Founded in 1971 as a free medical clinic for Chicago’s Jewish community, The Ark has grown into a provider of comprehensive, wrap-around services for thousands of families in the Chicagoland area. After nearly 50 years since The Ark’s founding and 30 years at its California Avenue location, the organization had outgrown its facility, limiting its ability to deliver food assistance, healthcare access, and other social services. To meet the community’s expanded needs and prepare for the next 50 years, The Ark began planning renovations in 2017.

The Ark brought on Bulley & Andrews as the construction manager for the approximate 37,000 sq.ft. addition and renovation project. Eckenhoff Saunders Architects provided architecture, planning and interior design services.

The project features a two-story addition with a partial basement and significant interior renovations to the existing facility. Improvements focused on enhancing accessibility and life-safety code compliance, including the installation of a new elevator, egress stair, and a building-wide sprinkler system. The expanded headquarters allows The Ark to offer additional services and programs, improve operational efficiency, enhance client experience, and provide spaces that support confidentiality and staff collaboration.

The Ark’s neighborhood in West Rogers Park is characterized by brick bungalows and two-flats, larger multi-unit apartment buildings, schools, places of worship, and small businesses that serve the community. The Ark is nestled in this fabric, just north of the commercial spine of Devon Avenue, on California Avenue as the street transitions to residences.

The architecture is quietly distinctive, complementing its residential surroundings while also expressing an explicit “welcome” to its clients and neighbors.

To lend The Ark a unique but respectful identity, its masonry incorporated textured brick patterning, cast stone elements, and an intimate front entry canopy of wood and painted steel protecting the main entryway. Frosted and fritted double-height windows adjacent to the main entry suggest the presence of the public gathering spaces within and glow softly toward the south commercial portion of the street during evening community events.

Prior to this project, The Ark had used every bit of space available in its initial building which was created in the 1950’s. This renovation and expansion empowered The Ark to better support its community and staff in a facility almost 60% larger while being more efficient, secure and comfortable for its users.

This project focused on improving efficiency and flow of the space. For example, entries into the food pantry and community room are on axis with main circulation routes for easy navigation. Through construction of a tunnel connecting portions of the Lower Level, it was re-organized so that its main circulation axis would directly mirror the First Floor above. The building’s departments were also reorganized to separate staff-only administrative areas for better security and to consolidate public traffic.

Building security and access were enhanced in other ways as well, including laminated glazing, a control system, physical barriers to hostile vehicular entry, the addition of a dedicated security office overseeing the building entry sequence and a double-secure reception area with a direct view of the main entry.

The Ark wanted to provide clients with a welcoming setting that affords them privacy and dignity. To set that tone, the design’s most distinctive features are expressed in the public spaces of the new addition. These include natural daylight streaming into the building through laminated frosted or fritted glazing and double-height spaces. A palette of earth and sky tones with select bold hues establishes a warm feel in both the addition and renovation.

Finally, we refined some of the smaller details of the project to serve both clients and staff. The food pantry was rebuilt and repositioned as The Market to provide a grocery-style shopping experience for clients, giving them more agency and options to choose from. A secondary exit directly from the food pantry was provided so clients could choose to exit discreetly to the parking area. Building lighting, fixtures, and controls were coordinated to be capable of a “Sabbath” function for times of religious observance. The pharmacy was relocated so that clients could have convenient access without leaving the reception area. Staff amenities such as an exercise room, a wellness room, and dedicated lounges were also added. Finally, the roof deck area now offers a screened outdoor gathering and programming area for staff and clients.

The construction of The Ark’s addition as well as the renovation of its existing buildings presented a series of intricate challenges that required careful planning, coordination, and execution. One of the primary obstacles involved the relocation of existing west alleyway’s pole mounted utilities to accommodate the new two-story addition. This task demanded extensive collaboration with multiple utility companies to ensure that service disruptions were minimized and so that construction could proceed in a safe manner.

Another significant challenge was the engineering and installation of a temporary jack pile system. This system was essential to support the existing building foundation during the installation of concrete underpinning for a new elevator shaft. The temporary jack pile system required Chicago Office of Underground approval. The complexity of this process required precise calculations and innovative solutions to maintain structural integrity throughout the construction phase.

To seamlessly integrate the new addition with the existing structures, which dated back to the 1950s and 1960s, extensive field investigations and surveying were conducted. These efforts ensured that the new steel construction tie-ins were sized and designed accurately.

Additionally, the project addressed persistent flooding issues caused by a high-water table and city sewer backups. This involved the replacement and rerouting of the underground storm and sanitary piping system, a critical step in improving site drainage and preventing future water-related damage.

Finally, life safety code upgrades were implemented in the existing buildings. These upgrades included the installation of a sprinkler system and the addition of continuous rated ceiling enclosures to protect the wood bowstring roof support system. These measures not only enhanced fire safety but also ensured compliance with current building codes.

In summary, the project required a multifaceted approach to overcome structural, utility, and safety challenges. Through meticulous planning and collaboration, the team successfully navigated these obstacles, delivering a safe, functional, and integrated building addition.

Our team’s top priority is safety, and we are incredibly proud of the safety record for The Ark. Over the span of this project, we logged over 54,546 man hours and had 0 recordable incidents and 0 lost time accidents.

The Ark’s mission is to give back to the community and to create self-reliance for Jewish families and individuals throughout Chicagoland. This project has greatly increased the number of people they are able to serve and will widen the scope of their impact for years to come. With the new space, The Ark’s physical footprint increased by 60% and they are able to serve an additional 1,000 clients.

The Ark provides case management and social services, financial counseling and assistance, employment services, mental health services, food assistance, health clinics and a pharmacy, housing solutions, and spiritual enrichment for members of the community.

The numbers of The Ark’s impact speak for themselves. From July 2024 through June 2025 they served more than 5,000 families and individuals, made 178,560 meals possible, saved clients $250,000 with 10,000 free prescriptions, provided $71,737 in transportation assistance, distributed $30,000 worth of winter gear, and helped with $1.8 million dollars in financial assistance.

The new food pantry created by this project is four times larger than the previous one. The expansion also enhanced the pharmacy and healthcare facilities and created a larger area for community events. New services include child and family wellness, housing support, expanded dental care in a new, state-of-the-art clinic, and mental health support.

This renovation came at a critical time for the Chicago community, as the most recent government shutdown and new budget legislation have reduced or eliminated safety net programs for community members, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. More than 70% of The Ark’s clients rely on these benefits. As they shrink or disappear completely, clients are faced with the impossible choice of choosing between food, rent, medicine, or other essentials. The Ark was able to rise to the occasion and use emergency funds, volunteer engagement, and food donations to feed the community during this time.

The Ark also brings the community together through volunteering, with over 1,300 individuals coming together for more than 10,000 hours to support various programs.

“We knew we needed more capacity, but we also wanted to create a space that gave clients a sense of a brighter future,” CEO Marna Goldwin said. “So much of this space is designed to bring light in to help people look up and realize there’s so much hope ahead.”

The Ark is a vibrant hub of vital services whose mission is to create pathways of self-reliance for Jewish families and individuals across Chicagoland. They are a strong contender for the Community Impact Award, because the core of the organization as well as the motivation behind this expansion and renovation, is to serve the local community.

The Ark supports thousands of local families and individuals every year with food, health care, financial support, housing solutions, spiritual enrichment, and more. Their wholistic approach to helping the underserved make them a unique and incredibly valuable part of the Chicago community. This project has greatly increased the number of people they are able to serve and will widen the scope of their impact for years to come. With the new space, The Ark’s physical footprint increased by 60% and they are able to serve an additional 1,000 clients.

As a nonprofit, The Ark Brings Chicagoans together through fundraising, volunteering, and giving back.

The Ark has been an incredible resource for over 50 years, and we cannot wait to see what they are able to accomplish with their new space over the next 50.

The After School Matters Orleans project transforms a former Catholic school and antique store into a vibrant, purpose-driven facility dedicated to teen education, creativity, and workforce development. The design reimagines a compartmentalized, aging structure as an open, engaging environment, using transparency, flexible planning, and durable materials to support programs spanning culinary arts, technology, music, dance, and visual arts. A central circulation boulevard unifies the building, encouraging interaction, visibility, and a shared identity across disciplines.

The project presented significant challenges inherent to adaptive reuse, including selective demolition, structural modifications, infrastructure modernization, and accessibility upgrades. Integrating diverse, high-intensity programs within an existing building required careful coordination and problem-solving. Close collaboration among After School Matters, the design team, and construction partners ensured existing conditions were addressed while maintaining schedule certainty and budget discipline.

Safety was a priority throughout construction. A proactive safety plan, clear sequencing, and regular coordination meetings resulted in a strong safety record and minimized disruption to the surrounding neighborhood.

The After School Matters at Orleans project delivers meaningful community impact. It provides equitable access to high-quality learning environments, supports inclusion through diverse programming, and catalyzes reinvestment, establishing a replicable model for youth-focused development across Chicago.

The creative design process for the After School Matters Orleans project began with listening and discovery. Early workshops with students, educators, and program leaders informed a vision centered on flexibility, visibility, and shared ownership. Rather than imposing a single architectural gesture, the design team focused on transforming the existing building into a cohesive environment that supports diverse modes of learning, expression, and collaboration.

One of the primary challenges was reconciling the building’s compartmentalized layout and varied construction eras with the need for openness and connectivity. The design team strategically carved circulation paths and shared spaces through the structure, creating a central organizing spine that visually and physically links programs across floors. Transparency was introduced through interior glazing and open studios, making activity part of the architecture and reinforcing a sense of energy and inclusion.

Complex design elements included integrating acoustically sensitive spaces alongside high-energy programs, adapting structural systems to support new uses, and upgrading building performance within the constraints of an existing envelope. Durable, sustainable materials were selected to balance longevity with warmth, resulting in an aesthetic that reflects both creativity and resilience.

These design strategies produced a facility that is functional, inspiring, and deeply responsive to its users, elevating an existing building into a dynamic community asset.

To achieve the highest standards of quality, the project team implemented a comprehensive quality management plan from pre-construction through final completion.

This included:
– Pre-construction meetings and walkthroughs with awarded trade partners prior to mobilization on site
– Building Information Modeling (BIM) for coordination of MEP/FP trades, including weekly clash detection meetings
– Weekly subcontractor meetings to review scheduling, procurement, RFIs, and coordination issues
– Daily foremen huddles focused on day-to-day field coordination and resolving RFIs
– Third-party visual inspections and independent laboratory testing (ITL) of construction materials such as concrete, fireproofing, steel, and masonry
– Mockups of specific scopes of work as required by the project specifications
– Ongoing communication with the design team to promptly address issues and maintain alignment between design intent and field installations

Notable Challenges During Construction:

Unforeseen Conditions
As is typical with renovation projects, unforeseen conditions were discovered throughout the project that impacted both cost and schedule, including:
– Hazardous materials such as lead paint and asbestos were discovered during demolition, beyond what was identified in the original environmental reports
– Constraints within the existing space resulted in frequent layout adjustments during construction and additional coordination with the design team

BIM Coordination in an Existing Building
– The project team implemented BIM coordination for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection trades. This was particularly challenging in a renovation environment, requiring extensive field verification to account for existing conditions and to accommodate new installations while maintaining select existing piping and equipment. Unforeseen conditions required the model to be continuously updated to reflect field changes.

Logistics
– Working at the intersection of two busy streets and adjacent to Walter Payton High School required constant adjustments to the project fencing and careful coordination of material and equipment deliveries within restricted time windows. The construction team coordinated two separate street closures on Orleans Street for crane picks for rooftop equipment.

Summer Construction Constraints
– With the project starting in late January and reaching substantial completion in late November, key trades such as ironworkers, roofers, and concrete laborers were impacted by peak summer demand, resulting in limited manpower availability.

– Elevator Shaft Foundations Installation Below the Water Table
 Continuous dewatering operations during construction
 Additional waterproofing measures, such as Waterproofing, Drain Tile
 Coordination and sequencing of earth retention systems (ERS) and elevator foundations in an existing lower level

Atrium Stairwell
– Extensive field verification to integrate new stair steel construction within the existing atrium, connecting 4 levels.

Atrium Smoke Evacuation Testing
– Complying with the atrium smoke evacuation requirements presented challenges due to the irregular shape of the atrium and constraints of the existing space. A total of eight pre-tests were conducted before successfully passing the final test with the Fire Department.

Project Complexity
While no single element of the project was unusually complex, the overall effort was challenging due to the tight schedule and the need to perform work simultaneously in multiple areas – interior and exterior. This required detailed logistics planning and careful sequencing. One example was the main stairwell atrium, where the main landing tied into a new security office and the elevator shaft, where the floor elevation had to be lowered to accommodate the new layout. The same stairwell steel also tied into new steel columns, which supported the entrance curtain wall and front canopy.

Safety was a core priority throughout the After School Matters Orleans project. From preconstruction through project completion, the team implemented a comprehensive safety program that emphasized planning, communication, and accountability.

Given the complexity of renovating an existing building in a dense urban neighborhood, special attention was paid to controlled access, pedestrian safety, and coordination among multiple trades working in confined spaces.

As a result of a proactive approach, the project achieved a strong safety record with no major incidents, injuries, or lost-time accidents. The commitment to safety protected workers, project partners, and the surrounding community while supporting a productive and efficient construction process.

– 36,755 Total Work Hours
– No recordable or workers’ compensation injury

Social Impact
After School Matters serves tens of thousands of Chicago teens each year, with a focus on students from communities that have historically faced barriers to educational and economic opportunity. The Orleans Street project directly advances this mission by providing a dedicated, supportive environment where students can learn, create, and develop real-world skills.

The design emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, allowing ASM programs to evolve alongside student interests and emerging career pathways. For example, this project includes a Wood Shop and Maker Space, given industry projections of future needs for skilled trades in Chicago’s labor force. Learning spaces are intentionally designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and experiential engagement, reinforcing After School Matters’ educational model. By investing in environments that reflect the dignity, creativity, and potential of the young people who use them, the project strengthens outcomes related to academic confidence, career exploration, and long-term success. Committed to supporting the arts, this property offers additional custom spaces, including a robust Culinary Lab, a fully equipped Blackbox Theater, and an open Dance Studio.

The facility also supports partnerships with educators, artists, and industry professionals, expanding access to mentorship, resources, and experiences that many students would not otherwise encounter. In this way, the project functions as an educational platform that amplifies the reach and effectiveness of After School Matters’ programs across the city.

Community Impact
The After School Matters at Orleans project demonstrates how thoughtful real estate investment can generate meaningful, lasting community benefits. By repurposing space for educational use, the project contributes to neighborhood vitality while addressing critical youth development needs at a citywide scale.

The project’s impact extends beyond its physical footprint. Students who participate in After School Matters programs gain skills, confidence, and paid learning experiences that strengthen Chicago’s future workforce and support economic mobility for families throughout the region. The facility reinforces After School Matters’ long-standing commitment to equitable access to education and opportunity by leveraging the built environment to support social infrastructure.

Through mission-aligned design and purposeful development, the After School Matters at Orleans project exemplifies how education-focused spaces can drive positive community outcomes. For these reasons, After School Matters is a highly deserving nominee for the Community Impact Award.

The After School Matters Orleans project delivers a lasting and meaningful impact on the surrounding community by providing teens with equitable access to high-quality spaces for learning, creativity, and workforce development. Located in an economically disadvantaged area, the project transforms a long-underutilized facility into a safe, welcoming environment that supports personal growth, skill-building, and mentorship.

Inclusion was central to the project’s vision and execution. Programs were designed to serve teens from diverse backgrounds, with spaces that promote accessibility, flexibility, and shared ownership. ASM teen input helped shape environments that feel inclusive and empowering, allowing students to see themselves reflected in the spaces they use. The building’s transparency and openness reinforce connection and belonging, both within the facility and to the surrounding neighborhood.

Beyond its programmatic impact, the project contributes to neighborhood revitalization by reinvesting in an existing building and strengthening local identity. It increases access to educational resources, supports pathways to employment, and creates a positive daily presence in the community. By fostering opportunity, creativity, and inclusion, the After School Matters at Orleans project measurably improves quality of life and serves as a model for equitable development across Chicago.

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 University of Illinois Hospital, built in 1968, confronted several problems: a nearly unrecognizable entry, a dated and congested lobby, security issues, and navigation shortcomings. Additionally, the hospital faced heavy competition from nearby hospitals with updated amenities.

As the new centerpiece of the hospital campus, the UI Health Welcome Atrium elevates the organization’s image and reinforces its commitment to health equity. The 12,000-square-foot addition and 8,000-square-foot renovation reduce congestion while improving circulation and security. A nature-inspired, two-story atrium provides intimate spaces infused with natural light along with an inclusive contemplation space open to all faiths.

Constructed with zero lost-time and zero OSHA-recordable incidents, the project reflects a strong commitment to worker safety. What was once a stressful arrival marked by long waits and cramped conditions has become a soothing experience that improves community access and quality of care.

From Hidden Door to Civic Beacon
Challenge: The hospital’s main entry on Taylor Street was virtually unrecognizable as a portal to the main hospital. The entry canopy was low, dark, and inset from the street, and the actual doors were nearly invisible.

Response: The design of the expansion creates a crystal jewel box by day and a glowing hearth at night. A wide canopy faces Taylor Street and welcomes visitors with lighting at night and heat throughout the winter. The enclosure features a future green roof, triple-glazed walls, and polished stone stepped planters that surround the perimeter and mimic the interior planters. The inside and outside design of the planters blurs the line of the interior ending at the building envelope.

Clarity Replaces Congestion
Challenge: The existing reception desk stood close to the revolving front door and directly in the path to the elevators — visitors waited in long lines that often continued outside. Additionally, the crammed interior caused confusion navigating the space.

Response: When visitors step through the new 16-foot self-rotating revolving door, they enter a spacious, light-filled atrium and approach a large reception desk. A wide diagonal corridor leads to a full-height wayfinding art wall that signals the building’s central public elevator bank. In the opposite direction, a grand stair leads up to the second level pedestrian bridge and the contemplation space.

Comfort Through Space and Distance
Challenge: The congested seating area forced sick patients, visitors, and hospital vendors into a condensed space.

Response: Spread-out seating area clusters promote privacy — visitors can relax and not worry about sitting so close to others.

An Inclusive Refuge of Light and Warmth
Challenge: The existing waiting area was dark and offered no inspiring design elements.

Response: A contemplation space, featuring bamboo cladding and slots of textured glass, appears to float over the lobby. This atrium centerpiece brings warmth into the otherwise cool-toned professional waiting room. Within, a nondenominational contemplation space welcomes all visitors who need a quiet place for retreat.

The elliptical underside of the contemplation space encloses a central seating area ideal for families of small children to gather and play. Additionally, four manmade trees absorb sound and dapple seating areas with sunlight streaming through the low-emissive glazing.

Watch this video to learn more about the UI Health Welcome Atrium’s design features: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyHm6idqb-g

Building Up Without Shutting Down
Challenge: Building the atrium on top of a plaza, below which was the hospital’s electrical service, kitchen, and patient clinic spaces.

Response: The expansion was designed and constructed so that the utilities and the power remained unaffected. A complex construction phasing plan maintained the weathertightness of the occupied basement space while a two-story structure was built through a winter. This was accomplished by leaving the plaza pavement/membrane in place, surgically welding columns to the structure below, and sealing the new column to the membrane to keep out the cold.

Field-Adjustable Steel to Protect the Schedule
Challenge: Demolition to expose the deck and existing steel column caps was very closely coordinated to avoid disruptions. Since the base of the columns was the existing building structural steel from over 50 years ago, the exact location and height were unknown.

Response: To eliminate this risk, we worked closely with the steel fabricator to install stub columns that could be easily modified in the field. This allowed us to release the large structural columns in advance and not lose time on steel erection if the heights and locations were not as shown on the 1970s as-built drawings.

Precision Craft for a Floating Form
Challenge: The contemplation space was designed to have a complex, ellipsoid shape.

Response: The metal frame for the structure was prefabricated off-site as large radiused panels and assembled on-site for greater control and precision. Additionally, the millwork cladding was fabricated as a panelized system to have greater control for the custom details.

This project had an excellent safety record with zero lost time and zero OSHA recordable incidents. To achieve this, F.H. Paschen implemented a robust training program, requiring all supervisors to be 30-hour OSHA certified, first aid certified, and AED trained.

We required mandatory job hazard analyses on all work and implemented and reviewed all subcontractor safety plans prior to start of work. Safety stand-down meetings were held throughout the project on a variety of topics to reinforce the safety-first mentality.

The UI Health Welcome Atrium has had a strong impact on the surrounding community and the diverse populations served by the University of Illinois Hospital. As the hospital’s new front door, the atrium transforms what was once a confusing and unwelcoming entry into a dignified civic space that communicates care and respect from the moment patients and visitors arrive.

Located within a dense, economically diverse area of Chicago, UI Health plays a critical role as a provider dedicated to health equity. The atrium supports that mission by reducing stress and anxiety through intuitive wayfinding, improved security, and generous natural light. Comfortable, dispersed seating accommodates patients with varying physical and emotional needs.

Inclusion is embedded throughout the design. A prominent, nondenominational contemplation space offers a quiet refuge for reflection and prayer, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. Barrier-free circulation and clear sightlines promote independence and dignity for all users, including those with disabilities or limited English proficiency. These design strategies strengthen community trust and reinforce UI Health’s commitment to compassionate, inclusive care.

A Welcoming Front Door for a Safety-Net Hospital
As the new main entry to University of Illinois Hospital, the Welcome Atrium reshapes the first impression for a facility that serves a large, economically diverse patient population. The project replaces a confusing, stressful arrival with a dignified, light-filled civic space that communicates care and respect. This transformation directly improves daily experiences for those who rely on UI Health as an essential community resource.

Reducing Barriers to Care Through Design
Intuitive wayfinding and improved security help patients navigate the hospital independently, reducing anxiety and missed appointments. Dispersed seating clusters provide comfort and privacy for families managing long waits or difficult diagnoses. These design strategies are especially impactful for underserved populations who may already face systemic barriers to accessing healthcare.

Inclusive Spaces That Reflect Community Diversity
A prominent nondenominational contemplation space welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds, offering a quiet refuge for reflection or emotional reset. Barrier-free circulation and legible paths support users of all abilities and ages. The atrium’s design reinforces UI Health’s mission of equity, dignity, and compassionate care for everyone it serves.

Investment in a Vital Urban Corridor
Located along Taylor Street, the atrium strengthens UI Health’s presence within a dense, historically underserved Chicago neighborhood. The project elevates the hospital’s public identity, contributing to neighborhood pride and long-term institutional stability. By investing in a welcoming environment, the project supports sustained community health and vitality.

Economic and Workforce Impact
The project generated construction jobs and engaged local and regional trades, contributing to economic activity in Chicagoland. As a visible reinvestment in a public healthcare institution, the atrium helps UI Health remain competitive, retain staff, and continue serving as a major employer in the area. This long-term stability directly benefits the surrounding community.

The Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Advanced Outpatient Center redefines healthcare delivery through a bold, community-embedded design that celebrates Bronzeville’s legacy of art, culture, and resilience. This five-story, mixed-use facility combines design creativity with purpose, integrating outpatient clinics, wellness education spaces, retail, and parking within a compact urban site. Its bronze façade, inspired by woven patterns symbolizing unity, reflects the neighborhood’s cultural vibrancy while reinforcing Northwestern Medicine’s identity of trust and excellence.
The project challenges included designing on a tight urban infill lot while maintaining uninterrupted community access during construction. Innovative prefabrication of modular exam pods improved efficiency, quality, and adaptability. Collaboration between LJC, Brook Architecture, Hill Mechanical, and Blackrock Construction fostered mentorship, equity, and technical excellence.

The project achieved an exceptional safety record, completing construction with zero lost-time incidents through proactive planning and continuous communication across a diverse, multi-contractor workforce.

Its impact on the community is profound: conceived through engagements sessions with over 225 participants, the center localizes access to healthcare in an underserved area while dedicating 10% of its program to community use. It embodies inclusion through a diverse project team, local workforce participation, and spaces designed for wellness, education, and connection. It is an enduring symbol of equitable, community-driven design.

The creative vision for the Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Advanced Outpatient Center emerged from a deeply collaborative and community-driven design process that sought to reimagine outpatient healthcare as a cultural, civic, and healing experience. From the outset, the design team embraced the challenge of creating a facility that would both meet complex clinical requirements and authentically reflect Bronzeville’s legacy of art, music, resilience, and medical leadership.

A defining aspect of the creative process was extensive community engagement, including listening sessions, interviews, and design workshops with more than 225 residents and stakeholders. These conversations directly informed the program resulting in expanded oncology services and the addition of pediatrics and also the architectural concept. The resulting “woven unity” parti draws inspiration from African basket weaving, a powerful metaphor for strength, interconnectedness, and care. This idea was translated into the building’s bronze façade screen, gentle curvature, and rhythmic composition, creating an aesthetic that is both contemporary and culturally resonant.

Design complexity was heightened by the project’s tight urban infill site, the integration of healthcare, parking, retail, and community spaces within a single five-story structure, and the need to maintain a welcoming civic presence at a key neighborhood intersection. These challenges were addressed through innovative vertical organization, intuitive circulation, and a transparent ground level that activates the street and visually connects interior life with the surrounding community.

Creative problem-solving extended into construction methods. The use of prefabricated exam pods introduced a modular, repeatable clinical planning strategy that improved quality control, reduced construction time, and allowed long-term adaptability, while also supporting mentorship and participation by minority-owned construction partners.

Interior spaces balance warmth and performance through daylight-rich environments, framed skyline views, tailored clinic waiting areas, and art integrated throughout public spaces. Sustainable strategies like bird-friendly design, native landscaping, and daylight harvesting were woven seamlessly into the architecture, reinforcing both environmental responsibility and human comfort.

The Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center presented significant construction complexity due to its dense urban context, integrated mixed-use program, and advanced structural and healthcare requirements. Delivering the project’s architectural vision, clinical performance, and community-driven goals required a highly coordinated construction process grounded in precision, collaboration, and quality control.

One of the primary challenges was constructing a five-story facility that integrates outpatient clinics, community spaces, retail, and parking on a tight urban infill site at a major neighborhood intersection. Maintaining pedestrian safety, access to adjacent residences and businesses, and uninterrupted neighborhood circulation required detailed phasing plans, logistics coordination, and ongoing communication with local stakeholders.

Structural complexity due to schedule implications and existing subsoil conditions was a defining challenge of the project. The building is composed of two distinct structural systems separated by a seismic movement joint. The north half of the building, housing clinical and community spaces, utilizes a structural steel frame with lateral concrete shear walls; the south half of the building, primarily parking, employs a post-tensioned concrete system. This allowed the contractor to construct the south portion of the building first (while steel was ordered and fabricated for the north portion) and use it for construction staging and lay-down space throughout the construction process – a necessity for a lot-line to lot-line project in an urban environment.

The client’s requirement for flat-plate parking introduced additional complexity, as a full parking level on Level 3 separates clinical floors above and below. This condition demanded highly detailed waterproofing, vibration control, and envelope coordination to ensure the clinic spaces remained weather-tight and acoustically isolated from the parking deck above.

Foundation design further added complexity. As the subsoil conditions varied across the site, the team opted to utilize an auger-cast pile foundation system, which is atypical for Chicago and required extensive coordination with the City during permitting, construction, and inspection. This system was selected to minimize disruption to surrounding properties on the urban site and to mitigate the varying subsoil conditions by utilizing a single foundation system that was suitable to every unique loading condition.

Construction complexity was amplified by the use of off-site prefabricated exam pods for some of the clinical spaces. This approach required early and intensive coordination among architects, engineers, contractors, and manufacturers to align tolerances, building systems, and installation sequencing. While technically demanding, prefabrication enhanced quality control, reduced construction duration, and minimized on-site disruption.

Ensuring the highest quality of construction was achieved through early contractor involvement, full-scale mock-ups of façade and interior assemblies, and rigorous quality assurance protocols. The bronze façade screen, curved glazing, bird-friendly detailing, and integrated parking structure required close collaboration between fabricators, installers, and the design team to achieve both aesthetic intent and performance standards.

Despite these challenges, the project was delivered through a collaborative, problem-solving approach that balanced technical rigor with community sensitivity, resulting in a highly crafted, resilient healthcare facility that reflects excellence in both design and construction.

Orientations: 1,222 individuals completed safety orientation on the job
Hours and workers: Project peaked at 200 workers on-site, working a total of 320,000 man-hours

Trainings: Contractors completed over 400 toolbox talks on-site, each done on a weekly basis for all of their employees.

Observations: Over 1,000 safety observations completed, identifying 650 positive behaviors and conditions on-site while also correcting 400 potential issues to keep workers safe.

Incidents: The project only had 5 recordable injuries resulting in no lost-time, keeping the project’s incident rate below national averages.

Ujamaa/Power assigned a full-time site safety coordinator who oversaw the site activities, met with contractor supervision to plan for upcoming activities, conducted safety orientation and overall led the project team in conducting safety meetings and observations on-site. The project hosted the nearby OSHA training institute for two tours to assist in their construction safety standards course, welcoming over 30 compliance officers-in-training and instructors as an example of how well a general contractor manages safety on the site. Ujamaa/Power also held site-wide stand downs during OSHA and other program theme weeks like construction safety week, Safe and Sound week, AGC Stand for Safety, and National Stand Down to Prevent Falls. All these proactive procedures and approaches led to a culture and focus on safety during the project ultimately leading to a successful safety performance.

The Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center has had a transformative impact on the Bronzeville community by localizing access to high-quality healthcare, fostering economic opportunity, and reinforcing a sense of ownership, dignity, and presence through design and delivery.
Situated at 48th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, the project places comprehensive outpatient services such as Immediate Care, Imaging, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Medical Oncology, and Primary Care directly within a historically underserved neighborhood. What began as a modest clinic expanded significantly through community engagement, resulting in a 50% increase in oncology space and the addition of a pediatrics clinic, ensuring care for residents across all stages of life. Immediate Care services are available seven days a week, further strengthening access when it is most needed.

Community accessibility was foundational to both the process and the outcome. More than 225 community members and organizations participated in listening sessions, interviews, and design workshops, held both in person and virtually during COVID to maximize participation. Nearly 10% of the building program is dedicated to community-focused spaces, including flexible meeting rooms, wellness classrooms, and a demonstration kitchen that supports nutrition education and preventative health programming in partnership with Northwestern Medicine and local chefs.
The project also advances equity through economic and workforce equity. A City Redevelopment Agreement required participation from the local 606 zip code, ensuring neighborhood representation within the design and construction workforce. Minority-owned and locally based firms, including Brook Architecture and Blackrock Construction, played critical roles, supported by mentorship initiatives led by LJC, Power Construction, and Hill Mechanical. This intentional approach helped expand access to prefabrication expertise, leadership opportunities, and long-term career pathways for underrepresented professionals.

Physically, the building integrates seamlessly into the community fabric. Street-level retail activates the corner, native landscaping and public seating invite everyday use, and transparent public spaces create visual connection between interior activity and the neighborhood, reinforcing trust and belonging.

Together, these strategies ensure the Bronzeville AOCC is not only a place for care, but a shared civic asset.

The Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center is a strong candidate for the CBC Community Impact Award because it delivers measurable, lasting benefits to an economically disadvantaged community through equitable healthcare access, integrated development practices, and sustained community partnership.

Located in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood, an area that has long experienced disinvestment and limited access to comprehensive healthcare, he project directly improves quality of life by localizing essential outpatient services. Residents can now access Immediate Care, Imaging, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Medical Oncology, and Primary Care within their own neighborhood, reducing travel burdens and removing barriers to timely treatment. Through extensive engagement with residents and community organizations, the project evolved from a modest clinic into a significantly expanded facility, increasing oncology services by 50% and adding a pediatrics clinic to better serve families and seniors alike. Immediate Care is available seven days a week, addressing urgent needs when access matters most.

Community inclusion shaped both the process and the outcome. More than 225 residents and stakeholders participated in listening sessions, interviews, and workshops, held both in person and virtually during COVID to maximize participation. Nearly 10% of the building program is dedicated to community use, including flexible meeting rooms, wellness classrooms, and a demonstration kitchen that supports nutrition education and preventative health programming. These spaces extend care beyond clinical treatment, empowering residents with tools for healthier living.

Economic impact and workforce inclusion were central to the project’s delivery. A City Redevelopment Agreement required participation from the local 606 zip code, ensuring neighborhood representation within the design and construction workforce. Minority-owned and locally based firms, including Brook Architecture, Blackrock Construction, and Hill Mechanical, played critical roles, supported by mentorship initiatives led by LJC, Power Construction, and Ujamaa. This approach expanded access to specialized skills, leadership opportunities, and long-term career pathways for underrepresented professionals.

By combining healthcare access, economic opportunity, and community-driven design, the Bronzeville Outpatient Center is not only improving health outcomes, it is strengthening social equity, fostering local pride, and serving as a catalyst for continued investment and resilience in Bronzeville.

Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana is a nonprofit organization that supports families with children receiving medical care. Its programs are designed to keep families close to their hospitalized children by providing a place to stay, meals, and welcoming spaces near major hospitals.

Located in downtown Chicago, the Ronald McDonald House in Streeterville was originally built in 2012 through a collaboration with Bulley & Andrews and Antunovich Associates. When it was time to modernize and expand their critical support spaces to better serve families with hospitalized children, Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana brought back the same team that first built this home away from home for families. The House remained operational throughout construction.

The new kitchen and dining on the third floor of Ronald McDonald House: Lurie Children’s Hospital provides a functional, warm and inviting space for families. The chef-grade kitchen and refreshed dining room enable staff and volunteers to prepare and serve tens of thousands of meals each year in a welcoming environment that fosters community and comfort during difficult times. A truly collaborative effort between owner, architect and contractor, the new kitchen and dining space will further support families and children as they navigate through their medical journey.

Antunovich Associates originally designed the Ronald McDonald House: Lurie Children’s Hospital nearly 15 years ago. At that time, the kitchen and dining areas supported approximately 66 families per day. Over years of continuous use and several renovations to guest floors, the facility has expanded its capacity and now serves more than 80 families daily. Along with increased demand, the charity evolved its operations to include a professional culinary team responsible for coordinating and supervising volunteer-led meal preparation.

The project’s goal was to reimagine the entire third floor—particularly the kitchen and dining spaces—to improve efficiency, maximize the existing footprint and integrate enhanced commercial kitchen capabilities. The dining areas were refreshed with updated interior finishes while preserving the warm, home-like atmosphere essential to supporting families. Children play areas incorporate soft and playful colors, while modular furniture will provide flexibility for the charity as its needs evolve over time.

Key design challenges included programming the space to accommodate higher dining volumes and a larger commercial kitchen, all within the constraints of the existing third-floor layout. Through close collaboration with the owner, kitchen consultant, Antunovich Associates and the Bulley & Andrews construction team, the end result was a facility that is both highly functional and visually welcoming.

As with any kitchen and dining renovation, unforeseen challenges arose—particularly with the placement of equipment requiring floor penetrations for plumbing and drainage. The existing structure is post-tensioned concrete, necessitating X-ray imaging to avoid cutting through highly-tensioned tendons. The team successfully maintained the design intent while making strategic layout adjustments to work around these immovable structural elements, ensuring both safety and performance.

The Ronald McDonald House remained fully operational throughout construction. To best support an organization that provides essential services to families and children in need around the clock, maintaining a safe, clean and functional facility throughout the process, while also commencing construction expeditiously, was both a top priority and challenge.

In lieu of completing the project in phases, the renovation of the space occurred all at once to minimize downtime. The project began on January 13, 2025 and reached substantial completion on May 27, 2025. The kitchen and dining space officially re-opened in June 2025. To continue providing meal service to families during construction, Ronald McDonald House utilized the kitchen at the nearby Volare Ristorante Italiano during the day.

Working in an occupied pediatric facility also necessitated maintaining a clean and safe environment. All spaces outside of work areas were kept immaculate to ensure the safety of building occupants throughout the five-month construction period.

When the facility was first constructed, residential kitchen equipment was installed to provide volunteers with opportunities to cook and plan their own meals. In 2019, the organization transitioned to a chef-led foodservice operation, necessitating the need for commercial-grade kitchen equipment. With no elevator to utilize and the need to keep the building lobby fully accessible for family and staff access, the construction team removed a portion of the building façade to hoist the new equipment directly into the 3rd floor of the facility.

An additional challenge the team faced was replacing the existing residential kitchen with commercial equipment that required floor penetrations for new utilities. With an existing post-tensioned concrete structural deck in place, scanning and coordination of new slab openings was critical to ensure the new utilities did not impact the post-tensioned tendons. Being the original contractor of the facility, Bulley & Andrews brought extensive pre-existing knowledge of the building and best practices in coordination to ensure a successful transition.

Despite these challenges, the collective team’s commitment to high-quality execution resulted in a new kitchen and dining space that is warm and welcoming, enhances the dining experience and supports a chef-led foodservice program. It will serve as the foundation for how Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana can further support the community it serves in an efficient and food-safe manner.

The project had an excellent safety record with zero lost time incidents and 6,492 total man hours worked.

Beyond the safety record, the project also involved complexities that required logistical coordination to ensure the safety of building occupants, pedestrians and neighboring properties.

All new foodservice/kitchen equipment was hoisted from Grand Avenue through the building’s 3rd floor balcony from a window temporarily removed by the construction team. This kept both staff and families safe from ongoing construction activities while also ensuring the building lobby and elevators remained fully accessible. This was safely coordinated on a busy street, with both the Ronald McDonald House and adjacent OrangeTheory Fitness remaining active and in close communication for the efforts.
The team also followed all site safety protocols for approvals and documentation for hot work, fire safety systems protection and ventilation/air quality. While contractors were not on site, the 3rd floor was secured with locked doors at elevators for access control.

Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana is an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. Its goal is to improve the family’s overall experience during their child’s medical treatment because it believes that caring for the family is also caring for the child. This is all provided to families at no cost. Families will never receive a bill from Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana.

When the Ronald McDonald House at 211 E. Grand Avenue first opened in 2012, the facility provided accommodations for up to 66 families. Since that time, the charity’s program has evolved to house 80 families, providing them easy access to nearby Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Hospital, and other downtown pediatric clinics.

The original design featured a residential-grade kitchen and dining space on the third floor, allowing the organization to offer one meal to families per day. The new kitchen and dining space not only supports the chef-led foodservice operation, but it also allows Ronald McDonald House to provide more food for those in need, offering two meals per day and additional options for food on the go.

Since re-opening in June 2025, the new space has enhanced the organization’s dining operations and has had a considerable positive impact on the community it serves:

• It has served 32,000 meals since the unveiling of the new kitchen, not including breakfast-on-the-go.
• 6,000 Grab & Go items have been produced by its culinary team, including sandwiches, salads, yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit cups and more. The existing layout did not provide space for this type of meal substitute.
• 5,500 meals have been provided for its in-hospital programs.
• The kitchen has hosted 158 meal groups since June.

Always focused on family-centered care, Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana went to great lengths to solicit family feedback for the kitchen and dining modernization project. A total of 96 families were surveyed (both electronically and through in-person interviews) to garner inspiration for the new space. The incorporation of more natural light was a direct response to both staff and family feedback, along with 24-hour service. The integration of Grab & Go items, additional storage for meals from the previous day and new microwaves provide families with access to food 24 hours per day.

Beyond being able to provide more food for families throughout the course of the day, the new space also allows the organization to provide a diversity of meals. The average length of stay per family is 25 nights at Ronald McDonald House Lurie Children’s. Offering a variety of meals and delivering on nutritional options was imperative for the organization.

With new additions including a walk-in freezer and walk-in refrigerator, the organization can now procure food in a more cost-effective and efficient manner. Meals are typically planned two weeks in advance, allowing chefs to prepare for a wide range of meal options. A vegetarian option is available for each meal and families are supported with cultural or dietary restrictions such as kosher, halal, gluten free and more. The space also features a small kitchen for families to cook for themselves, if they desire.

New modular furniture provides space for larger families and those with accessibility needs. In conjunction with the renovated playroom, the new kitchen and dining space is much more than a venue to simply eat, it has become a welcoming and social space for families as they navigate through their medical journey.

“I can confidently say this project presented complexities unlike anything we had faced before,” said chief program officer Lisa Mitchell. “Hosting 80 families while fully renovating the most utilized floor of the House was an extraordinary challenge. Our staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to minimize disruptions and provide seamless support throughout. As we continue planning to meet the evolving needs of families, we know this kitchen will remain a cornerstone of our family-centered care. We are deeply grateful and proud of what we’ve accomplished together for families.”

Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana is driven by its mission to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. It is their belief that all children deserve access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of zip code or economic circumstance. It also believes that no parent should ever have to forgo potentially life-saving treatment for their child due to the cost of travel.

In addition to keeping families close to their hospitalized child and providing access to high-quality healthcare by removing cost barriers, the organization offers access to a community. Community-centric spaces, such as the modernized kitchen and dining space, serve as a refuge as well as a place where siblings offer each other hugs and hope.

In addition to serving families staying at its main location at 211 E. Grand Avenue, the organization also provides meal service to its in-hospital programs located at the Ronald McDonald House in Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House Family Room located in Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Prior to modernization, Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana was unable to provide daily meal service to families in its in-hospital programs. Since re-opening the kitchen and dining space following modernization, it can now provide daily meal service to its in-hospital programs. Over 5,500 meals have been provided for these programs since re-opening, with approximately 5% going to families who reside in the most economically challenged zip codes located in Chicago.

“Our houses allow families to stay together while their kids are in the hospital,” said chief program officer Lisa Mitchell. “Families are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to make them comfortable and support them through their child’s medical journey.”

This project delivers a mission-driven expansion for Church of Our Saviour and its social-service partner Care for Friends in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Construction included a new three-story parish hall with community gathering space, classrooms, and dedicated social-service facilities, constructed on a highly restricted urban site directly adjacent to a 140-year-old landmarked church.

Design Creativity: The project thoughtfully integrates contemporary community and social-service spaces within a historic campus. The new parish hall introduces welcoming, light-filled interiors while prioritizing dignity and accessibility. Mission-critical program elements, including a commercial kitchen, dining area, counseling rooms, and washroom and shower facilities, support Care for Friends’ outreach while complementing the scale and character of the existing church.

Project Challenges / Complexity: Construction required a precise and surgical approach. The rear addition necessitated selective demolition of portions of the existing structure believed to predate the Chicago Fire. The church’s back wall was carefully unpinned and shored, and full perimeter earth retention was sequenced to enable excavation of a new basement below the parish hall. The new structure consists of steel and concrete supported by a 16-inch-thick mat slab engineered to sit just above the water table due to the site’s proximity to Lake Michigan.

Safety Record: A strong safety record was achieved through detailed preplanning, daily coordination, and strict controls during high-risk shoring, excavation, and structural operations adjacent to an occupied landmark building. There were zero recordable injuries or incidents.

Impact on the Community & Inclusion: The completed facility provides an inviting, permanent home for essential services supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, strengthening community resources while preserving a vital historic neighborhood asset.

The creative design process for this project focused on integrating a modern social-service and community facility within the historic campus of Church of Our Saviour. Early collaboration among the owner, design, and construction teams established a vision that balanced respect for the 140-year-old landmark church with the need for welcoming, light-filled, and highly functional new spaces.

Design innovation was driven by site and program constraints. The restricted urban site required careful massing of the new three-story parish hall to the rear of the church, minimizing visual impact while maximizing usable space. The addition supports the mission of Care for Friends and includes a commercial kitchen, dining area, counseling rooms, classrooms, and washroom and shower facilities, all organized to promote dignity, accessibility, and efficient circulation.

Significant structural complexity informed both design and execution. Selective demolition of portions of the existing structure, believed to predate the Chicago Fire, was required to accommodate the addition. The church’s back wall was carefully unpinned and shored, and full perimeter earth retention allowed for excavation of a basement below the new parish hall. A steel and concrete structure supported by a 16-inch-thick mat slab was engineered to sit just above the water table due to the site’s proximity to Lake Michigan. These challenges resulted in a cohesive design that seamlessly blends historic preservation with durable, high-performing new construction.

The project team employed a highly disciplined, detail-driven approach to ensure the highest quality of construction for the expansion serving Church of Our Saviour and Care for Friends. Quality control began in preconstruction with extensive coordination among design, structural, and trade partners to fully understand the constraints of the landmarked site and mission-critical program requirements. Mockups, constructability reviews, and phased work plans were used to validate details before execution, while ongoing inspections and close supervision ensured workmanship met rigorous standards throughout the build.

The project presented significant challenges due to its restricted urban site and proximity to a 140-year-old historic church. Construction required selective, surgical demolition of portions of the existing structure believed to predate the Chicago Fire. The back wall of the church was carefully unpinned and shored to protect the occupied landmark during adjacent excavation and construction. Maintaining structural stability, protecting historic materials, and coordinating work in close quarters demanded precise sequencing and constant monitoring.

Project complexity was further heightened by below-grade construction and site conditions. Full perimeter earth retention was installed to allow excavation of a new basement beneath the parish hall. The new three-story structure consists of steel and concrete supported by a 16-inch-thick mat slab engineered to sit just above the water table due to the site’s proximity to Lake Michigan. Together, these technical challenges required advanced planning, specialized means and methods, and a high level of coordination to deliver a durable, high-quality facility that will serve the community for decades.

Zero recordable injuries or incidents.

The project delivers a lasting, positive impact on the Lincoln Park community by significantly expanding the capacity and reach of Care for Friends, in partnership with Church of Our Saviour. The new facility provides a welcoming, permanent home for essential services that support individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, including meal service, counseling, hygiene, and community gathering spaces. By prioritizing dignity, accessibility, and safety, the project strengthens a critical neighborhood resource while enhancing the overall quality of life for vulnerable populations across Chicago.

The project also reflects a strong commitment to inclusion through workforce and supplier participation. Meaningful opportunities were created for apprentices, supporting skill development and long-term career pathways in the construction trades. In addition, participation by BEP-certified firms helped advance economic inclusion and support diverse businesses. These initiatives were integrated into the project’s delivery, reinforcing the role of construction as a vehicle for both community investment and equitable growth.

The project delivers a meaningful and lasting impact on the community by strengthening the partnership between Church of Our Saviour and Care for Friends, expanding access to essential services for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. The new facility provides a welcoming, permanent home for mission-critical programs, including meal service, counseling, hygiene, and community gathering spaces. By prioritizing dignity, safety, and accessibility, the project enhances daily stability and well-being for guests who rely on these services.

While located in Lincoln Park, the project serves individuals from economically disadvantaged areas across Chicago, extending its impact well beyond the immediate neighborhood. Improved capacity and purpose-built spaces allow Care for Friends to serve more people efficiently and consistently, improving access to nutrition, basic healthcare support, and personal care resources that directly contribute to improved quality of life.

The project also advanced inclusion through workforce and economic participation initiatives. Apprenticeship opportunities supported skills training and career pathways in the construction trades, while engagement of BEP-certified firms promoted equitable participation in the local economy. Together, these efforts demonstrate how thoughtful investment in community infrastructure can address immediate social needs while fostering long-term economic opportunity and resilience.

CircEsteem’s new facility transforms a historic two story building into a vibrant, safe, and fully accessible hub for youth circus arts. The project carefully preserves and restores the building’s historic exterior while reimagining the interior with upgraded structural, mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems. New double height training studios, support spaces, and improved circulation were designed to meet modern codes, accessibility standards, and specialized rigging requirements.

Construction required close coordination and creative problem solving to integrate modern systems within the existing structure. The project was completed with zero lost time incidents, reflecting a strong commitment to safety for workers and the surrounding community.

This investment provides flexible, high capacity spaces for education, performance, and youth development, strengthening CircEsteem’s mission and delivering a revitalized community asset built for long term impact.

The design team approached the project with a clear goal to transform a century old structure into a modern training and performance facility while preserving the character and presence of its historic exterior. Achieving this vision required a highly creative and collaborative design process that balanced respect for the existing building with the demands of a specialized contemporary use.

Innovative problem solving was essential to integrate new structural, mechanical, and life safety systems within an aging framework constrained by limited space and modern code requirements. The team worked closely across disciplines to carefully thread new infrastructure through the existing building without compromising historic elements. Complex design challenges including accommodating significant rigging loads creating double height training volumes within an existing floor plate and improving accessibility throughout the facility demanded precise coordination and thoughtful detailing.

These challenges ultimately strengthened the design outcome. By addressing them head on the team achieved a clear and efficient layout that maximizes flexibility and safety while supporting the unique needs of circus arts training. Bright open studios durable materials and purposeful detailing reflect the energy and movement of the space creating an environment that is both highly functional and visually engaging. The result is a revitalized community asset that seamlessly blends architectural expression performance driven design and long term durability honoring the building’s past while enabling its future.

Achieving the highest quality of construction required a disciplined, collaborative approach focused on coordination, verification, and accountability. The project team used detailed field verification, continuous trade coordination, and strict QA and QC procedures to successfully integrate new structural, mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems within the constraints of a historic building. Frequent inspections and clear communication ensured all work aligned with design intent while protecting existing architectural elements.

The project presented significant challenges, including fitting modern infrastructure into tight and irregular spaces, achieving full accessibility within an older structure, and constructing specialized double height training areas capable of supporting rigging and performance loads. These challenges added complexity to sequencing and installation and required creative problem solving at every phase.

Working within an existing historic framework demanded precision, adaptability, and close interdisciplinary collaboration. By addressing these complexities through thoughtful planning and execution, the team delivered a durable, safe, and high performing facility that preserves the building’s character while fully supporting CircEsteem’s mission.

Safety was a top priority throughout the project, with a strong emphasis on planning, training, and daily accountability. Despite the complexity of the work and the challenges of renovating an existing building, the project was completed with zero safety incidents. This record reflects the effectiveness of site specific safety planning, consistent use of personal protective equipment, daily coordination meetings, and proactive hazard identification. The entire project team demonstrated a shared commitment to maintaining a safe work environment for workers, building occupants, and the surrounding community.

The project strengthens CircEsteem’s role as an inclusive community resource by creating a fully accessible and welcoming environment for youth and families. The upgraded facility expands program capacity, supports participants of all abilities and backgrounds, and enhances CircEsteem’s ability to reach underserved communities. By providing safe, flexible spaces for training, performance, and gathering, the project builds connection, increases participation, and reinforces CircEsteem’s mission of empowerment through the arts.

CircEsteem’s mission is rooted in using circus arts as a tool for empowerment, confidence building, and community connection for youth of all backgrounds. Berglund Construction was proud to partner in renewing a facility that makes this mission possible, transforming a historic building into a safe, accessible, and inspiring space where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.

Located within an underserved Chicagoland community, the project was designed and built with purpose beyond the walls of the building. Berglund worked closely with CircEsteem, designers, and local stakeholders to create a facility that supports expanded programming, increases access for participants of all abilities, and strengthens CircEsteem’s reach within the neighborhood. The construction effort prioritized local trade partners and small businesses, helping create job opportunities and circulate investment within the community.

By preserving a historic structure while modernizing it for long term use, the project contributes to neighborhood stability and growth, offering a welcoming anchor for youth development and community engagement. The renewed facility reflects the diversity of the community it serves and supports CircEsteem’s values of inclusion, creativity, and resilience. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and craftsmanship, Berglund helped deliver an enriching development that enhances quality of life and demonstrates the transformative power of community focused investment in underserved areas.

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 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.

For more than 35 years, Lookingglass Theatre has defined regional theatre through groundbreaking, collaborative storytelling that reimagines the limits of theatrical experience. After more than two decades at home in the historic Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, this project marks a transformative expansion of Lookingglass’ public-facing presence, strengthening its role as a vital, inclusive arts platform that connects mainstage and city.

Design creativity is rooted in a carefully choreographed visitor experience. A terrazzo floor, inscribed with navigational paths, guides patrons from street entry past public utilities and new amenities, up a ceremonial stair and ramp, and into the theatre beyond. At the heart of the lobby stands a glowing fiberglass lantern supported by a pipe grid that references both the industrial language of the pumping station and the theatre’s mainstage. This sculptural core houses a renovated box office, coat check, and universal restroom, streamlining circulation while enhancing accessibility and comfort.

The project’s complexity extended beyond design into systems modernization and sustainability. A 40-year-old, water-wasting HVAC unit was replaced with a high-efficiency direct expansion system utilizing a remote air-cooled condenser, conserving water and eliminating unnecessary sewer discharge. Fast-track construction within a historic landmark required careful coordination, sequencing, and an unwavering commitment to safety, resulting in a strong safety record with no incidents.

The impact on the community is significant and lasting. Expanded café and bar programming introduces new revenue opportunities, while the street-facing lobby now accommodates the full 240-person audience for pre- and post-show gatherings, education, outreach, and independent programming. Art and technology, including neon signage and a floor-to-ceiling projection installation celebrating Lookingglass and its supporters, reinforce inclusion and visibility. The project surpassed the BEP goal of 28%, coming out at 49%, embodying equity, sustainability, and creativity, reaffirming Lookingglass Theatre as a beating cultural heart of Chicago.

From the outset, the project team worked closely with Lookingglass leadership, artists, and technical staff to clearly define performance needs, audience flow, and operational requirements. This collaboration informed a design approach that treated the building as an active participant in the theatre experience, carefully choreographing circulation while clearly organizing front-of-house functions and public spaces.

One of the primary challenges was executing contemporary architectural interventions within a protected historic structure while preserving and respecting its industrial character. Rather than conceal existing conditions, the design leveraged them. Elements such as the exposed pipe grid and glowing fiberglass lantern reference the mechanical language of the pumping station and the theatre’s technical infrastructure. Constructed as a central architectural feature, the lantern functions as wayfinding, visual anchor, and operational core, efficiently housing the box office, coat check, and universal restroom while maintaining openness, accessibility, and clear sightlines.

The terrazzo floor served as a critical design and construction element. Embedded navigational paths were carefully coordinated with existing utilities, structural constraints, and accessibility requirements, allowing circulation challenges to be resolved directly within the finished surface. Art and technology were integrated through coordinated installations including neon signage, architectural text, and a large-scale projection wall, requiring close alignment between design, fabrication, and installation teams.

The project was further complicated by a fast-tracked schedule, major system upgrades, and the need to modernize building infrastructure without impacting the historic envelope. Through detailed coordination, sequencing, and problem-solving, the team delivered a space that balances architectural expression with durability, functionality, and long-term performance, supporting theatre operations, education, and community use.

The Lookingglass Theatre expansion required rigorous quality control, careful coordination, and disciplined execution to deliver a complex renovation within a historic landmark. From preconstruction through closeout, the team emphasized early collaboration among the architect, engineers, and trade partners to align design intent with constructability, durability, and long-term performance. Detailed shop drawings, mockups, and material reviews were critical in achieving a high level of craftsmanship across key architectural elements, including the terrazzo flooring, fiberglass lantern enclosure, architectural metalwork, and integrated signage.

The project faced unique challenges due to the impacts of COVID. Construction was paused during the pandemic, requiring the team to remobilize, re-sequence work, and re-coordinate trades while maintaining evolving health and safety protocols. Despite these disruptions, the project was successfully completed over a 15-month construction period, demanding flexibility, clear communication, and disciplined project management to maintain quality and schedule.

Working within an existing historic structure added significant complexity. Selective demolition, unknown existing conditions, and the need to preserve historic elements required continuous field evaluation and real-time problem-solving. Installation of the central lantern element required tight tolerances and precise coordination among structural, electrical, lighting, and life-safety systems.

Additional complexity stemmed from major system upgrades, including the replacement of a 40-year-old HVAC system with a high-efficiency air-cooled direct expansion system. Through proactive planning, sequencing, and consistent safety oversight, the project team delivered a high-quality, durable renovation that meets contemporary performance standards while honoring the building’s historic character and supporting Lookingglass Theatre’s renewed mission.

Zero recordable incidents or injuries.

The redesigned lobby and front-of-house spaces now accommodate the full 240-person audience for pre- and post-show gatherings, education programs, rehearsals, and community events. This flexibility allows Lookingglass to expand outreach initiatives, host daytime programming, and create opportunities for collaboration beyond traditional performance hours. Universal restrooms, improved circulation, and clear wayfinding enhance accessibility and ensure an inclusive experience for patrons, artists, students, and staff.

Art and technology embedded throughout the space amplify community representation and recognition. Neon signage, architectural text, and a large-scale projection installation celebrate Lookingglass’ artists, donors, and partners, reinforcing a sense of shared ownership and visibility. Expanded café and bar programming further supports inclusion by creating an informal, welcoming environment that encourages connection while generating sustainable revenue.

In addition to its public-facing impact, the project demonstrates a strong commitment to workforce inclusion. The construction team exceeded the BEP Utilization Goal, achieving a 49 percent utilization rate against a 28 percent goal, and supported workforce development through a 15 percent apprenticeship participation rate. Together, these efforts position Lookingglass Theatre as an inclusive cultural anchor that advances equity, access, and opportunity while serving as a vibrant community resource in the heart of Chicago.

The Lookingglass Theatre expansion strengthens community access to the arts while advancing inclusion and economic opportunity through strategic public investment. Supported in part by a DCEO grant, the project transformed a formerly inward facing venue within the historic Chicago Avenue Pumping Station into a visible, welcoming civic resource with expanded street facing lobby, café, education, rehearsal, and outreach spaces that support year-round community programming.

Inclusive design measures including accessible circulation, universal restrooms, and clear wayfinding improve ease of use for patrons of all ages and abilities. Integrated art and technology such as architectural signage and large-scale projection installations celebrate artists and community partners, reinforcing visibility, representation, and shared ownership of the space.

The project also delivered measurable workforce and economic impact. Construction exceeded the BEP Utilization Goal of 28 percent, achieving a 49 percent utilization rate, and supported workforce development through a 15 percent apprenticeship participation rate. Together, these outcomes demonstrate how public funding can improve quality of life in economically disadvantaged areas by expanding cultural access, creating job training opportunities, and reinforcing Lookingglass Theatre as an inclusive community anchor in Chicago.

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.

Fifth City Commons is a new rental residential development anchoring the East Garfield Park neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. Long underinvested yet deeply resilient, the community has played a vital role in the city’s cultural history.

Built to Passive House standards, the project delivers high-quality, climate-resilient housing along with space for a neighborhood restaurant. A new corner plaza, rooftop deck, fitness center, and community rooms offer shared amenities for residents, while large-scale murals by local artists celebrate the cultural identity of the neighborhood. Located at the corner of 5th and Kedzie Avenue, the site benefits from the strong transit access and is part a broader City effort to reinvest in historically underserved areas.

The creative design process was rooted in collaboration with community members and our project partners, ensuring the architecture and design reflects local context while address real, everyday needs. From the start, the team sought to deliver housing that is dignified and welcoming within the constraints of a limited budget and complex urban site.

Balancing affordability with design ambition required an iterative approach, where efficiency, clarity of planning, and material performance were essential. Multiple programmatic needs were carefully integrated, with every design decision evaluated for both function and impact.

The project’s complexity is expressed through thoughtfully scaled massing, a carefully modulated façade, and a strategic use of durable, cost-effective materials to create warmth and character. Interior spaces emphasize natural light, intuitive circulation, and a balance of private and shared areas that support community and well-being.

For the passive house project Fifth City Commons, Skender used Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) rovers for elevation checks, laser scanners to confirm levelness prior to the concrete pour, and performed blower door tests to make sure the building was properly sealed and no air or heat leaks were present. The thermal drone was able to detect thermal inconsistencies so they could be addressed before it was too late. These advancements were especially critical for a Passive House project, which is a building concept and certification standard emphasizing airtight construction, reduced thermal bridging, and passive daylighting, heating, and cooling.

Four members of the project team are Certified Passive Home Builders who participate in bi-weekly Passive House coordination meetings to review project details and ensure the design and its implementation meet building certification requirements.

• We had 18,784.5 work hours with no lost time injuries.
• We held a sitewide safety stand-down with OSHA representatives as guest speakers and received OSHA’s Certificate of Recognition (see attached).

• Strengthening neighborhood stability
• Designing for dignity and belonging
• Inclusive, community-focused amenities
• Improved health and wellness
• Equitable access to quality design
• Catalyst for reinvestment
• Long-term community value

• Strengthening neighborhood stability
• Designing for dignity and belonging
• Inclusive, community-focused amenities
• Improved health and wellness
• Equitable access to quality design
• Catalyst for reinvestment
• Long-term community value