This three-floor transformation for Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) in a Chicago landmark represents the city’s first LEED Platinum certified law office. The new workplace is also on track to become Chicago’s first zero carbon law firm, having already achieved LEED Platinum certification. Spanning floors 27 through 29 of The Bell at 225 West Randolph, the renovation energizes Chicago’s largest single office law firm through a modern design that balances professional sophistication with human centered warmth. Natural light fills glass fronted offices of uniform size, while a custom interconnecting stair promotes collaboration across all three floors. Sustainable finishes and furnishings pair with locally sourced artwork to honor the firm’s 40-year Chicago legacy. Collaborative spaces anchor every corner, from a speakeasy inspired lounge to a lively café with varied seating. Clune Construction partnered with Gensler, CBRE, Turner & Townsend and Novo Sustainability to deliver the project on time and under budget, achieving 76 percent waste diversion and pioneering equity practices that prioritized visible workforce diversity. This project redefines workplace design when sustainability and community impact guide every decision.

After occupying the same space for three decades, Chicago-based Neal Gerber Eisenberg made the decision to relocate its office to “The Bell,” a newly renovated, historic landmark. The move highlights the firm’s past, present and future as a Chicago-rooted practice. Looking to redefine its workplace experience while highlighting its people-first culture, the law firm enlisted Gensler to help design its new space to cultivate holistic well-being and build a legacy of sustainability.

NGE’s primary goal was to energize its staff and clients through the design of this new space. Effortlessly balancing professional, timeless, and forward-thinking design, the new office sets a new industry standard to promote equity and wellness for both clients and staff. The integration of natural light, access to views, and increased opportunities for formal connections and informal mentorship were imperative in the interior design to encourage collaboration and professional growth.

The new office space is designed with a hospitality-first approach, featuring a range of top-tier amenities that offer moments to restore and re-energize, such as a speakeasy-inspired space and a fireplace. The firm’s cafe, dubbed “The Club,” has a variety of seating options to comfortably accommodate staff working alone or together. These design elements, as well as the brightness of the space, contrasted with warm wood and textural details, create meaningful community-driven settings to avoid feeling cold or corporate. Gensler worked closely with NGE to create a workplace experience that expands the definition of a traditional law office, offering unique spaces incorporated throughout to refresh staff and welcome visitors. Local artists and plants were incorporated into the design to pay homage to the firm’s Chicago origins.

Occupying three floors, the new office promotes in-person teamwork in the hybrid work era. Each corner of the new space is a collaborative workspace. Conference rooms feature the latest audiovisual technology and tablets for easy booking. All individual offices are a single size, with glass-fronted walls to let in natural light throughout the space. The interior of the city landmark building was transformed with the addition of a custom, internal stairwell to maximize synergy between attorneys, staff, and their clients across all three floors.
Equally important to the design, NGE was committed to building an office that set a new industry standard for sustainability, which is a value central to its business operations. The new office is on track to be the first zero carbon law firm in Chicago, having already achieved LEED Platinum certification.

Climate action strategies were a fundamental value that informed every decision of the design process. To build upon NGE’s legacy of positive environmental impact, the flooring, walls and finishes are made up of sustainable materials to reduce the carbon footprint. Product selection was guided by Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards, performance criteria for the most used, high-impact product categories in architecture and interior projects.

A “local” played a role in the overall design approach, ensuring employees have access to natural daylight and panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Representing a 40 year legacy of trusted partnerships, NGE’s new space reflects their investment in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood.

Clune Construction faced extraordinary complexity as the first tenant in The Bell’s complete interior transformation, requiring the team to drive base building milestones while executing a high-end, sustainability-focused buildout on a tight timeline.

The challenge began before the project started. With eight months of preconstruction coordination, Clune conducted weekly site visits to document base building progress and identify potential conflicts before they became costly delays. As the inaugural tenant, NGE’s schedule depended entirely on the landlord’s deliverables, which had never been tested. Clune proactively negotiated contractual terms. For example, the team ensured permanent power delivery with penalty clauses for delays, preventing schedule impacts that could have cascaded throughout the project.

Coordination complexity reached exceptional levels due to the interaction between base building systems and tenant improvements. Clune identified lease compliance issues early, directing base building contractors to rework fire sprinkler lines, ductwork and plumbing to maintain architectural ceiling heights and accommodate the designed light fixture layout. This intervention prevented costly demolition and rework that would have occurred if conflicts were discovered after turnover of the floors. In addition, the team’s pre-purchase of the mechanical system allowed complete layout and coordination before other trades arrived, minimizing above-ceiling conflicts in a space where every inch mattered.

Significant measures were implemented to control noise throughout the space, particularly on the 29th floor, where enhanced sound mitigation was required due to proximity to the building’s amenity level above. A three-layer acoustic ceiling system was installed to reduce sound transmission from the 30th floor. On the 28th floor, the team installed a USG Ensemble Acoustical Drywall Ceiling using a layered process and requiring a Level 5 finish. Once installed, the system could not be touched up, requiring an intensive, detail driven process that demanded exceptional time, care and craftsmanship.

Achieving LEED Platinum certification added layers of complexity to every construction decision. Clune maintained constant coordination with Novo Sustainability during, schematic design and design development budgeting and value engineering, ensuring that cost reductions supported rather than compromised sustainability goals. Material sourcing required documentation of local procurement within the United States, with rigorous tracking of embodied carbon for every product selection. The team achieved 76% waste diversion from landfills, redirecting 99.74 tons of construction material to recycling facilities while maintaining an active construction site. All glass waste was processed at Illinois recycling facilities to meet local sourcing requirements, which directly informed subcontractor selection.

The construction phase indoor air quality plan introduced additional operational requirements to meet LEED air quality criteria. Certain activities were restricted or carefully sequenced, and continuous monitoring was required to protect building systems and future occupants. This was especially critical during demolition activities associated with the interconnecting stair installation.

The staircase installation began with precise layout and coordination of architectural finishes, including back painted glass, metal stud framing, drywall, handrails, integrated lighting and ceiling coves. Once the layout was finalized, slab cuts were performed during off hours to minimize disruption. A fire rated enclosure at the stair base eliminated the need for a fire shutter. Close collaboration with Gensler ensured the design intent was realized, creating a seamless three-floor connection that visually and functionally unifies the space.
Budget management throughout construction demonstrated Clune’s ability to navigate complexity while protecting client interests. Through strategic cost reduction exercises coordinated with Gensler, Clune reduced the initial baseline budget by $35/SF, enabling the addition of the interconnecting staircase while maintaining budget targets set initially and preserving both LEED Platinum and journey to Net Zero certifications. Comprehensive scope reviews with each trade included the subcontractors, owner and design team to ensure accurate buyouts and prevent scope gaps that often emerge in complex projects.

The result of managing this extraordinary complexity was returning approximately 1.5% of the budget to the client at the end of the project, while accommodating added scope and owner changes. This achievement demonstrates not only construction adaptability but true partnership and commitment to client success despite unprecedented challenges.

With various trades performing work simultaneously in close proximity, a high level of coordination was required during the construction of this renovation. Weekly safety audits were conducted, and the team regularly walked the job site with a Safety Manager. This allowed issues to be corrected immediately. Clune hosted safety stand-downs and ensured subcontractors were performing daily huddles and toolbox talks were being completed and submitted. The project logged over 37,000 hours worked with no lost time.

Safety is at the top of Clune’s seven core values and behaviors. From our C-Suite to our field employee-owners, safety is front of mind on all Clune projects. Safe production on our projects starts well before the first tool is used. All trades on this project were required to adhere to Clune’s Safety Program. This program provides the framework for all Clune employees and subcontractors to perform in a safe and healthful working environment. Key components include:

• A three-phase safety training program for Clune employees
• Written safety guidelines that provide the basis for the safety program
• Project kick-off meetings between Clune and subcontractors
• Use of “Find & Fix” proactive hazard reports and safety observation reports
• Weekly foreman’s meetings and toolbox talks
• Frequent and regular safety audits that monitor safe work practices
• A safety manager in each region that is there to provide safety guidance
• Open communication about safety expectations

Neal Gerber Eisenberg and Clune Construction established a unique equity and inclusion program that moved beyond traditional metrics to create meaningful, visible change in Chicago’s construction workforce and broader community.
The project’s DEI framework began with a fundamental shift in how trade partners were selected. Rather than evaluating diversity through spending percentages alone, NGE Chief Operating Officer Sonia Menon challenged Clune to have meaningful conversations with every potential subcontractor about their commitments to social, environmental and governance principles.

This values-based selection process reshaped traditional procurement dynamics. While price and schedule remained important, equity commitments, sustainability practices and community engagement became decisive factors when qualified bidders were otherwise equal. Rather than relying on paper compliance, the project prioritized visible workforce diversity on site. Subcontractors were required to place women and people of color in meaningful leadership roles, including foremen, project managers, ensuring the impact was experienced daily rather than documented in reports. Trade partners also demonstrated authentic partnerships with minority and women-owned business enterprises by mentoring firms, building capacity and creating pathways for growth that extended beyond a single project. By recognizing partners committed to industry development and community impact, the project influenced Clune’s future approach to advancing equity, sustainability and shared values across the industry.

The project’s sustainability achievements represent a powerful form of community impact. As Chicago’s first law office with LEED Platinum certification, NGE sets a new benchmark for responsible development by pairing environmental leadership with measurable performance. The space incorporates high-efficiency LED lighting with occupancy sensors and daylight controls to reduce energy use, conducts embodied carbon analysis to prioritize lower carbon materials, targets a minimum of 75 percent construction waste diversion and achieves more than a 40 percent reduction in water use compared to the EPA baseline.

By pursuing journey to zero carbon in addition to LEED Platinum, NGE further demonstrates its commitment to reducing both operational and embodied carbon. The certification ensures net zero carbon operations through renewable energy, offsets, energy efficiency strategies and carbon reduction technologies, while emphasizing design decisions that minimize emissions from material manufacturing, shipping and installation.
The firm’s investment in The Bell contributes to the building’s transformation from an underutilized landmark to a vibrant workplace destination. This adaptive reuse preserves Chicago’s architectural heritage while giving new life to a historic structure.

The October 2025 panel discussion hosted by NGE exemplifies commitment to sharing knowledge. By bringing together Onni Group, CBRE, Clune, Gensler, NGE and Novo Sustainability to discuss the project’s sustainability achievements, design decisions and partnership approach, the team created a learning opportunity for Chicago’s development community. This willingness to share both successes and challenges helps raise industry standards across the region.

The project demonstrates that high-performance construction can advance social equity and environmental sustainability at the same time. More than a successful office buildout, the project serves as a model for how major construction initiatives can act as catalysts for economic opportunity, environmental leadership and lasting community impact beyond the project itself.

Neal Gerber Eisenberg and Clune Construction established a unique equity and inclusion program that moved beyond traditional metrics to create meaningful, visible change in Chicago’s construction workforce and broader community.

The project’s DEI framework began with a fundamental shift in how trade partners were selected. Rather than evaluating diversity through spending percentages alone, NGE Chief Operating Officer Sonia Menon challenged Clune to have meaningful conversations with every potential subcontractor about their commitments to social, environmental and governance principles. These discussions explored how companies give back to Chicago, how they foster diverse workforces and what their values truly are beyond marketing materials.

This values-based selection process fundamentally changed procurement dynamics. In typical construction projects, contractor selection hinges primarily on pricing and schedule. For NGE, these remained important but DEI commitments and community engagement often served as tiebreakers when multiple qualified bidders competed for work. Critically, the project prioritized on-site workforce diversity over paper compliance. Clune required subcontractors to commit to placing diverse personnel in visible leadership roles rather than simply achieving spending percentages that might never translate to actual job opportunities. This meant jobsite foremen, project managers and craft leads included women and people of color in positions where their presence and leadership were evident daily. The client wanted to see the impact on the jobsite, not just in reports.

Trade partners were required to demonstrate authentic partnerships with minority and women-owned business enterprises rooted in collaboration rather than compliance. Firms described how they mentor MWBE partners, provide capacity-building support, and create pathways for smaller companies to expand their capabilities. By recognizing partners that commit to both industry growth and community impact, the project extended its influence beyond the jobsite and informed Clune’s future approach to advancing equity sustainability, and shared values across the industry.

The October 2025 panel discussion hosted by NGE exemplifies commitment to sharing knowledge. By bringing together Onni Group, CBRE, Clune, Gensler, NGE and Novo Sustainability to discuss the project’s sustainability achievements, design decisions and partnership approach, the team created a learning opportunity for Chicago’s development community. This willingness to share both successes and challenges helps raise industry standards across the region.

The project demonstrates that high-performance construction and advanced social equity initiatives can come together. More than a successful office buildout, the project serves as a model for how major construction initiatives can act as catalysts for economic opportunity, environmental leadership and lasting community impact beyond the project itself.

The Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center is a 46,860 sq. ft. wellness facility designed to advance prevention, healing, and whole-person care for Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. As design/build partner and General Contractor, ALL Construction Group collaborated closely with Humboldt Park Health and JGMA Architects to deliver this $27.5 million landmark on budget while upholding high standards of quality and safety. More than a fitness center, the Wellness Center serves as a dynamic hub for health, culture, and community connection for residents of Humboldt Park and surrounding neighborhoods. The facility features art by local creatives, culturally responsive programming, and amenities including a lap pool, therapy pool, indoor running track, strength and fitness areas, yoga and spin studios, physical therapy spaces, locker rooms, childcare, offices, meeting rooms, and a large multipurpose room. ACG constructed major structural systems, including two underground stormwater detention tanks, shallow foundations, load-bearing masonry walls, a steel superstructure, and led design/build coordination of all MEP-FP systems. The team also delivered a complex building envelope with trapezoidal curtainwall glazing and self-performed masonry, insulation, light-gauge framing, carpentry, drywall, acoustic ceilings, and doors and hardware.

The project consisted of a three-story structural steel superstructure with load-bearing masonry walls and slabs on metal decks. Below-grade work included the installation of two stormwater detention tanks, while the foundation and exterior incorporated spread footings and exterior walls constructed of cold-formed light gauge systems. Wall systems included a combination of brick veneer and ACM metal panels with curtainwall assemblies. ACG collaborated closely with Humboldt Park Health and JGMA Architects to convert the MEP-FP scope to a Design/Build format, allowing the design to progress while mitigating potential cost impacts. Throughout the project, ACG conducted constructability reviews, developed budgets as drawings were completed, and provided value engineering recommendations to help maintain the project within budget. All site logistics planning were managed by ACG in coordination with Humboldt Park Health. Throughout the design and construction phases, ACG provided ongoing value analyses, budget updates, and target value design recommendations to guide the Humboldt Park Health and JGMA in achieving the GMP budget. Cost estimating and budget management were integrated with constructability reviews, and construction scheduling services included preliminary schedules and Pull-Plan schedules for the building structure, envelope, and interior finishes. Permitting strategies included phased approvals all coordinated by ACG and JGMA.

The project involved some technical, environmental, and logistical challenges that required early coordination and disciplined project management. At the 50% Design Development stage of the project, ACG coordinated with the Humboldt Park Health and JGMA to revise the scope of the MEP- FP trades to a Design/Build format. Immediately prior to the start of excavation activities, ACG discovered additional soils issues which prohibited ACG from disposing of the spoils as originally planned. ACG worked with the testing agency, the excavation subcontractor, various trucking companies, as well as the local landfills to address the disposal as economically as possible. ACG further worked with Humboldt Park Health and their consultant to obtain a No Further Remediation letter at the conclusion of the project and minimized impacts to cost and schedule. The building’s façade system, consisting of brick veneer, ACM metal panels, and curtainwall assemblies all required detailed coordination between structural, envelope, and architectural systems. BIM coordination, fabrication sequencing, and strict field tolerances were necessary to meet design requirements. Utility coordination also presented challenges, including delays from ComEd in providing permanent power, which required schedule resequencing. ACG addressed these issues through value engineering, open-book cost tracking, phased permitting, and pull-plan scheduling, maintaining control of budget, schedule, and construction quality.

There were no major accidents or injuries on this project. Only one minor, no–work-loss injury was reported.

The Humboldt Park Wellness Center represents a transformative addition to the Humboldt Park community by providing accessible, state-of-the-art wellness services. By combining recreational and therapeutic facilities under one roof. The center offers community a comprehensive approach to health, fitness, and well-being. The integration of wellness, recreation, and healthcare enhances the quality of life for residents, offering a safe, modern, and supportive environment for personal and family health. Beyond its facilities, the project contributed to the community through thoughtful planning and engagement. ALL Construction Group collaborated closely with the hospital to ensure that construction was completed within budget while maintaining high-quality standards. The inclusion of childcare spaces, meeting rooms, and flexible multipurpose areas underscores the center’s role as a true community hub, serving not just as a health facility but as a gathering space that encourages social connection and community programming. The Wellness Center also embodies the principles of accessibility and inclusion. As an affordable healthcare facility, it ensures that residents of Humboldt Park and surrounding neighborhoods have access to vital wellness services without financial barriers. The project’s innovative design and construction approaches, including the use of a unique building envelope system and high-quality finishes, demonstrate a commitment to creating a landmark facility that is both functional and aesthetically engaging. Through this project, ALL Construction Group helped to not only deliver a technically complex and visually striking facility but also fostered long-term positive impact by providing residents with a positive and safe space.

The Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center delivers meaningful community impact by expanding access to preventive, rehabilitative, and recreational health services in a Chicago neighborhood that has historically experienced health disparities related to income, access to care, and chronic disease outcomes. By consolidating fitness, therapy, and wellness services within a single, modern facility, the center reduces barriers to care and supports a more integrated approach to physical and mental well-being for residents of Humboldt Park and surrounding West Side communities. The facility provides safe, affordable access to essential health resources, including therapeutic pools, physical therapy, fitness areas, and wellness programming that supports the management and prevention of conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mobility-related challenges that disproportionately affect the community. Childcare spaces, meeting rooms, and multipurpose areas further extend the center’s role beyond healthcare delivery, allowing families to participate in wellness activities while supporting workforce participation, education, and community programming.

The Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center is one of the rare major institutional facilities in Chicago conceived, designed, and built entirely under Latino leadership: Owner CEO José Sánchez, Architect Juan Moreno of JGMA, and General Contractor Luis Puig of ALL Construction Group. Economic inclusion was a core achievement. This cultural and professional alignment enabled authentic community engagement, inclusive hiring strategies, and procurement outcomes that exceeded expectations: 38% minority-owned and 10% women-owned business participation. Latino-owned subcontractors delivered major scopes across mechanical, electrical, steel, and architectural systems, deepening the project’s social and economic impact.

The Aspire Center is a powerful example of design creativity grounded in community purpose. Transforming a long-shuttered historic school into a modern workforce and community hub, the project pairs preservation with a bold glass addition that introduces transparency, daylight, and openness. The design carefully balances old and new, honoring the building’s civic legacy while creating welcoming, flexible spaces that invite connection and opportunity.

The project presented significant challenges and construction complexity. Adaptive reuse required careful structural upgrades, envelope restoration, and the seamless integration of new systems within an aging building. Phasing construction while preserving historic fabric, coordinating multiple nonprofit and institutional tenants, and delivering a high-performing facility on a constrained urban site demanded close collaboration and precision. Throughout construction, safety was a top priority. The general contractor completed 303 on-site safety orientations, reinforcing a culture of awareness and accountability. At peak construction in October 2024, the site supported approximately 70 workers, many of them skilled carpenters, contributing to a total of 86,346 man-hours worked. Throughout construction, only two recordable incidents occurred, reflecting a strong safety record and consistent adherence to best practices.

Located in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, the Aspire Center delivers lasting community impact. Once a symbol of disinvestment, the building now anchors reinvestment along a key corridor, housing workforce training, financial services, legal support, and community organizations under one roof. Inclusive design decisions, such as an open, light-filled lobby, activated green space, and a welcoming entry sequence, were shaped directly by community input. Aspire stands as a shared civic asset, advancing economic mobility, dignity, and opportunity while reinforcing Austin’s culture of resilience and pride.

Design creativity for the Aspire Center was rooted in listening first and designing second. From the outset, the creative process was guided by the Austin community’s Quality of Life Plan, ensuring that the project’s vision emerged from resident priorities rather than a preconceived architectural agenda. This approach challenged the design team to translate deeply human goals like access, dignity, safety, and opportunity, into physical form.
The central creative move was the adaptive reuse of a historic, shuttered school paired with a contemporary glass addition. This juxtaposition required careful design balance: preserving the building’s civic presence and cultural memory while introducing transparency, light, and flexibility that signal renewal. The new atrium acts as the project’s heart, visually connecting programs, flooding the interior with daylight, and serving as a welcoming threshold between the neighborhood and the services inside.

Design complexity stemmed from working within an existing structure while integrating modern systems, accessibility upgrades, and multiple tenant needs. Interior layouts were carefully choreographed to encourage collaboration without compromising privacy or security. Even subtle choices, such as, offsetting the reception desk from the main entry, were intentional. They reinforce openness without creating barriers. Together, these design strategies resulted in an environment that is both architecturally expressive and functionally empowering, demonstrating how creativity can elevate community-driven architecture.

The Aspire Center required a disciplined, collaborative construction process to ensure the highest level of quality while navigating the challenges inherent in adaptive reuse. From the outset, the team employed a rigorous preconstruction and investigative approach, including selective demolition, structural analysis, and detailed coordination drawings, to fully understand existing conditions within the long-vacant historic school. This early diligence allowed the project team to anticipate risks, protect historic elements, and make informed decisions throughout construction.

One of the primary challenges was integrating a new multi-story glass atrium into the existing masonry structure. This intervention demanded precise sequencing, structural reinforcement, and close coordination among trades to seamlessly connect old and new construction. Upgrading the building to meet current life-safety, accessibility, and energy-performance standards, while accommodating multiple tenants with diverse programmatic needs, added significant complexity. Construction was further challenged by the need to maintain quality craftsmanship across both restored and newly constructed elements.

Quality assurance was achieved through continuous on-site coordination, regular inspections, mockups, and strong communication between the owner, contractor, and design team. The result is a carefully executed project that balances technical complexity with durability and performance, delivering a well-crafted, resilient facility that will serve the Austin community for generations.

• 303 safety orientations completed on site
• 70 workers on site at project peak (October 2024, interestingly. Lots of carpenters!)
• 86,346 total man-hours worked
• 2 recordable incidents during construction

The Aspire Center has had a transformative impact on Chicago’s Austin community by converting a long-abandoned school into a vibrant, inclusive civic hub that directly supports economic mobility and neighborhood stability. Once a visible symbol of disinvestment, the building now serves as a shared resource where residents can access workforce training, financial services, legal support, and community programming in one welcoming location.

Inclusion was foundational to the project’s vision and execution. Guided by the Austin Quality of Life Plan, the project prioritized resident-defined needs and outcomes from the earliest stages. The design and development team partnered closely with Austin Coming Together and the Westside Health Authority, honoring their leadership and local expertise. Community input shaped both programming and architectural decisions, ensuring the building feels accessible, safe, and dignified for all users.

Architectural features reinforce this commitment to inclusion. A transparent, light-filled lobby, an off-axis reception desk that avoids creating barriers, universally accessible paths of travel, and activated outdoor green space all contribute to a sense of welcome and belonging. By reducing physical and psychological barriers to essential services, the Aspire Center strengthens trust, fosters connection, and reinforces community pride. The project stands as a model for equitable development, demonstrating how thoughtful design, authentic partnership, and inclusive process can create lasting social and economic impact.

The Aspire Center has had a measurable and meaningful impact on quality of life in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, an area that has long faced economic disinvestment and limited access to coordinated services. Since opening, the project has quickly become a hub for inclusion, connection, and opportunity, demonstrating how place-based investment can translate into real outcomes for residents.

In its first three months of operation, the Hub at Aspire, powered by Austin Coming Together, doubled the number of case management intakes year-over-year and connected more than 80 individuals to critical services across Austin. The building has also strengthened the neighborhood’s service ecosystem, hosting over 100 in-person partner meetings and significantly expanding collaboration among workforce, health, and social service providers.

The Aspire Center has accelerated access to workforce and education pathways. JARC experienced a 60% increase in weekly information session attendance following the ACWI grand opening, and since relocating to Aspire, the Jane Addams Resource Corporation has seen higher participation than ever before. New programs launched within the building further reflect its inclusive impact: Austin Coming Together and ScaleLIT introduced digital literacy courses serving two cohorts in 2025, while JARC and the Westside Health Authority established a forklift training program expected to serve three cohorts, 30 individuals, in the same year.

Beyond services, Aspire has become a place of community life. Events such as 3-on-3 basketball tournaments at PopFit and emergency food distribution pop-ups, serving over 1,550 households in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, activate the site and meet immediate needs. By December 2025, ACWI will have hosted multiple large-scale community events and convened civic leaders, reinforcing Aspire’s role as a neighborhood anchor.

Together, these outcomes demonstrate how the Aspire Center improves quality of life by expanding access, strengthening networks, and creating inclusive opportunities that support economic stability and community well-being.

The Aspire Center is a strong candidate for the CBC Equity Champion Award because equity was not an outcome of the project, it was its foundation. From vision through delivery, the project demonstrates how intentional partnership, inclusive design, and measurable outcomes can advance opportunity in an economically disadvantaged community.

Located in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, the Aspire Center was shaped directly by the Austin Quality of Life Plan, a resident-led framework defining priorities for economic mobility, access to services, and neighborhood stability. Rather than imposing an external agenda, the project team partnered with Austin Coming Together and the Westside Health Authority as true community experts, allowing local leadership to guide decisions at every stage. This commitment ensured the project responded to real needs while building trust that had been earned over time.

Inclusion and accessibility are embedded throughout the design. A transparent, light-filled lobby, an off-axis reception desk that avoids creating barriers, universally accessible paths, and activated public green space were all informed by community input to balance welcome, dignity, and safety. The building brings workforce training, financial services, legal support, and nonprofit organizations together under one roof, reducing physical and psychological barriers for residents who historically faced fragmented or inaccessible systems.

The impact is measurable. Within months of opening, the Aspire Center doubled case management intakes, connected dozens of residents to services, expanded workforce training participation, launched new digital literacy and skills programs, and hosted food distribution and community events serving thousands of households. These outcomes reflect not just a building, but a platform for equity in action.

Aspire demonstrates exceptional commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, proving that when communities lead and design teams listen, architecture can be a catalyst for lasting, equitable change.

The Aux is a commercial hub of local, Black-owned businesses and organizations in the community dedicated to healing, wellness, and racial equity. The facility, which was co-created with the community, includes ten small business tenant spaces, five pop-up spaces for market vendors, five co-working spaces, offices and Zoom booths, outdoor gardens and green space, and a central gathering and programming space.
This was a renovated potato factory which repurposed building materials in order to minimize waste and reduce costs.
Some of the challenges with accomplishing this included multiple design revisions for the power to the building and being creative in order to succeed with using existing ComEd facilities. We did not experience and safety issues during this project.

The Aux was created from a vacant factory where vegetables were once processed into a high-quality community asset. By reactivating the dormant property and recycling building materials, when possible, the project is returning an unusable facility to productive use while maximizing the positive environmental impact of the renovated space. Some of the tenant spaces include, the laundry cafe, a private gym, movement studio and treatment rooms for physical therapy and massage.

The project team repurposed a building that wasn’t usable anymore. We accomplished this by using existing pieces and parts of the building wherever we could to minimize waste such as utilizing the existing ComEd facilities to minimize cost and time and also making modifications to minimize The Aux’s impact on stormwater runoff.

Some of the challenges with accomplishing this included multiple design revisions for the power to the building and being creative in order to succeed with using existing ComEd facilities.

During the duration of the project we had no safety incidences

The Aux was developed by a small group of community members driven to strengthen the community in partnership with a local nonprofit sponsor, The Growing Season, and Fix Development, which specializes in leveraging real estate projects as a tool for social change The Aux is a gathering space where people come to heal; it’s a reconnection of community. The hub includes several businesses that the developers want high school students to utilize.
“The name came from asking the question, what do Black people usually use to connect? And a friend of mine said music; we were in the car at the time, and it kind of reminded us of the auxiliary cord. And so the aux is short for auxiliary cord and it’s kind of a symbol of what we, as people, use to connect. This project is going to help tackle racial gaps in real estate, boost the local economy, build community wealth, and enhance community health”. – Tosha Wilson; Co-Developer

The Aux is a commercial hub of local, Black-owned businesses and organizations in the community dedicated to healing, wellness, and racial equity. The facility, which was co-created with the community, includes ten small business tenant spaces, five pop-up spaces for market vendors, five co-working spaces, offices and Zoom booths, outdoor gardens and green space, and a central gathering and programming space.

The Aux is a commercial hub of local, Black-owned businesses and organizations in the community dedicated to healing, wellness, and racial equity. The facility, which was co-created with the community, includes ten small business tenant spaces, five pop-up spaces for market vendors, five co-working spaces, offices and Zoom booths, outdoor gardens and green space, and a central gathering and programming space.

The Northwest Center + Northwest Side CDC project is a 5,850 square foot addition and renovation to an existing 4,500 square foot single-story building in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood. The building consolidates financial counseling, small-business incubation, youth programming, and public engagement under one roof, improving access to essential services for low- to moderate-income residents.

The addition maximizes the potential of the site by rising above the existing building. Doing this creates a building that reinforces the street edge, and has a bolder presence in the community. The interior features flexible layouts, ADA-compliant upgrades, open vertical circulation, and energy-efficient systems that reflect the organizations’ commitment to equity, inclusion, and long-term resiliency.

Bringing the existing building and the addition together to function seamlessly as one building presented some challenges in the design and construction process. This included structurally stabilizing the existing building, upgrading its systems to be more energy efficient, and detailing connections to create a tight building envelope. To achieve this vision, it was important to work with a General Contractor that had years of experience in retrofit projects. Their expertise ensured a safe working environment.

When Northwest Center sought to expand to include the operations of the NWSCDC, the initial plan was to move into a separate building. However, after careful consideration, the design team took a more sustainable and creative approach: preserving the existing building and expanding upward to create space for NWSCDC. This move presented a unique design challenge: how to give each organization its space, while also having a unified front and a connection between. The design team addressed this challenge with a shared lobby on the ground level, where visitors are appropriately directed to the services they seek. The lobby features a central, light-filled atrium with a sculptural staircase that connects the first-floor Northwest Center offices to the second-floor NWSCDC offices.

The building’s color and material concept is inspired by Belmont Cragin’s proud Mexican heritage. Drawing from the decorative tradition of papel picado, the building uses perforated metal panels on the exterior to shade and filter light. Inside, this motif appears in the stair railing panels and space dividers. A bold palette of orange and blue-gray reinforces the building’s civic identity and reflects the vibrancy of the community it serves.

Building over an existing building and connecting it to the old presented a few challenges to the project. The existing, old and fragile building needed to be treated delicately where it transitions to the addition. Structurally, this meant supporting the raised volume independent of the old building. The second floor straddles the existing volume, so this required beams to span across that length. Where a column had to be placed in the existing space, it was positioned strategically so as to not disrupt circulation and the fictionality of the ground floor. The mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems needed to be unified; therefore, parts of the existing system were selectively upgraded, and the rest preserved.

Detailing the building envelope to provide a tight building enclosure presented another challenge. One critical area is where the addition goes over the roof of the old building. The old roof is undisturbed to minimize demolition and unnecessary complex construction. Therefore, the construction had to be cleverly sequenced to properly enclose the underside of the second floor. Where the previous building exterior transitions to being in the interior lobby spaces, material transitions were carefully detailed and constructed.

To achieve the goals of this project, the team prioritized partnering with a General Contractor experienced in retrofit and renovation work, where construction occurs within and around existing structures. This expertise was critical to maintaining a strong safety record, as the project required the existing building to remain fully stabilized while a substantial new volume was constructed above it along the street edge. From early planning through execution, areas of elevated risk were clearly identified and addressed through careful sequencing and coordination between design and construction teams. This proactive approach ensured the safety of workers on site while protecting the integrity of the existing building throughout all phases of construction.

Belmont Cragin is a neighborhood characterized by a young demographic and an immigrant working class population. One of the greatest challenges the residents face is housing instability due to rising property taxes and overcrowding. Designed to support the shared mission of the Northwest Center and the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (NWSCDC), this project creates more office, meeting, and community spaces that advance affordable housing preservation, displacement prevention, and local business support. The renovation and addition create a 10,350 SF facility that serves as a centralized hub for economic development, financial counseling, small-business incubation, youth programming, and public engagement, allowing low- to moderate- income residents of the community to access a broad range of essential services under one roof. Residents can be acutely directed to the right office(s) to address their specific needs. The building’s present is also a symbol in the community, as it reflects the organizations’ commitment to equity, inclusion, and long-term resiliency.

This project represents far more than a physical transformation—it is a powerful example of community-driven design, collaboration, and investment in neighborhood stability. The building now serves as a hub for economic development, financial counseling, small business incubation, youth programs, and public engagement, allowing residents to access essential services under one roof. With a better working environment and new technologies, residents of the community are better connected with the aid they need to overcome. Overall, this building project is supporting the increased need for Northwest Center and NWSCDC’s services and allows for us to better serve our community.

The end result is a building that reflects and strengthens the fabric of our community—a visible symbol of what equitable development can achieve when architects, nonprofit partners, and residents work together toward a shared vision. Seek Design not only brought creative and technical excellence to this project, but also a deep respect for community voice and long-term neighborhood sustainability.

This project demonstrates how architecture can be a direct tool for advancing equity, inclusion, and long-term neighborhood stability in an under-resourced community. Located in Belmont Cragin, a predominantly Hispanic immigrant population, the project responds to a family-oriented, working-class community facing high economic vulnerability, rising displacement pressures, and limited access to affordable housing and support services.

The team partnered with Northwest Center and the NWSCDC to deliver a facility that directly addresses barriers to opportunity. The building is an inclusive hub for economic development, financial counseling, small business support, youth programming, and public engagement. The consolidation of these resources in one building reduces logistical barriers, increases accessibility, and strengthens trust between service providers and the community they serve.

By expanding and investing in a better working environment, the project enhances the capacity of local organizations to meet growing community needs and extend their reach to underrepresented populations. The design reinforces neighborhood presence and stability, countering the current displacement trends in the neighborhood. The result is a building that reflects the lived realities of the residents, while actively strengthening the community’s social and economic fabric.

The Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters is a transformative adaptive reuse of a former industrial soda factory into a state-of-the-art construction workforce training center and social enterprise hub in East Garfield Park, Chicago. Revolution Workshop’s mission is to reduce inequity by providing under- and unemployed residents with construction training that leads to financial stability, while addressing the industry’s skilled labor shortage through a diverse, job-ready workforce.

This $4.95 million renovation revitalized approximately 14,450 square feet of existing industrial structure while preserving the building’s historic character defining features. Design creativity is evident in the reorganization of interior spaces to separate high-noise shop areas from quiet classrooms and offices, the introduction of daylighting through new skylights and openings, and the insertion of efficient conditioned mezzanines within the original long-span bow trusses.

Unlike many community-based projects where engagement begins during design, this facility evolved from Revolution Workshop’s long-standing presence in the neighborhood. The organization has operated in East Garfield Park for more than seven years, using the space daily to train and employ local residents. As a result, the building’s program directly reflects how trainees, instructors, and staff already learn, work, and gather.

The project required extensive structural rehabilitation and modernization of electrical, HVAC, and life-safety systems to support industry-grade training environments. Completed with a strong emphasis on safety and coordination, the Headquarters now anchors workforce development on Chicago’s West Side and represents a lasting investment in a historically under-resourced community.

The design of the Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters is grounded in lived experience rather than abstraction. Because Revolution Workshop had occupied and operated within the building for years prior to renovation, the design process was informed by firsthand knowledge of how the space functioned day to day and where it needed to grow. This embedded understanding allowed the design team to move beyond conventional engagement strategies and focus on refining a space already central to the community.

Architecturally, the project preserves and celebrates the original long-span bow-truss structure, using it as a framework for inserting mezzanines that expand program capacity while maintaining the openness of the industrial volume. New skylights and wall openings introduce daylight deep into the building, improving comfort and energy performance.

Interior materials balance durability with warmth, referencing the building’s industrial past while signaling its new purpose as a place of learning, opportunity, and belonging. The result is a facility that feels authentic to its users—functional, welcoming, and deeply aligned with Revolution Workshop’s mission.

Transforming an aging industrial building into a modern training facility required navigating significant construction and coordination challenges. The Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters demanded extensive structural rehabilitation, full upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and life-safety systems, and the integration of accessible circulation within a shell never designed for public use.

Unforeseen conditions, including deteriorated structural elements, required responsive engineering solutions and close collaboration between the owner, architect, and construction team. At the same time, the project faced rising construction costs and supply-chain constraints, requiring disciplined sequencing and budget management.

Adding to this complexity was Revolution Workshop’s commitment to engaging Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise subcontractors wherever possible. Coordinating multiple trades within a tight urban site while maintaining quality and schedule underscores the technical rigor and execution required to deliver this adaptive reuse project successfully.

Safety was treated as a core responsibility throughout construction of the Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters. A project-specific safety approach guided all phases of work and emphasized proactive planning, coordination among trades, and clear communication on site.

Safety practices included regular coordination meetings, clearly delineated work zones during phased construction, and adherence to applicable OSHA standards and contractor safety protocols. These measures supported safe working conditions while maintaining steady progress on a complex renovation project. No injuries were reported during the project.

The emphasis on safety reflects Revolution Workshop’s broader commitment to modeling best practices within the construction industry—particularly important for a facility dedicated to training the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

The Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters reflects a fundamentally different relationship between project, developer, and community. In many projects, architects and developers must establish trust with neighborhoods they are entering for the first time. In this case, Revolution Workshop is not an outside presence—it has been physically embedded in East Garfield Park for more than seven years, serving residents through construction training, employment, and long-term investment.

Because of this sustained presence, community engagement was not a discrete phase of the project, but an ongoing condition. The building was shaped by the daily experiences of trainees, instructors, and staff who already relied on the space. Design and program decisions responded directly to how people learn, work, and gather, resulting in a facility that supports stability, dignity, and belonging.

The project anchors a growing workforce development corridor along the Green Line, improves the Lake Street streetscape, and signals permanence in a neighborhood long affected by disinvestment. Inclusion was prioritized in both process and outcome, resulting in a facility designed to be accessible, welcoming, and supportive of all users. Ultimately, the project represents a lasting commitment—not a one-time intervention—demonstrating how adaptive reuse can deliver enduring community impact.

The Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters is a strong candidate for the CBC Community Impact Award because it delivers sustained, place-based benefit to an economically disadvantaged community through long-term presence, investment, and opportunity creation. Located in East Garfield Park, a neighborhood shaped by decades of disinvestment, the project directly responds to community needs for access to quality jobs, skills training, and visible reinvestment.

Revolution Workshop has been embedded in the neighborhood for more than seven years, providing construction training, transitional employment, and stability for local residents. Because of this long-standing presence, the facility was shaped by lived experience rather than assumption, responding directly to how people learn, work, and gather. The completed Headquarters now serves as a permanent anchor for workforce development along the Green Line, bringing daily economic activity and strengthening connections with local employers and partners.

The project also improves quality of life through inclusive, dignified design. Accessible layouts, wellness space, gender-inclusive restrooms, and dedicated trainee amenities create a supportive environment for individuals facing systemic barriers to employment. Together, these outcomes demonstrate how adaptive reuse can deliver lasting community impact by pairing physical investment with human-centered programming and long-term commitment.

The Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters is a strong candidate for the CBC Equity Champion Award because equity guided both the process and outcomes of the project. Revolution Workshop served as owner, developer, and general contractor, intentionally using the project as a platform to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within the construction industry.

More than 95 percent of subcontractors engaged on the project were Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, and the architect, Future Firm, is a certified minority- and women-owned firm. Achieving this level of participation required proactive outreach, close coordination, and flexibility—particularly within the constraints of a complex adaptive reuse project—and demonstrates that equity-centered procurement can be successfully executed at scale.

Equity is also embedded in the facility itself. The design supports individuals historically excluded from the trades through accessible circulation, gender-inclusive restrooms, wellness space, and amenities that prioritize dignity and belonging. As a construction training headquarters, the project models inclusive best practices for the very industry it serves, reinforcing the idea that equitable outcomes begin with equitable processes.

United Yards 1A is a catalyst for reinvestment on Chicago’s South Side, delivering 45 apartments of 100% affordable housing within a mixed-use, majority-electric development along the historic 47th Street corridor. The project advances high-quality, dignified affordable family housing, future youth-centered community space, and a revitalized public streetscape within the Back of the Yards neighborhood.

Conceived as both neighborhood infrastructure and a civic anchor, the building responds to its context through a terraced and carved massing strategy that reduces perceived scale while introducing landscape above the ground plane within a dense urban corridor. A bold architectural gesture—an inset, or “crack,” in the masonry—terraces across the street-facing façades and bows down to the corner, orchestrating a visual and spatial connection from the public realm to the building’s elevated community terrace and multi-purpose room, reinforcing its civic role and public-facing uses.

A biophilic façade strategy—paired with a palette of durable, light-toned masonry and textured metal panels selected for longevity and stewardship of public investment—draws inspiration from the terra cotta craftsmanship of nearby historic landmarks. Familiar materials are reinterpreted through contemporary detailing, establishing continuity with the past while signaling reinvestment and forward momentum.

As the first phase of the broader United Yards redevelopment and a key project within the INVEST South/West initiative, United Yards 1A demonstrates how architectural ambition, environmental responsibility, and community-centered planning can align to support long-term neighborhood vitality.

The design of United Yards 1A delivers 100% affordable housing within an architectural vision intended to excite, grounded in a rigorous, context- and community-driven design process. From the outset, the team set out to demonstrate that the Back of the Yards community deserves high-quality architecture—capable of catalyzing reinvestment while complementing the historic landmarks that define the 47th Street corridor. Drawing inspiration from the Goldblatt’s Building and the former Depositors Bank Building, known locally as the Rainbow Building, the project establishes a strong civic presence through a confident contemporary expression.

Prominently sited at 47th Street and Justine, the building employs a dynamic massing strategy that responds to the scale of its historic neighbors while asserting a clear identity along the corridor. A bold architectural gesture—an inset, or “crack,” in the masonry form—reveals planted terraces that step across the street-facing façades and bow down to the corner, orchestrating a visual and spatial connection from the public realm upward to the elevated community terrace and multi-purpose room. Additional terraced step-backs further reduce perceived mass while introducing biophilic elements through integrated planters and green screens, creating moments of light, air, and greenery within a dense urban environment.

Material exploration was central to the design process. Earth-toned masonry and textured metal panels draw from the terracotta craftsmanship of nearby landmark buildings, reinterpreted through contemporary detailing to balance continuity with forward momentum. Throughout the project, architectural ambition was carefully aligned with durability, sustainability, and cost discipline. Majority-electric systems, a high-performance envelope, and long-term adaptability were integrated to ensure environmental responsibility reinforced—rather than constrained—the design vision.

United Yards 1A required a high level of coordination and technical rigor to translate its architectural ambition into a durable, cost-effective building—all within a disciplined 15-month construction timeline. From early design through construction, the project team relied on comprehensive BIM coordination, regular OAC meetings, and energy modeling to align architectural intent with constructability, performance, and budget constraints.

A primary challenge was delivering the architectural vision established through the original City RFP while meeting the technical and financial realities of a 100% affordable housing project. The public review process placed a clear emphasis on affordability, architectural quality, and long-term durability along the 47th Street corridor. Maintaining this design intent—rather than value-engineering key elements away—required deliberate technical decisions and, particularly in the façade design, an acceptance of added complexity and cost to uphold the project’s civic and architectural commitments.

The building’s terraced massing and façade-integrated planters added significant construction complexity. Structural systems were evaluated for constructability and cost, with cast-in-place concrete selected for its ability to integrate structure and planter formation seamlessly. These exterior planters function much like “bathtubs,” incorporating internal drainage along the façade and requiring precise coordination between structural, enclosure, and landscape systems—an approach that would have been difficult or cost-prohibitive using alternative systems.

Given this complexity, robust waterproofing strategies were essential to long-term performance. Layered waterproofing assemblies, drainage systems, and enclosure details were developed through BIM and refined through close collaboration among the architect, structural engineer, waterproofing consultants, and general contractor.

Through disciplined coordination, early and continuous collaboration between the architect and general contracting team, and a firm commitment to design standards established by public stakeholders, the project team delivered a technically complex and architecturally ambitious building on an accelerated schedule—demonstrating that design excellence, public accountability, and construction efficiency can coexist within affordable housing development.

There are no known safety incidents to report on this project.

The planning and delivery of United Yards 1A both benefited from and contributed to the City of Chicago’s INVEST South/West corridor strategy. From the outset, the project engaged in multiple publicly hosted community meetings and roundtables convened by the Chicago Department of Planning & Development (DPD), bringing together residents, local stakeholders, business owners, and neighborhood organizations. These sessions—including virtual neighborhood roundtables held in May 2021, September 2022, and June 2023—provided critical platforms for community input along the 47th Street/Ashland corridor, helping shape development priorities while addressing concerns related to affordability, inclusion, and displacement.

The project also underwent review through the City’s Committee on Design, where an interdisciplinary panel of architects, planners, and civic leaders offered public design critique. This process reinforced transparency and accountability, strengthening the project’s architectural response while aligning design excellence with civic responsibility.

Following selection, the development team sustained its engagement through additional community meetings, listening sessions, and partner workshops. This continued dialogue informed refinements to United Yards 1A and guided the integration of the adjacent United Yards 1B phase within the ground floor of the historic Goldblatt’s Building. Community and stakeholder feedback directly shaped the expanded program, prioritizing community-driven, locally owned retail—including Back of the Yards Coffee, Araceli’s Bakery, a barbershop, and an apparel shop—and securing Friend Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center, as a neighborhood anchor.

By aligning program, design decisions, and public-realm improvements with the expectations embedded in INVEST South/West and the Committee on Design process, United Yards reflects a development shaped through sustained community partnership—advancing equity, access, local ownership, and long-term neighborhood vitality.

United Yards 1A is a strong candidate for the CBC Community Impact Award because it demonstrates how design excellence can be a catalyst for equity, dignity, and long-term reinvestment in an historically underinvested community. Located in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood, the project delivers 45 units of 100% affordable housing within a mixed-use, majority-electric building that intentionally brings world-class architecture to a corridor long shaped by disinvestment.

Rather than treating affordability as a limitation, the project embraced architectural ambition as a core strategy for community impact. United Yards 1A was conceived to signal that residents of underinvested neighborhoods deserve buildings of the same quality, durability, and civic presence typically reserved for higher-income areas. This commitment to design quality—reinforced through the City’s INVEST South/West initiative, public review processes, and the original RFP—resulted in a building that elevates everyday experience, reinforces neighborhood pride, and affirms the dignity of its residents.

For residents, the impact is both tangible and intangible. High-quality materials, daylight, greenery, and well-designed community spaces contribute to healthier living environments, improved mental well-being, and a stronger sense of belonging. For the broader neighborhood, the project establishes a visible standard for future development—demonstrating that new investment can enhance the public realm without displacement or erosion of community identity.

The project’s design quality has also played a catalytic role in broader reinvestment along the 47th Street corridor. United Yards 1A helped set the foundation for subsequent phases of the United Yards redevelopment, including community-serving retail and healthcare uses, while signaling to public and private partners that Back of the Yards is a place worthy of long-term investment. This alignment of design excellence, affordability, and public accountability reinforces investor confidence while keeping community benefit at the forefront.

By combining high-quality affordable housing, inclusive planning, and a commitment to architectural excellence, United Yards 1A demonstrates how design can function as critical neighborhood infrastructure—improving quality of life for current residents while supporting sustainable, equitable growth. This approach directly aligns with the CBC Community Impact Award’s focus on projects that deliver lasting, positive change in economically disadvantaged communities.

The United Yards 1A project team exemplifies the values of the CBC Equity Champion Award through an intentional, equity-centered partnership that embeds inclusion, diversity, and accountability across both project delivery and community impact. Central to this effort is the collaboration between Celadon Partners and Blackwood Group, a minority-owned development and general contracting firm, whose leadership and shared vision positioned equity as a foundational project principle rather than an ancillary goal.

From the outset, the partnership between Celadon Partners and Blackwood Group fostered inclusive leadership and shared accountability, aligning development, design, and construction decision-making around community benefit. Blackwood Group’s dual role as both developer and general contractor strengthened continuity between vision and execution, while elevating minority leadership within a complex, publicly supported development. This structure helped remove traditional barriers that often limit minority-owned firms’ participation in large-scale, catalytic projects.

The development team engaged deeply with residents, local stakeholders, and public agencies through the City’s INVEST South/West initiative, Committee on Design reviews, and multiple publicly hosted community meetings. This sustained outreach ensured that underrepresented voices directly informed programmatic priorities, design decisions, and public-realm investments—reinforcing transparency and trust throughout the process.

Equity leadership was further demonstrated through the team’s shared commitment to upholding the architectural and civic standards established in the City RFP, even when doing so required additional coordination, technical complexity, or cost. Celadon Partners and Blackwood Group jointly affirmed that underinvested communities deserve the same level of design quality, durability, and care afforded to more affluent neighborhoods—treating architectural excellence as an equity imperative rather than a luxury.

Beyond the construction site, the partnership advanced community-centered economic inclusion by supporting locally owned, minority-serving businesses and anchoring neighborhood services, including the integration of Friend Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center. These partnerships address systemic barriers to healthcare access, small business growth, and neighborhood stability while reinforcing local ownership and long-term community trust.

Through its leadership structure, inclusive engagement, and commitment to design excellence, the United Yards 1A team—led by Celadon Partners and minority-owned Blackwood Group—demonstrates how equitable development partnerships can elevate industry standards, expand opportunity, and deliver lasting impact. The project stands as a model for how the design and construction industry can actively advance a more inclusive and equitable future.

A New Model for Affordable, Equitable, and Sustainable Housing in Chicago

On Chicago’s Near West Side, two six-story, all-electric residential buildings introduce 140 mixed-income affordable apartments—public housing, affordable housing, and workforce housing—within a comprehensive master plan. Built on long-vacant land along a major arterial corridor, the project signals meaningful reinvestment while advancing a replicable model for resilient and equitable housing.

Efficiency and modern design thinking are tightly integrated. Standardized floor plans, structural systems, and mechanical infrastructure generate economies of scale, while each building maintains a distinct architectural identity—a unique “thumbprint.” Panelized façades respond to the speed of the arterial road, with smooth black panels emerging beneath grooved white panels in pixelated patterns that create rhythm and variation. A single window type reinforces disciplined economy, while layered textures enrich the composition.

The project challenges local norms through a fully electric central hot water system, eliminating on-site fossil fuels and supporting long-term resiliency and decarbonization goals. Conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic amid rapid cost escalation, the design leveraged a 2021 code amendment allowing PVC plumbing in buildings under 60 feet. Rather than compromising quality, floor-to-floor heights were adjusted and exposed ceiling concepts introduced, preserving spatial generosity and architectural clarity.

Accessibility and inclusion are embedded from the outset. Twenty percent of units meet Type A requirements, and five percent are Section 504-compliant. Equity also extends to the project team, with over ninety percent of design firms minority- and women-owned.

This project demonstrates that efficiency, sustainability, and design excellence can coexist—offering a replicable approach to dignified, resilient affordable housing.

Design Creativity with Constraint:

Roosevelt Square Phase 3B demonstrates design creativity through a disciplined, systems-based approach that balances architectural distinction with economic rigor. Innovation emerges from careful craft—leveraging constraint as a generative design tool.

The project consists of two six-story buildings that are identical in plan, structure, and mechanical organization. From project inception, the team established a unified systems framework—standardized unit layouts, structural and mechanical systems, and a single repeated window type—to maximize efficiency and constructability. Architectural identity is achieved through carefully composed, panelized façades, where each building is given a distinct “thumbprint” through layered, eroded, and pixelated expressions. These compositions respond to the speed and movement of Roosevelt Road, creating rhythm, scale, and visual depth while maintaining disciplined economy.

Regulatory constraints were similarly reframed as opportunities. Conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic amid rapid cost escalation, the project incorporated a 2021 code amendment permitting PVC plumbing in buildings under 60 feet, which required modest reductions to floor-to-floor heights late in the design process. Rather than compressing space, the team adjusted sectional relationships and introduced selective exposed ceilings and bold colored ceiling elements to create dramatic moments within the building corridors. These moves preserved spatial generosity while reinforcing a clear, deconstructed architectural language that expresses systems honestly and legibly.

The project also challenges local norms by pioneering a fully electric central hot water system, eliminating on-site fossil fuels and supporting long-term resiliency and decarbonization goals. This forward-looking strategy anticipates emerging carbon-neutral policies while maintaining affordability through high-performance envelopes, centralized systems, and energy performance exceeding code by more than 10 percent.

From community-scaled placemaking to system-level innovation, Roosevelt Square Phase 3B demonstrates how design excellence can emerge from clear priorities, repeatable systems, and constraint-driven creativity—quietly establishing a replicable model for equitable, resilient, and forward-thinking urban multifamily housing.

Project Challenges / Complexity of Construction

Roosevelt Square Phase 3B was designed and delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, amid significant cost escalation, supply-chain disruption, and labor uncertainty. Maintaining high construction quality under these conditions required a disciplined, systems-based approach, proactive construction management, and close coordination across all trades.

To manage complexity and control costs, the project was organized around a unified systems framework. Two six-story buildings—identical in plan, structure, and mechanical systems—were standardized to simplify coordination, procurement, and sequencing. Architectural distinction is achieved through differentiated panelized façades built around a single repeated window type. Through layering and erosion within a limited material palette, the façades create dynamic visual expressions that respond to the scale and energy of Roosevelt Road while remaining economical and constructible.

Late in the design process, economic pressures prompted a reduction of the building height to 60 feet, enabling the use of PVC plumbing under a 2021 code amendment. This shift required careful recalibration of floor-to-floor heights and intensive coordination among architectural, structural, and mechanical systems to maintain performance, durability, and spatial quality.

Additional complexity arose from public agency coordination, including the Planned Development approval process, City design reviews, and the integration of advanced sustainability strategies. Both buildings are fully electric, include 3 inches of continuous exterior insulation, and exceed energy code requirements by over 10 percent—adding technical coordination demands while supporting long-term operational efficiency.

Throughout construction, regular OAC meetings, early trade engagement, and continuous quality-control reviews ensured design intent was maintained despite market volatility and logistical challenges. Through clear priorities, repeatable systems, and collaborative delivery, Roosevelt Square Phase 3B transformed economic and regulatory constraints into a high-quality, resilient, and architecturally expressive project.

There are no known safety incidents to report on these buildings.

Impact on the Community & Inclusion:

Roosevelt Square Phase 3B is part of a long-term master plan focused on reinvestment and opportunity on Chicago’s Near West Side. In addition to delivering mixed-income housing, the project was intentionally structured to extend its impact beyond the buildings themselves and into the community.

Construction was led by 100 percent minority-owned general contracting firms, aligning project delivery with the master plan’s equity goals. Through a partnership with Hire360, the team supported workforce development by recruiting and preparing candidates for union trade apprenticeship programs, helping create pathways to stable, long-term careers in the construction trades.

The same commitment to inclusion guided the composition of the design and consultant team. More than 90 percent of the design team under the Architect of Record was composed of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, including over 80 percent Minority Business Enterprise participation—well above the project’s 30 percent M/W/DBE goal. This outcome reflects a deliberate effort to elevate underrepresented firms and voices within the architecture and construction professions.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate how Roosevelt Square Phase 3B advances the master plan’s vision of equitable development—where high-quality housing, inclusive economic participation, and community investment move forward together.

The General contracting teams that led Roosevelt Square 3B was composed of 100% minority-led firms and collaborated with Hire 360 in order to recruit candidates into union trades apprenticeship programs and prepare them for work opportunities on the project. Additionally, this project demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the architecture profession through the intentional composition of its design team. Over 90% of the team is comprised of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs), including more than 80% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation—significantly surpassing the project’s stated goal of 30% M/W/DBE involvement. This outcome reflects not only a project-level priority, but also a broader effort to elevate underrepresented voices and firms within the architectural industry

Impact on the Community & Inclusion:

The General contracting teams that led Roosevelt Square 3B was composed of 100% minority-led firms and collaborated with Hire 360 in order to recruit candidates into union trades apprenticeship programs and prepare them for work opportunities on the project. Additionally, this project demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the architecture profession through the intentional composition of its design team. Over 90% of the team is comprised of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs), including more than 80% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation—significantly surpassing the project’s stated goal of 30% M/W/DBE involvement. This outcome reflects not only a project-level priority, but also a broader effort to elevate underrepresented voices and firms within the architectural industry

Lakeview Landing is a six-story, 37-unit affordable housing development created through a partnership between Lakeview Lutheran Church and Over the Rainbow Association, reflecting how thoughtful design, construction excellence, and a commitment to safety and inclusion can create lasting community impact. The team shared a vision: to deliver universally accessible, high-quality housing in a dense urban environment while honoring the site’s role as a neighborhood anchor.

Design creativity is defined by a commitment to universal accessibility. Residential units and shared spaces were designed to eliminate barriers, featuring open floor plans, accessible kitchens and bathrooms, and barrier-free circulation. The first-floor community space provides a fully accessible, flexible environment for residents, Lakeview Lutheran Church, and neighborhood groups.

Construction required technical expertise due to constrained footprint, limited staging space, and proximity to active overhead power lines, demanding precise sequencing, planning, and close coordination. Safety was embedded by daily Jobsite Safety Analyses, weekly coordination meetings, and ongoing inspections.

Beyond construction, the project delivers lasting community impact by expanding access to affordable, fully accessible housing and preserving the site’s legacy through a community space that supports inclusion and connection.

The design vision for Lakeview Landing was rooted in the belief that accessibility, community, and architectural quality should coexist seamlessly. The design of Lakeview Landing was driven by an innovative vision centered on universal accessibility, thoughtful urban integration, and meaningful space for the entire community to use. From the earliest planning stages, the project team set out to create a built environment that would serve a wide range of physical abilities while also strengthening neighborhood connections between residents, community organizations, and local congregations.

A defining element of the project’s design creativity is its commitment to universal ADA standards throughout the entire building. Every unit and shared space was intentionally designed to eliminate barriers and promote independence for residents and the general of all physical abilities, resulting in a residential environment that feels inclusive, dignified, and functional for all. Residential units feature open floor plans that enhance mobility and adaptability, accessible kitchens with thoughtfully selected appliances, bathrooms with roll-in showers and designed with generous turning radii to accommodate wheelchairs and assistive devices. Building access and circulation are further enhanced through the use of automatic doors and key fob entry systems, promoting both ease of use and security for residents.

The first-floor community space further exemplifies the project’s people-centered design approach. Designed for shared use by residents, Lakeview Lutheran Church who provided the land for the development, and other community groups this space required thoughtful planning to support multiple functions while remaining welcoming, flexible, and fully accessible. The resulting communal area strengthens neighborhood connections and extends the project’s impact beyond housing, reinforcing its role as a community asset.

Structurally, the project employed a hybrid construction approach to maximize functionality on a constrained urban site. A concrete platform construction system was used through the second floor, allowing for parking at ground level and minimizing the building footprint. Above the second-floor concrete deck, the structure transitions to a steel-framed system through the sixth floor, enabling the required residential density while maintaining efficiency and constructability of the accessible living spaces.

Additional design complexity was introduced through the exterior façade system. The building features Swiss Pearl fiber cement panels, a specialty material sourced overseas that required precise coordination and extended lead times. Due to the custom nature of the panels, the exterior envelope had to be fully completed and digitally scanned before fabrication could begin, ensuring exact tolerances and dimensions. This highly sequence-dependent and time-intensive process demanded close collaboration among the project team, fabricators, and installers to maintain schedule alignment while achieving the desired architectural expression. The result is a clean, contemporary façade that elevates the building’s visual identity and reflects a high level of craftsmanship.

Together, these creative strategies resulted in a building that successfully blends form and function—delivering an inclusive, community-oriented, and visually compelling development. Lakeview Landing stands as a strong example of how thoughtful design, technical innovation, and collaboration can transform constraints into opportunities and elevate both the aesthetic and functional quality of affordable, accessible housing.

Lakeview Landing was delivered within a highly constrained urban site that required careful planning, disciplined execution, and constant attention to safety, logistics, and quality throughout construction.

One of the primary challenges was the building’s close proximity to active overhead power lines along the west side of the site. Because the lines could not be relocated, construction in this area required enhanced safety measures, protective planning, and slow, deliberate execution for all trades working on site.

The projects tight site and dense, high-traffic location of the project – located in Wrigleyville within blocks of the stadium – posed logistical challenges throughout planning and construction. There were next to no options for laydown area for material and contractor parking. To mitigate this challenge, the project team utilized just-in-time delivery of material which requires careful coordination and constant communication to ensure timely delivery at the precise time for them to be installed. In addition, the site logistics and temporary facilities had to be revisited and maintained constantly during each unique phase of construction to allow the work to be executed, while keeping public walkways and roadways open and safe for the surrounding community. Construction activities were further impacted because the site is located 2 blocks from Wrigley Field. On game days, road closures cut off access to the job site, requiring careful planning and coordination to ensure that the construction schedule was met.

Additional complexity was introduced by the exterior façade system. Lakeview Landing utilized Swiss Pearl fiber cement panels, a specialty material sourced overseas with a significant lead time. Due to the custom nature of this material, the manufacturer required the exterior envelope of the building to be fully completed and digitally scanned before panels could be fabricated to exact tolerances and dimensions. This highly sequence-dependent and time-intensive process required close coordination between the project team, fabricators, and installers to ensure accuracy and maintain schedule alignment.
Due to compressed schedules and minimal tolerance for error, quality control remained a top priority throughout construction. The project team implemented rigorous quality management practices, recognizing that rework was not an option under the schedule constraints. All quality issues were documented and tracked in Procore until fully resolved, reviewed at subcontractor meetings, and assigned to responsible parties to ensure accountability and consistent standards across all phases of work.

Lakeview Landing exemplifies Powers and Sons Construction’s ability to navigate complex site constraints, logistical challenges, procurement and installation of specialty materials, and working in safety-critical conditions—while delivering a carefully executed, high-quality project. Our team was able to achieve this outcome through thoughtful planning, proactive communication, and disciplined execution. The result is a high-quality, thoughtfully constructed development that is pivotal to the community.

Safety was a top priority throughout the Lakeview Landing project and was embedded into every phase of construction. Onsite coordination meetings were held weekly, with safety consistently addressed as the first agenda item to reinforce expectations and accountability across all trades.

Each trade completed Jobsite Safety Analysis (JSA) forms daily, documenting both general and task-specific safety considerations tied to that day’s activities. In addition, safety planning sessions and pre-installation meetings were conducted with each trade prior to the start of work to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks before operations began.

Daily safety inspections were conducted by all subcontractors, third-party safety consultants, and the Powers & Sons onsite team throughout the duration of the project. As a result of this proactive, collaborative approach, the Lakeview Landing project was completed with no safety incidents. Consistent inspections, thorough planning, and a shared commitment to safety by all parties contributed to an outstanding safety record and exemplifies Powers & Sons’ culture where safety is never compromised.

Lakeview Landing was developed through a long-standing partnership between Lakeview Lutheran Church and Over the Rainbow Association (OTR), grounded in a shared commitment to dignity, independence, and inclusion. Founded in 1974 by parents of children with mobility impairments, Over the Rainbow was created in response to a critical gap in housing for adults with physical disabilities who are mentally alert but had limited options for independent living once family care was no longer possible. Since its founding, OTR has developed 14 fully accessible apartment communities across Northern Illinois, each rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live independently with dignity.

That shared mission guided years of collaboration between OTR and Lakeview Lutheran Church. To make the project possible, the church donated its site to Over the Rainbow, preserving a meaningful neighborhood presence while enabling a new, inclusive housing development to take shape. The project also received funding support from the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the Chicago Housing Authority, demonstrating how public and nonprofit partnerships can come together to address complex housing needs. Lakeview Landing stands as a powerful example of the impact that can be achieved when organizations align around a common purpose.

Designed and built with intention, Lakeview Landing expands access to accessible, affordable, and truly inclusive housing in Chicago. The six-story residential development provides 37 fully accessible apartments created specifically for individuals with physical disabilities—addressing a critical and often unmet need for housing that supports both independence and long-term affordability.

Accessibility is foundational to the project’s design. Lakeview Landing was intentionally planned to exceed ADA accessibility standards, delivering true barrier-free living throughout every residence and shared space. Guided by universal design principles, unit layouts prioritize clear circulation paths, wider doorways, accessible kitchens and bathrooms, and adaptable living environments that accommodate a wide range of mobility needs without compromising comfort or aesthetics of any space. Common areas, entrances, and vertical circulation were designed to be intuitive, safe, and easily navigable, supporting resident autonomy, dignity, security, and independence throughout the building.

Affordability is a core component of the project’s impact. Rents at Lakeview Landing are capped for households earning up to 30 percent of the Area Median Income, ensuring access for residents with the greatest housing needs. For a one-person household, this equates to an income threshold of approximately $25,200, helping to remove financial barriers while providing stable, long-term housing.

Lakeview Landing’s location further enhances its inclusive impact. Proximity to public transit, healthcare providers, retail establishments, and essential services enables residents to manage daily needs independently, reduce transportation costs, and participate fully in community life. This connectivity supports resident autonomy, reduces isolation, and promotes long-term well-being.

The project’s impact extends well beyond its residential units. A ground-floor community room serves as a shared neighborhood asset, functioning as a worship space for Lakeview Lutheran Church while also hosting community gatherings and programs throughout the week. This multi-use space strengthens neighborhood connections and reinforces Lakeview Landing as a place of belonging—not only for residents, but for the broader community.

Equity was also embedded in the delivery of the project. Powers & Sons Construction is a 100% minority-owned, third-generation, family-owned construction firm with a 59-year legacy of advancing inclusive business practices. Our founder, Mamon Powers, Sr. said “Lift as you climb. It’s the responsibility of each of us to climb upwards on our own, and to reach behind and help others.” We have a rich history of inclusive business operations and subcontracting initiatives and – as a growing minority-owned business – we understand the importance of diversity initiatives to support other diverse firms entering the construction market.

As a result, Lakeview Landing achieved 23.47% MBE participation, 9.53% WBE participation, and 47.79% local hiring—outcomes driven by early outreach, transparent and thoughtful bid packaging, and sustained engagement with diverse subcontractors and suppliers throughout construction to identify other opportunities for diverse vendor participation in all phases of the work.
Our good faith efforts to achieve project diversity participation goals are ongoing. Powers & Sons maintains and continuously expands a robust internal diverse subcontractor and supplier database, reviews state resources to identify new firms entering the market and actively fosters connections within the diverse contracting community to support long-term growth beyond a single project.

In addition, Powers & Sons partnered with trusted workforce and community organizations—including Chicago Women in Trades, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, HIRE360, the We Can Build It Consortium, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Revolution Workshop, and local aldermen’s offices—to promote local hiring and workforce development.

Through close collaboration with ownership, designers, and community stakeholders, Powers & Sons Construction helped deliver a project that removes barriers—physical, economic, and social—while strengthening neighborhood ties. Lakeview Landing demonstrates how inclusive design, affordability, and community partnership can come together to create lasting social impact, setting a meaningful precedent for equitable urban development in Chicago. 

Lakeview Landing is a strong candidate for the CBC Community Impact Award because it delivers measurable, lasting impact by removing physical, economic, and social barriers to housing—while strengthening community connections and improving quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities in Chicago.

At the heart of the project is a mission-driven partnership between Over the Rainbow Association (OTR) and Lakeview Lutheran Church. Founded in 1974 by parents of mobility-impaired children, Over the Rainbow was created to address the absence of dignified, independent housing options for adults with physical disabilities who are mentally alert. Since its founding, OTR has developed 14 fully accessible apartment communities across Northern Illinois, each grounded in the belief that independence, affordability, and dignity should be accessible to all. Lakeview Lutheran Church advanced that mission by donating its church site to make Lakeview Landing possible—ensuring that the development could move forward while preserving an active, meaningful presence within the neighborhood. Together, these partners exemplify how community-centered leadership can drive inclusive development.

The six-story residential development provides 37 fully accessible apartments created specifically for individuals with physical disabilities—addressing a critical shortage of housing that supports both independence and affordability.

Accessibility is foundational to the project’s impact. Lakeview Landing was designed to exceed ADA accessibility standards, delivering true barrier-free living throughout every residence and shared space. Guided by universal design principles, the building prioritizes clear circulation paths, wider doorways, accessible kitchens and bathrooms, and adaptable unit layouts that accommodate a wide range of physical abilities without compromising comfort or architectural quality.

Lakeview Landing’s impact extends beyond its residential mission. The ground-floor community room serves as a shared neighborhood asset, functioning as worship space for Lakeview Lutheran Church while also hosting community gatherings and programs throughout the week. This multi-use space preserves an important neighborhood presence and strengthens social connections, reinforcing the development as a place of belonging for both residents and the surrounding community.

Lakeview Landing’s location further enhances its inclusive impact. Proximity to public transit, healthcare providers, retail establishments, and essential services enables residents to manage daily needs independently, reduce transportation costs, and participate fully in community life. This connectivity supports resident autonomy, reduces isolation, and promotes long-term well-being.

Affordability is a core component of the project’s impact. Rents at Lakeview Landing are capped for households earning up to 30 percent of the Area Median Income, removing financial barriers while providing stable, long-term housing.

Through close collaboration with ownership, designers, and community stakeholders, Powers & Sons Construction helped deliver a project that removes barriers—physical, economic, and social—while strengthening neighborhood ties. Lakeview Landing demonstrates how inclusive design, affordability, and community partnership can come together to create lasting social impact, setting a meaningful precedent for equitable urban development in Chicago. Its lasting benefits to residents, neighbors, and the broader community make it a strong candidate for the CBC Community Impact Award.

Lakeview Landing exemplifies how intentional development can advance equity, accessibility, and opportunity while delivering meaningful, lasting impact to the surrounding community. From concept through construction, the project reflects a holistic commitment to inclusion—both in the building itself and in the way it was delivered.

Developed as a fully accessible, community-centered residential project, Lakeview Landing provides 37 universally designed apartments that support independent living for individuals of all abilities. The project addresses a critical need for high-quality, affordable, and accessible housing, ensuring residents can live independently while remaining connected to essential healthcare services, community resources, and neighborhood support systems. In addition, the ground-floor community space serves as a shared asset—functioning as a place of worship on Sundays and a gathering space for neighborhood organizations throughout the week—reinforcing the project’s role as a true community anchor.

Equity was also embedded in the delivery of the project. Powers & Sons Construction is a 100% minority-owned, third-generation, family-owned construction firm with a 59-year legacy of advancing inclusive business practices. Our founder, Mamon Powers, Sr. said “Lift as you climb. It’s the responsibility of each of us to climb upwards on our own, and to reach behind and help others.” We have a rich history of inclusive business operations and subcontracting initiatives and – as a growing minority-owned business – we understand the importance of diversity initiatives to support other diverse firms entering the construction market.

As a result, Lakeview Landing achieved 23.47% MBE participation, 9.53% WBE participation, and 47.79% local hiring—outcomes driven by early outreach, transparent and thoughtful bid packaging, and sustained engagement with diverse subcontractors and suppliers throughout construction to identify other opportunities for diverse vendor participation in all phases of the work.

Our good faith efforts to achieve project diversity participation goals are ongoing. Powers & Sons maintains and continuously expands a robust internal diverse subcontractor and supplier database, reviews state resources to identify new firms entering the market and actively fosters connections within the diverse contracting community to support long-term growth beyond a single project.

In addition, Powers & Sons partnered with trusted workforce and community organizations—including Chicago Women in Trades, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, HIRE360, the We Can Build It Consortium, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Revolution Workshop, and local aldermen’s offices—to promote local hiring and workforce development.

Through its inclusive design, equitable construction practices, and deep community engagement, Lakeview Landing stands as a model for how projects can champion accessibility, diversity, and economic opportunity. These principles are reflected not only by what was built, but how it was built—making it an exceptionally deserving candidate for the CBC Equity Champion Award.