal. All workers are trained on how to recognize unsafe activities or conditions prior to being allowed on site.

Prior to the start of each work period (in the morning and after lunch), Mortenson personnel led “bend and stretch” activities to not only stretch the ligaments and muscles, but also to inform and educate all workers on upcoming safety related issues and to reinforce all safety principles and practices.

Esperanza’s mission is to provide world-class healthcare to an underserved community, and the new building embodies this vision. Designed to serve the predominantly Latino community of Brighton Park, the facility promotes holistic health and education by integrating public gathering areas, wellness initiatives, and accessible healthcare services.

LOCAL & DIVERSE BUSINESSES/WORKFORCE ENGAGEMENT
Esperanza demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility by hiring a third-party community engagement firm to ensure the project responded directly to community needs. Through 5 leader/staff workshops, 24 leader/staff interviews, 12 expert/local organization interviews, 32 resident/patient interviews, and over 250 hours of immersion, the engagement process identified key priorities for both clients and the broader community. These findings laid the foundation for UrbanWorks’ responsive and community-driven architectural design.

Through subcontractor partnerships, workforce goals, and neighborhood organizations, the team aligned their efforts to make a positive impact. Mortenson sponsored The Latinisimo Gala, benefiting Esperanza, assisted at the community garden, and participated in Esperanza’s School Supply and Toy Drives.

To better engage with local businesses and serve the community, the team held Meet + Greet events to garner interest in the project. As a result, over 40% of craft workers lived in the City of Chicago. The project is also on track to surpass supplier and workforce diversity goals with 53% of trade partners representing minority or women-owned businesses, and with a 56% diverse workforce, exceeding goals set by the city and Esperanza.

NEIGHBORHOOD FABRIC
Given the project’s zero lot line and its proximity to the existing Esperanza clinic, Mansueto high school, local businesses, and nearby residential area, the team was diligent in planning, communication, and site logistics coordination. With school in session during heavy civil work, they carefully scheduled activities around school pick-up and drop-off times to minimize disruption to students’ daily routines.

The team also held several tours throughout the construction process. A notable moment was when a participant from the Chicago Women in Trades tour went on to pursue and complete her pre-apprenticeship with Local 134 and became an electrical apprentice!

A TRUE COMMUNITY ASSET
Key features of the new facility reinforcing community inclusion include:
• Education & Outreach Spaces – Seminar rooms and instructional areas provide health education, lifestyle strategies, and wellness programming.
• Super Lobby & Public Plaza – Designed as an extension of community life, these vibrant indoor and outdoor spaces invite people to gather, share meals, and engage in social activities.

Brighton Park South is a transformative force on the Southwest side of Chicago, specifically addressing the critical barrier to health—the lack of accessible bilingual health services.

UNDERSTANDING THE COMMUNITY
Residents of the five community areas immediately surrounding the newest clinic – Brighton Park, Gage Park, Archer Heights, New City and West Elsdon – are predominantly Hispanic/Latinx living in one of the most medically underserved areas of Chicago. HRSA designates nearly the entire area as Health Professional and Mental Health Care Professional Shortage Areas, indicating significant shortages of primary care and mental health providers. In addition to a lack of providers, especially those who are bilingual in English and Spanish, access to health services is further complicated by the socio-economic disparities residents face here – elevated rates of poverty, overcrowded housing, rent-burdened households, high unemployment, low levels of educational attainment. Chicago Health Atlas data also show that, across these five community areas, roughly one quarter of residents report they do not have a primary healthcare provider. Furthermore, these communities see high rates of uninsured adults; Brighton Park, New City, and Gage Park are all among the top ten Chicago community areas with the highest uninsured rate. It comes as no surprise, then, to see significant health disparities here, such as high rates of adult diabetes and obesity, chronic liver disease mortality, and infant mortality.

ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
As part of the initial concept development, Esperanza engaged in an extensive, two-month project to solicit input from local residents and community leaders to better understand 1) how individuals perceive their and their families’ health needs, access, and barriers to care, 2) how the Esperanza campus can foster a sense of trust, belonging, ownership, and long-term health, and 3) how the neighborhood’s assets and needs reveal a path to understanding local health. They engaged a local nonprofit, Latinx-owned Duo Development, which provides strategic support, education, and resources to communities and organizations to help bring their vision of their neighborhood’s future to life. Duo conducted on-the-ground immersion research, embedding themselves in the shops, churches, schools, laundromats, and other gathering places in Brighton Park to learn first-hand about people’s health needs, as well as their experiences living in the neighborhood.

Coupled with secondary-source research, the Duo team then presented Esperanza with an inspired synthesis of their findings, as well as deeply imagined programming opportunities through which Esperanza can meet the expressed needs of the community. One member of the Duo team was so impressed with Esperanza’s eagerness to apply community input to the design that he joined their Board of Directors.

IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY
Adding the new clinic increased capacity to serve an additional 10,000 patients annually, delivering award-winning primary care, behavioral health services, substance abuse services, and wellness programs directly to the long-overlooked and underserved community of Brighton Park and its neighboring areas. These services are accessible to all, irrespective of income, insurance, or immigration status. All patient-facing staff in the new facility are bilingual in English and Spanish. Moreover, the facility houses two crucial programs—an innovative seniors’ suite/PACE Program and a pioneering family medicine residency program—to address significant unmet needs in the service area.

Within the facility, a dedicated seniors’ suite and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program take center stage on the first floor. This area features 10 geriatric exam rooms, 2 senior therapy rooms, physical/occupational therapy facilities, an expansive senior day services activity area, and a full-service dining space. PACE is a comprehensive program, open to medically fragile seniors aged 55 and over, through which Esperanza is responsible for all health care that program participants need, at any level of acuity, 24 hours day, 365 days a year. The aim of PACE is to allow seniors to avoid nursing home placement and age in their own community with Esperanza’s support. PACE closes a critical care gap in the area, which sees a scarcity of senior-focused wellness services, especially those tailored to Esperanza’s linguistic and cultural expertise.

Adding to the community impact, Brighton Park South houses Esperanza’s family medicine residency program. This program, a collaboration with Rush University Medical Center (RUMC), one of the nation’s leading teaching hospitals, marks the first family medicine residency on Chicago’s Southwest side. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of healthcare and social justice. The program addresses the primary care physician shortage in the area by training bilingual medical providers locally, fostering inclusive healthcare and education.

Beyond medical services, the building and the campus on which it sits will serve as a hub for civic engagement, with indoor and outdoor social areas where local residents – whether Esperanza patients or not – can gather, socialize, participate in programming like yoga and gardening classes, foster community connections, and reduce social isolation. Esperanza’s aim with this campus is to not only improve individual patients’ health but to improve quality of life community-wide.

In the first 10 months since Brighton Park South’s opening, Esperanza has seen over 9,000 new patients.
In addition to the tremendous impact on those who are now able to utilize their much-needed services, numerous opportunities were realized because of project.
• Brighton Park South was designed by UrbanWorks, a Latina-owned Chicago firm.
• 40% of craft workers were from the City of Chicago.
• On track to surpass supplier and workforce diversity goals with 39% of trade partners representing minority or women-owned businesses, and a nearly 60% diverse workforce
• Full-service dining is prepared on-location by La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant, a local favorite that has been in operation for nearly 20 years.
• Esperanza is planning to add a public sculpture to Brighton Park South’s outdoor plaza, commissioned from local artist Omar Magana. Omar is the founder and director of Open Center for the Arts, located in the Little Village neighborhood on the Southwest side.

VIDEO: Esperanza Health Centers Brighton Park South – Bringing Hope to the Community (https://mortenson.wistia.com/medias/fcvx21m34u)

This project involved the construction of a six-level, cast-in-place, post-tension parking structure, supported by two helical ramps on each end for seamless movement between levels. The garage accommodates approximately 1,700 vehicles, with an additional 650 vehicles in surface parking. Key features include two vehicular bridges, curbside expansion access, and modifications to the adjacent I-90 on-ramp, ensuring enhanced traffic flow and accessibility.

Designed with functionality and durability in mind, the structure integrates modern safety measures, including advanced lighting and wayfinding systems. The project’s impact extends beyond functionality, improving regional connectivity and traveler convenience while supporting economic growth in the surrounding community. The construction team maintained an exemplary safety record, upholding high safety standards.

The creative design process for this project revolved around blending functionality, structural efficiency, and user-centric features while addressing complex challenges. The six-level, cast-in-place, post-tension parking structure was designed to maximize capacity, with helical ramps strategically positioned at both ends to ensure seamless vehicle movement between levels. The incorporation of two vehicular bridges added significant complexity, requiring precise alignment to maintain traffic flow and integration with the adjacent I-90 on-ramp.

One of the major challenges was integrating curbside expansion access and I-90 modifications without disrupting existing traffic patterns. Innovative phasing and design adjustments minimized impacts, maintaining community connectivity throughout construction.

The final design balances form and function, offering a visually appealing structure that supports increased traffic demands while seamlessly integrating into the surrounding infrastructure. Aesthetic enhancements included clean architectural lines, enhanced lighting for safety, and wayfinding elements that improve the user experience.

The construction of the six-level, cast-in-place, post-tension parking structure at one of the world’s busiest airports presented significant challenges, requiring innovative solutions and seamless coordination to maintain the highest quality standards.

Constructing this facility within an active airport environment added a layer of complexity unmatched by typical projects. The team worked adjacent to operational terminals, balancing tight construction schedules with the need to minimize disruptions to daily airport operations.

Additionally, the installation of two helical ramps and coordination of surface parking for 650 vehicles demanded careful logistical planning and staging. These challenges were compounded by the airport’s security protocols, restricted access zones, and the need for real-time adjustments to accommodate the dynamic environment of an active international airport.

Daily coordination meetings ensured all stakeholders—from subcontractors to airport authorities—were aligned on priorities, schedules, and safety protocols. Rigorous quality control processes, including ongoing inspections and adherence to stringent airport standards, guaranteed the integrity of every structural, mechanical, and electrical component.

Through meticulous planning, expert collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality, the team delivered a world-class parking facility that enhances accessibility and operational efficiency at one of the world’s busiest airports.

The project’s exceptional safety record stands as a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to worker well-being, proactive safety measures, and operational excellence. With over 500,000 work hours completed, the project achieved an impressive Lost Time Incident Rate (LTIR) of 0.37, significantly outperforming the construction industry’s national average of 1.1, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, the project’s Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) for 2024 was 2.4, which remains below the construction industry’s national average of 2.5.

These numbers demonstrate the team’s dedication to upholding the highest safety standards while delivering exceptional progress.

The project exemplifies a deep commitment to community engagement and workforce inclusion through impactful partnerships and programs, including the following:
• CPS Partnerships: Collaborated with over 200 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to host annual events, including a skilled trades fair and three-day student experiences where 3,000+ CPS middle and high school students connect with local employers, trade unions, and workforce agencies.
• CPS Tours: Partnered with the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) to host tours for over 200 students at the CDA headquarters and the T5 Parking Garage project, providing exposure to aviation and construction career opportunities.
• Runway to Workforce Program: Bridging the gap between construction and future tradespeople, this program included visits to Hire360, HACIA U, Chicago Women in Trades, and Revolution Workshops. Students interacted directly with active T5 subcontractors, learning about hiring needs and industry insights.
• Holiday Coat Drive: Partnered with Revolution Workshop to sponsor a coat drive, raising $4,000 to provide 40+ heavy-duty coats for students, graduates, and local families. The event included a winter safety session for community members.
• Community Career Fairs: Engaged with citywide initiatives, including DPS and CDA events, to promote opportunities at the T5 Parking Garage. Hosted hands-on excavating demonstrations, business symposiums for minority- and women-owned businesses, and participated in a citywide college fair to introduce hundreds of CPS students to construction and aviation careers.
• Summer Internship Program: Provided hands-on experience for over 30 high school seniors and college undergraduates through partnerships with organizations like Youth Guidance, Urban Initiatives, Urban Alliance, Hope Chicago, and One Summer Chicago. Students rotated across departments and job sites, gaining skills in construction management, architecture, design, and professional development.

This project is a powerful example of how inclusive development can transform underserved communities. By prioritizing workforce development, community engagement, and economic inclusion, the project team delivered measurable and lasting benefits to the Chicagoland area.
• Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow: Through initiatives like the Runway to Workforce Program and summer internships, we connected youth and emerging tradespeople to career opportunities in construction and aviation. Over 30 interns and hundreds of workforce program participants gained hands-on experience, mentorship, and direct access to hiring subcontractors.
• Supporting Local Students and Schools: Partnering with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), we engaged over 3,000 students annually in skilled trades fairs, three-day career events, and site tours, providing exposure to life-changing career opportunities. Students learned directly from local employers, trade unions, and workforce agencies, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in construction.
• Investing in Local Businesses: Through business symposiums, we shared our expertise with local minority- and women-owned businesses, helping them grow capacity and expand opportunities.
• Prioritizing Community Well-being: Partnering with Revolution Workshop, we hosted a Holiday Coat Drive, raising $4,000 to provide essential winter gear to students, graduates, and community members. Safety education sessions during the event further demonstrated our commitment to community care.
• Hands-On Engagement: By organizing student tours and hands-on experiences like excavating demonstrations, we ensured the community gained direct access and exposure to construction careers, an area often unfamiliar to underserved groups.

This project goes beyond construction. It reflects a commitment to creating pathways for success, strengthening local businesses, and enriching the lives of underserved families and students. By fostering education, economic growth, and workforce readiness, we demonstrated the transformative power of community-focused development.

The project team has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across multiple impactful initiatives:
• Promoting Workforce Diversity: Programs like the Runway to Workforce Program and partnerships with Hire360, HACIA U, Chicago Women in Trades, and Revolution Workshop provided underrepresented groups with direct pathways into the trades and construction industry.
• Engaging Underrepresented Communities: We reached 3,000 CPS students annually through skilled trades fairs, student tours, and interactive experiences, ensuring exposure to careers in construction and aviation—fields often unknown to underserved groups.
• Supporting Local Businesses: Business symposiums empowered minority- and women-owned businesses by providing tools, expertise, and opportunities to expand capacity and engage in transformative projects.
• Addressing Community Needs: Initiatives like the Holiday Coat Drive partnered with Revolution Workshop to directly support students, families, and recent graduates, emphasizing safety and inclusivity in community care.
• Creating Opportunities for the Future: Over 30 summer interns from underserved backgrounds participated in job shadowing, hands-on training, and soft skills development, fostering a diverse next generation of construction professionals.

By incorporating thoughtful outreach, strategic partnerships, and inclusive programming, this project exemplifies a model for breaking barriers and advancing equity within the workplace and community. Our work created tangible opportunities, addressed inequities, and inspired a more inclusive industry for the future.

Ahead of its centennial year in 2030, Shedd Aquarium unveiled a strategic plan, the Centennial Commitment, to accelerate its mission and prepare the iconic institution for the next 100 years of service. The plan includes an ambitious Experience Evolution, that will restore the aquarium’s historic architecture, modernize the experience for guests, upgrade life support technology and create more expansive, realistic habitats for animals. Split into phases, Phase 2 of the project involved creating an enhanced entry experience and circulation sequence and reimagined exhibits highlighting diverse aquatic ecosystems. Close collaboration between the aquarium, the design team, the contractor and trades was crucial to safely and successfully bringing this monumental vision to life. The impacts of this project will be felt for generations, thanks to the job opportunities it created, the tourism dollars it will generate and how it has made aquatic life and science more accessible to Chicagoans.

Master Planning:

Shedd’s Experience Evolution began in 2018 with an extensive research and master planning process aimed at redefining the visitor experience while maintaining a deep commitment to animal care. A multidisciplinary planning team – including experts in human-factors design, exhibit design, and architecture – crafted a visitor-focused, actionable plan. As the project progressed, the design team expanded to include 18 specialist firms, necessitating collaboration at every stage.

Meeting Visitors Where They Arrive:

Research revealed that 85% of visitors approach Shedd from the south, prompting the creation of a new entry plaza for a seamless, accessible arrival experience. The landscaped plaza and lightweight trellis unify the outdoor space while preserving sightlines to the historic 1930s building and incorporating wave-like motifs. Pavilion roofs are delicately positioned to maintain views, with materials selected to complement the Georgia White Marble of the original structure. In keeping with historic preservation guidelines, the design balances compatibility with distinction.

Inside the south entry hall, a handcrafted plaster wave wall extends the plaza’s trellis motif, creating an immersive aquatic aesthetic in a beautiful interplay of light and form. To create a seamless arrival pathway from this south entry to the Grand Hall, a double-height space – requiring bracing of the load bearing perimeter masonry wall to facilitate the floor slab removal – was created. Enhanced circulation strategies include a new escalator, stairs, and ramped hallway along with renovations to existing elevators. Most guests will begin their visit by moving through the entry sequence to the Grand Hall, while others may choose to start their experience traveling up the ramped hallway to the Oceanarium or down the elevators to Wild Reef. A variety of concrete and steel reinforcing techniques were applied to increase the structural capacity of the existing framing along these various travel paths. Additional updates to the entry hall include a new art installation, “The Once and Forever Lake Michigan,” alongside an elegant information desk. Marble was harvested from a pre-existing stair and used to encase a new portal into the Grand Hall, emphasizing a commitment to preservation.

Designing with History:

The historic 1930s octagonal footprint of Shedd Aquarium features a rectilinear column grid supported by a hybrid structural system: concrete framing at lower levels transitions to steel framing encased in concrete fireproofing at the main floor and roof, with a five-wythe load-bearing masonry wall forming the building’s perimeter. The structure rests on composite wood and concrete piles. Over its nearly 100-year history, multiple renovations in the 1970s, 1990s, and 2000s altered the original structure. The Experience Evolution project pushed beyond these rectilinear boundaries, introducing organic, curvilinear habitats to match Shedd’s innovative vision.

One of the most striking transformations is the Wonder of Water exhibit in the iconic rotunda. Repurposing the steel framing of a historic exhibit (originally it was called the Tropical Pool and was recessed into the floor of the rotunda), the team engineered two curved, concrete habitats to rise out of the main floor, creating a one-story, pavilion-like structure within the historic surroundings. The two 11-foot-tall acrylic tanks each hold 28,000 gallons of water, showcasing freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, including live corals, 5,000 fish, and over 50 plant species. Ingenious engineering keeps the infrastructure hidden, blending design and functionality seamlessly.

Renovations to the Amazon Rising exhibit expanded habitats for the arapaima and anaconda, encouraging natural behaviors like diving and foraging. This area required structural updates to both 1930s and 2000s-era construction, with the design team carefully analyzing material properties from each era to develop reinforcement details.

Delivering the Vision:

Throughout construction, Shedd has remained open and available for Chicagoans and tourists to explore—a logistical feat requiring precise coordination to maintain animal life support systems, visitor pathways, and operational back-of-house spaces. Every phase prioritizes visitor access and uninterrupted experiences. The Experience Evolution exemplifies the blending of historic preservation and innovation, ensuring this Beaux-Arts icon continues to inspire generations to come.

Marrying Old with New:

Before any construction work began, the GC’s Virtual Construction team spent two years planning and scanning the nearly century-old, landmarked building with a goal to identify existing structure and piping infrastructure to minimize unforeseen conditions during the replacement of life support system (LSS) piping, electrical, and mechanical systems necessary to modernize the habitats. Within the original 1920s building footprint, multiple decades of renovations incorporated numerous building materials and differing structural systems, adding a layer of complexity to an already intricate project.

Extensive MEP and BIM coordination was completed to connect the eras of upgraded systems and plan for the new systems, while identifying existing systems needing to remain operational. Equipment replacement was a logistical challenge as shutdowns had to be coordinated so live operations, aquatic life, and the overall visitor experience were not affected while new systems were installed.

A new fire-sprinkler system designed to meet local code requirements was also installed to provide coverage for the entire building. In the historic Kovler Hall, the sprinkler heads had to be concealed in the original plaster ceilings without damaging the ornamental sea-life designs. The sprinkler coverage extended into the historic barrel vault ceilings, the center rotunda, and all animal habitats and back-of-house spaces, each area presenting unique challenges. Due to limitations of material used adjacent to animal habitats, all piping had to be copper.

A Clear Vision for the Acrylic Installation:

A crucial piece of the reimagined exhibit space was the acrylic for the new habitats. Large, custom pieces manufactured in Houston were designed for the three main habitat upgrades in Phase 2 of the project. One piece of acrylic was 32 feet long and weighed 5,500 pounds.

Before arrival, meticulous planning to coordinate the logistics to transfer these pieces of acrylic off truck beds and into the historic building was completed. Floors had to be reinforced along the travel path and large openings had to be created to bring the pieces in and maneuver them to the habitats – all while maintaining the historic integrity of the building.

The Shedd Aquarium is situated on Chicago’s lakefront in the heart of the museum campus. Navigating pedestrian traffic and a narrow delivery driveway with large semi-trucks to unload the acrylic as close as possible to the enlarged opening in the historic building was a tedious process. Once in place, rigging equipment was waiting to move the acrylic onto wheeled beds so it could be positioned and then lifted to the main floor, where a perfectly calculated opening had been cut to allow access and delivery to the waiting habitats.

Solid Solution for Extensive Concrete Work:

The concrete scope involved constructing one-of-a-kind structures from the ground up within the confines of an existing century-old building. Maintaining clear and constant communication in the field and with the structural engineer and architect allowed the team to quickly adapt and adjust to the numerous unforeseen conditions encountered.

Seismic design considerations for the new concrete structures were incorporated to meet the requirements of the current Chicago Building Code. Additionally, the concrete design for the new habitats necessitated implementation of ACI 350: Code Requirements for Environmental Engineering Concrete Structures. Close collaboration between the contractor, structural engineer, and architect was crucial both during the design process and during construction to work through unique conditions such as tie-ins between the new and existing structure and at non-traditional lap conditions due to multi-radii shaped walls.

Complex geometry of each habitat’s structure also required extensive coordination with the acrylic manufacturer for the concrete rebate to meet the structural loads imposed by the water while maintaining a watertight seal to contain the water. Minimal tolerances permitted by the acrylic demanded accuracy and precise design models to be translated into formwork and concrete.

Innovative construction methods, such as the use of pumps to deliver concrete without direct access to the building, necessitated careful planning and double handling of materials to ensure nothing was damaged. The construction team adhered to stringent safety precautions and quality controls, ensuring the final product met specifications with concrete strength tested and monitored throughout. Special attention was given to curing processes and formwork, using higher-quality plywood and ensuring no air bubbles or honeycombing, contributing to a more durable, watertight finish for the water retaining structures.

Despite some challenges and the need for modifications, the team’s ability to adapt and collaborate resulted in unique, high-quality concrete structures designed to last for the next 100 years. More than a technical achievement, this project was a collaborative learning experience that unified the team, elevating the standard for future work.

1 Recordable (Employee was treated for eye irritation that occurred while walking to his car)

0 Lost Time

Before construction even began, the aquarium used its decades of experience to build a cohesive strategy to temporarily relocate animals from their habitats to environments behind the scenes, where they could continue to receive quality care while their new habitats were constructed. Once complete, the animals were safely returned to the new exhibits, that were designed to encourage and bring forward more of their incredible behaviors and adaptations.

Shedd Aquarium is a vital portal to nature, sitting in an incredibly and increasingly urbanized city. Bridging the gap between people and nature is a crucial way for Shedd to provide environmental education to the public, advance conservation and engage the public on ways to protect our shared blue planet. The aquarium’s Experience Evolution helps to make these services more accessible in several ways. First – it makes the aquarium more physically accessible to folks with strollers or mobility devices. Second – new dual-language interpretive removes a barrier to learning for Spanish-speaking audiences, who represent a large population of Chicago. Third – the aquarium worked with community members to test new interactives that engage guests’ senses and present new and more inclusive ways to explore the aquatic world. Shedd and partners are immensely proud of how these improvements will greatly augment experience and learning outcomes for our community.

As mentioned above, throughout the design and planning process, Shedd Aquarium and partners worked with communities to inform improvements to the aquarium’s experience accessibility. This included everything from making the aquarium easier to traverse and explore, transforming the educational signage to welcome more non-English speakers, and installing interactives that provide ways for guests of all ability levels to connect with nature.

At the same time, Shedd Aquarium also diligently self-imposed MBE/WBE goals to the project, ensuring that the aquarium was doing its part as an employer to ensure that the job opportunities this project generated were equitably awarded. This includes goals of achieving 26 percent and 6 percent MBE/WBE vendors, awarding at least a quarter of total onsite labor work to a combined minority and female workforce, and ensuring at least three percent of the total onsite combined laborers and/or non-trade work hours are with community residents with preference given to those who reside in Chicago’s 4th Ward and the surrounding neighborhoods of Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Museum Campus, North Kenwood, Oakland and the South Loop.

Shedd and partners are proudly on track to meet nearly all our self-imposed MBE/WBE goals. We are emboldened by this success, and will continue to hold itself to these goals as this project continues into future phases.

Affordable housing development Encuentro Square Apartments features a 4-story, 51,970-SF, 32-unit complex and a 6-story, 75,850-SF, 57-unit complex. The residence offers 1-3 bedroom units, community and resident-only amenity spaces, a teaching kitchen, computer lab, outdoor recreational spaces, and other amenities. Once home to the Magid Glove factory, the land sat vacant from the late 2000s until it was bought in 2014 by The Trust for Public Land, who in turn sold to the city in 2019. With displacement pressure mounting, the Trust for Public Land and the city crafted a site redevelopment plan. Latin United Community Housing (LUCHA) and Evergreen Real Estate Group took on the plan in 2020. Financed by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Tax Increment Financing, HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds, Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits, and Affordable Housing Opportunity Funds, the complex provides much needed housing at an affordable rate, while sacrificing nothing in the way of comfortable living. The project had a customized safety plan and zero safety incidents, and all MBE, WEB, and city percentage goals were either met or exceeded.

Encuentro Square Apartments blends innovation with affordability, as well as convenience and culture with refined amenities and a sense of community that shines forth in the complex’s striking, colorful design and modern blend of rounded and squared features. Set in the heart of Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, Encuentro Square stands out like a beacon, reflecting the rich diversity of the area and its residents, and providing an affordable place in which the community can gather and thrive, and continue to bring color to the city. The apartments at Encuentro Square are specifically designed to maximize living and entertaining space for residents of this thriving community, which has emerged as a hub for many art organizations, intimate music venues, locally owned shops, and buzz worthy eateries. The area’s creative energy and urban vibe make it a go-to for locals looking for the next cool thing, and Encuentro Square is one of those things.

Leopardo’s team of preconstruction and estimating experts helped guide the project through a complex field of material procurement and project funding. Materials with long lead times were identified up front and construction was adroitly scheduled around those times to ensure no delays. The project received funding from the City of Chicago in the form of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Tax Increment Financing (TIF), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds, Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits (IAHTC), and Affordable Housing Opportunity Funds (AHOF). The project was funded by a combination of financing sources, including both 4% and 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)—a “twinning” deal. Twinning is a financing strategy used to maximize funding for affordable housing projects. In this approach, each building within the project is divided into two related yet separately financed segments, organized by floors, and units. By simultaneously securing both 9% and 4% LIHTC allocations, the hybrid method enhances the project’s financial feasibility, especially for larger scale developments. Utilizing its in-house team of Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) experts, Leopardo created models of the building that helped ensure accuracy and prevent delays before they happened.

This project had a customized safety plan and QR-code based safety orientation that allowed for immediate access to project safety information. Rather than a traditional “toolbox talk” style training, the project teams engaged in a 5-question quiz to determine how well they know that week’s safety topics.  Scores are utilized to follow-up as appropriate. Weekly safety visits were conducted by the Leopardo safety team to provide a new perspective and share recent news from other sites.  The Leopardo safety team also engaged with the weekly pull planning process to help with safety planning efforts. 100 safety inspections were conducted across the course of the project with more than 2,000 observations made and 125 corrections made before an incident occurred. This project was completed with an incident rate well below the average, with only one incident across 164,000 work hours.

The complex was conceived and delivered to provide much needed housing at an affordable rate to those living in the area, given the rising cost of housing in the Logan Square community, while also sacrificing nothing in the way of comfortable living. All units are deemed affordable by the city’s standards and are restricted to individuals or families who make below 60% of the area’s median income. The buildings offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with rent set at $1,100 for a one-bedroom, $1,300 for a two-bedroom, and $1,600 for a three-bedroom. The Chicago Housing Authority provided rental assistance for 55 of the 89 units. Leopardo was proud to work closely with the Latin United Community Housing (LUCHA), as well as LIHTC syndicator National Equity Fund and construction and permanent lender BMO Harris Bank, to deliver the project. All MBE, WEB, and city percentage goals were either met or exceeded on the project.

The complex was conceived and delivered to provide much needed housing at an affordable rate to those living in the area, given the rising cost of housing in the Logan Square community, while also sacrificing nothing in the way of comfortable living. All units are deemed affordable by the city’s standards and are restricted to individuals or families who make below 60% of the area’s median income. The buildings offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with rent set at $1,100 for a one-bedroom, $1,300 for a two-bedroom, and $1,600 for a three-bedroom. The Chicago Housing Authority provided rental assistance for 55 of the 89 units. Leopardo was proud to work closely with the Latin United Community Housing (LUCHA), as well as LIHTC syndicator National Equity Fund and construction and permanent lender BMO Harris Bank, to deliver the project. All MBE, WEB, and city percentage goals were either met or exceeded on the project.

The project received funding from the City of Chicago in the form of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Tax Increment Financing (TIF), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds, Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits (IAHTC), and Affordable Housing Opportunity Funds (AHOF). The project was funded by a combination of financing sources, including both 4% and 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)—a “twinning” deal. Twinning is a financing strategy used to maximize funding for affordable housing projects. In this approach, each building within the project is divided into two related yet separately financed segments, organized by floors, and units. By simultaneously securing both 9% and 4% LIHTC allocations, the hybrid method enhances the project’s financial feasibility, especially for larger scale developments. The Chicago Housing Authority provided rental assistance for 55 of the 89 units. Leopardo was proud to work closely with the Latin United Community Housing (LUCHA), as well as LIHTC syndicator National Equity Fund and construction and permanent lender BMO Harris Bank, to deliver the project. Thanks to its deep roots and extensive experience serving as a general contractor in the Chicago market, Leopardo has relationships with minority- and women-owned general contractors and subcontractors. With deeply rooted family values and a strong internal culture celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion, Leopardo revels in the opportunity to work alongside, build up, and learn from minority business enterprises and women business enterprises. Working together with Leopardo, the minority GC partner can build their resume by working on bigger, more complicated projects than they would be able to on their own, and working with a minority GC gives Leopardo the opportunity to work alongside good partners and learn from them as well. All MBE, WEB, and city percentage goals were either met or exceeded on the project.

Solverre, developed by Willow Bridge Property Company, is a luxury Class A rental apartment community. This new 12-story residential development is situated on a one-acre plot in the Uptown neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, and comprises approximately 303 rental units with an above-ground parking facility. The building’s contemporary design harmonizes with the surrounding urban landscape and provides unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The 12-story building, constructed with a blend of innovative techniques and traditional craftsmanship, offers a variety of living spaces from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Residents enjoy a best-in-class amenity package, including a pool deck, fireplaces, grills, bike storage, a dog room, a business center, club rooms, a yoga studio, and a fitness room. The project achieved 21.56% M/WBE participation and 33% of construction jobs were filled by local residents.

Solverre’s sleek lines and contemporary façade harmonize with the surrounding urban landscape, creating an architectural masterpiece that complements the Chicago skyline. The building includes several distinctive architectural features and is the first precast building in North America to adhere to the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute’s stringent construction tolerances. Erected by a PCI-certified erector, Solverre is classified as an AB project, indicating its complexity in precast design. The seamless integration of precast brick panels with field brick and custom window wall detailing creates a visually stunning façade.

Strategically positioned egress stairs and an elevator lobby along the exterior create natural light and promote use and passive surveillance. Additional features like floor-to-ceiling windows, etched glass, and dark gray brick and metal accents add a contemporary touch to the building’s exterior. The central sundeck, nestled within the U-shaped structure, offers residents impressive views and abundant natural light.

Aligned with Chicago’s Sustainable Development policy, Solverre champions energy and water efficiencies. The building features a green roof covering 50% of the surface area, achieving 20% energy savings over ASHRAE standards. Ample bicycle storage and EV charging stations are also thoughtfully provided. The first two floors also feature fritted glass that safeguards migrating bird populations, demonstrating environmental stewardship.

The construction team employed a series of innovative strategies and fostered early partnerships with key contractors, resulting in substantial cost savings of $8 million. Initially envisioned as a framed structure, Solverre underwent a comprehensive structural evaluation to explore cost-effective solutions. The team thoroughly evaluated the most economical structure, comparing the steel truss panel system with concrete.

Prior to the completion of the design, early partnerships were forged with the concrete, architectural precast, window wall, and MEP/FP trade contractors. These early collaborations drove the most effective and economical outcomes for the installation and detailing of the building’s skin and critical MEP systems. This ensured that all elements were designed and installed efficiently, cost-effectively, and to the highest quality standards. Through these measures, the Gilbane team demonstrated their commitment to excellence and innovation in construction.

Located in a vibrant neighborhood, Solverre prioritizes public space and the resident/pedestrian experience. High resident satisfaction underscores the project’s positive impact on the Uptown community and Chicago’s architectural landscape. The design goals were met, end users are satisfied, and the quality of craftsmanship exemplifies excellence.

The design process began in December 2019 and encountered an unforeseen obstacle—the Covid-19 pandemic. The design team quickly adjusted workflows, collaborating closely with the city’s Department of Planning and Development and the neighborhood’s alderman to ensure the project’s progression while prioritizing the health and safety of the entire team.
However, the pandemic triggered supply chain disruptions, particularly impacting the availability of insulation and waterproofing materials. The design and construction team promptly evaluated all exterior building conditions and adjusted construction details based on material availability and constructability. This proactive approach ensured the project remained on schedule while maintaining stringent quality and safety standards.

As the project progressed, the exterior enclosure materials and systems underwent significant modifications during the design development phase. Gilbane and Valerio Dewalt Train collaborated with the manufacturer to transform the original exterior grid into an elegant window wall. This transformation facilitated unique design solutions across the building envelope at various intersections, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality while also reducing costs.

Solverre, located adjacent to a highly active hospital, required meticulous construction site logistics. The construction team aligned material deliveries with the hospital’s operational requirements, ensuring zero disruption to the emergency department driveway and surrounding traffic routes. Hardscape protection measures were implemented to safeguard city streets, cyclists, and pedestrians from construction-related activities. The team also navigated an intricate urban infrastructure, a 130- foot water tunnel beneath the site that required close coordination with the city’s water department.

Gilbane leveraged cutting-edge 4D modeling by integrating the building’s design and construction models into our scheduling process. This approach allowed us to establish 4D model standards for virtual mock-ups and prefabricated construction zones while identifying any missed scope items for 303 residential units. Using these mockups, our team fine-tuned the millwork installation sequence and addressed vanity installation issues in each unit before construction began. By catching these issues early, we prevented significant rework and potential delays in the project schedule, ensuring all bathrooms were seamlessly constructed across all 12 floors. Utilizing this innovative and best-in-class tool enhanced team engagement and communication.

The construction of Solverre was a complex task that required precision, resilience, and teamwork. Despite challenges such as supply chain disruptions and intricate urban infrastructure, the team successfully completed the construction project on schedule and within budget. This accomplishment was achieved through careful planning, efficient execution, and collaborative problem-solving.

Solverre stands as a symbol of successful design and construction under challenging circumstances. The building is not just a structure, it’s a testament to the team’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity.

An unwavering commitment to safety lies at the heart of the Solverre. Rather than treating safety as a mere checklist, Gilbane’s project team recognized safety as a cultural necessity, a shared responsibility woven into every construction aspect of the project’s lifecycle.

The team implemented a multifaceted approach, starting with daily shift-start meetings. These meetings ensured that all trade contractors were brief on the day’s tasks and safety protocols. Pre-planning these meetings allowed for proactive hazard identification and risk mitigation, emphasizing the importance of preparation. Additionally, weekly foreman meetings facilitated communication and coordination among team leaders, reinforced safety practices, and addressed any potential concerns promptly.

Intensive training was a cornerstone, especially for high-risk activities such as working at heights, operating heavy machinery, and handling hazardous materials. Regular safety stand-downs empowered workers to actively monitor and correct unsafe behaviors. Mandatory scaffold erection and fall protection training was provided for all workers involved in elevated work, while emphasis was placed on proper shoring techniques and soil analysis during excavation work. By tailoring training to specific tasks, the workforce gained a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with their work and learned effective mitigation strategies.

The project team conducted thorough investigations following any near misses, learning from each event to prevent recurrence. Our team did not just react to safety concerns; they proactively fostered a strong safety culture, focusing on continuous improvement to set a new standard for future industry projects. The project team exemplified safety excellence through a comprehensive approach.

OSHA Recordable Incident Rate: 0.63
Lost Time Accident Rate: 1.25
Total Worker Hours on Job: 320,000

At Gilbane Building Company, we are deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion on our projects. Solverre, in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, exemplifies our dedication to these principles. This luxury Class A rental apartment community, developed by Willow Bridge Property Company, not only enhances the urban landscape but also serves as a beacon of inclusivity and economic empowerment.

Commitment to Supplier Diversity: The project achieved 21.56% minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) participation, surpassing industry standards and demonstrating our commitment to supplier diversity. This initiative ensured that a substantial portion of the project’s budget was allocated to businesses that are often underrepresented in the construction industry. By doing so, we not only supported these businesses but also contributed to the economic growth and sustainability of the local community.

Local Workforce Inclusion: In addition to supplier diversity, the Solverre project prioritized local workforce inclusion. 33% of construction jobs were filled by local residents, providing employment opportunities to individuals within the community. This approach not only boosted the local economy but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride among residents. By hiring locally, we ensured that the project’s benefits extended beyond its
physical footprint, positively impacting the lives of those who live and work in the area.

Addressing Community Needs: Solverre addresses critical community needs by incorporating affordable housing units into its design. The project includes eight affordable housing units, providing much-needed housing options in an area long-challenged by housing shortages. Additionally, Willow Bridge Property Company contributed over $3 million to support a new 28-unit project led by Sarah’s Circle, a local organization dedicated to empowering women experiencing homelessness. This contribution underscores our commitment to addressing societal issues and promoting equity within the community.

Inclusive Design and Accessibility: Solverre’s design reflects inclusivity and accessibility. The building features a blend of dark brick cladding and expansive glass, harmonizing with its surroundings and creating a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly character. Including ample bicycle storage and EV charging stations promotes sustainable transportation options, making the building accessible to a diverse range of residents. Furthermore, the project features fritted glass to protect migrating bird populations, demonstrating our dedication to environmental stewardship.

DEI in Practice: During the construction phase, we collaborated closely with M/WBE firms to ensure their active participation and success. We provided mentorship and support to these businesses, helping them navigate the complexities of large-scale construction projects. This hands-on approach ensured that our DEI goals were met and that these firms could thrive and grow.

Moreover, our local hiring practices were implemented through targeted outreach and partnerships with community organizations. We worked with local job training programs to identify and recruit qualified candidates, providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in the construction industry. This initiative not only fulfilled our client’s requests for supplier diversity but also created a pipeline of talent for future projects.

Through supplier diversity, local workforce inclusion, and addressing community needs, Solverre enhances the urban landscape and promotes positive societal change.

Solverre, located in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, has significantly improved the quality of life in an economically disadvantaged area. By incorporating affordable housing units, Solverre addresses the critical need for accessible housing options in a community long challenged by housing shortages. The inclusion of eight affordable housing units ensures that residents from diverse economic backgrounds can benefit from the development. Additionally, Willow Bridge Property Company donated $3 million to support a new 28-unit project for Sarah’s Circle, a local organization dedicated to empowering women experiencing homelessness. This contribution underscores our commitment to addressing societal issues and promoting equity within the community.

Solverre’s commitment to inclusion is evident through its supplier diversity and local workforce inclusion initiatives. Achieving 21.56% minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) participation, the project surpasses industry standards and ensures that a substantial portion of the budget is allocated to underrepresented businesses. This not only supports these businesses but also contributes to the economic growth and sustainability of the local community. Furthermore, by filling 33% of construction jobs with local residents, Solverre provides employment opportunities to individuals within the community, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

Solverre enhances the urban landscape with its inclusive design and accessibility features. The building’s blend of dark brick cladding and expansive glass creates a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly character. Ample bicycle storage and EV charging stations promote sustainable transportation options, making the building accessible to a diverse range of residents. The use of fritted glass to protect migrating bird populations demonstrates our dedication to environmental stewardship, further enriching the community’s quality of life.

At Gilbane Building Company, we are deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion on our projects. Solverre exemplifies our dedication to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. The project’s impact on the community is profound, as it not only enhances the urban landscape but also serves as a beacon of inclusivity and economic empowerment. By incorporating affordable housing units and supporting local organizations like Sarah’s Circle, Solverre addresses critical community needs and promotes equity within the community.

Solverre’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion is demonstrated through its supplier diversity and local workforce inclusion initiatives. Achieving 21.56% M/WBE participation, the project ensures that underrepresented businesses are actively involved and supported. This initiative not only contributes to the economic growth of the local community but also promotes a more inclusive construction industry. Additionally, by filling 33% of construction jobs with local residents, Solverre provides employment opportunities to individuals within the community, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

During the construction phase, we collaborated closely with M/WBE firms, providing mentorship and support to ensure their active participation and success. This hands-on approach ensured that our DEI goals were met and that these firms could thrive and grow. Our local hiring practices were implemented through targeted outreach and partnerships with community organizations, working with local job training programs to identify and recruit qualified candidates. This initiative not only fulfilled our client’s requests for supplier diversity but also created a pipeline of talent for future projects. Solverre’s inclusive design, featuring ample bicycle storage, EV charging stations, and fritted glass to protect migrating bird populations, further demonstrates our commitment to promoting accessibility and environmental stewardship.