CISCO announces 2023 Project of the Year Winners

December 15, 2023

BURR RIDGE – The Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) announced its Project of the Year award winners today as part of its annual Pride in Construction Award Program. The program recognizes the top quality, Union construction projects in six (6) different categories, as well as three (3) individual awards: Educator of the Year, Public Body of the Year and Construction Advocate of the Year. For the second time in CISCO history, the CISCO Board of Directors decided to use its discretionary authority and award a Special Mention honor. It selected a unique project as a Community Project honor.

“We are proud to recognize these projects, project teams and organizations for this prestigious award,” said CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen. “Clearly, all entries are winners as the quality of each of these projects was evident to our Board members, who had the difficult task of choosing in each category. Amidst challenges still felt from the COVID pandemic, such as supply chain issues, general contractors, subcontractors, and the men and women who construct these buildings collaborated to stay safe, stay on time and within budget to complete these outstanding projects.”

The top project in the New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M) went to Chicago Park District Administrative Headquarters, Fieldhouse and Site Development

This project included the construction of the Park District’s 80,000 square-foot new building – including administrative offices, a community fieldhouse, athletic fields, and other recreational space.

This project faced several construction challenges. The 2-story, circular building is actually two structures bisected through the middle by a courtyard/walkway, and connected by three bridges on the 2nd floor.

The general contractor was Paschen ALL Joint Venture; the client was the Chicago Park District.

 
 

The top choice in the category for New Construction – Suburbs (Above $20M) was Lincoln Elementary School

District 205 in Elmhurst wanted to replace its 106-year-old Lincoln Elementary School in time for the 2022 school year. This new, modernized building provides future-ready learning spaces – to drive student success. This LEED silver certification school is 80,000 square-foot and 2 stories and involved 64,000-man hours. The inside the school is partitioned into “neighborhoods.” Each given its own identifying personality.

Safety was huge and was discussed at weekly subcontractor meetings by both the superintendent and project manager, resulting in ZERO safety incidents.

The general contractor was International Contractors, Inc.; the client was Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205.

The top choice of New Construction – Chicago/Suburbs (Below $20M) projects went to Rusu-McCartin Boys & Girls Club of Chicago

The Rusu-McCartin Boys and Girls Club of Chicago was built with community in mind. It was constructed on a shared campus that includes a first responders training Academy, and several minority-owned businesses. This was done with the needs of the Austin neighborhood in mind. As part of resident hiring requirements, more than 10,000 labor hours, (or just under 20 percent of the total project hours) were performed by residence of the Austin neighborhood and adjacent City wards.

BEAR work closely with its trade partners, ensuring this project was delivered within an aggressive schedule and tight budget constraints. There were ZERO recordable incidents with more than 50,000 labor hours worked. All materials used in this project focused on resiliency to ensuring the building would have limited maintenance and repair cost for at least 60 years.

The general contractor was BEAR Construction; the client was Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.

 
 

The top choice of Infrastructure projects went to Canal Street Plaza Reconstruction

 

Active community participation was insured through subcontractors and workforce, which comprise 42 percent city of Chicago residents. The owners M/WBE diversity goals were met with 12 percent of the contract cost going to women-owned businesses; and 26 percent going to minority-owned businesses.

The general contractors were F.H. Paschen; S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC; the client was Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Among Rehab projects, Congress Line – Track Improvements – Phase One was the top vote-getter

This $105 million rehabilitation project was the first phase of the CTA’s Forest Park branch rebuild, a multiyear, multiphase investment to make service, faster, safer, more reliable, and more accessible for all blue line riders. Work was planned on an aggressive timeline to minimize impacts to CTA ridership. Work was awarded with conditions that all work be completed within a 61-day complete blue line shut down, and re-opened to the public prior to the Chicago marathon.

CTA set a workforce participation goal of 10 percent workforce innovation and opportunity act (WIOA), which Kiewit achieved. Kiewit employed about 100 of its own craft, and the project employed more than 500, including subcontracted craft. Working more than 150,000 craft hours through the extended line, the project maintained a very good safety record with only one subcontractor recordable, and one contractor recordable.

The general contractor was Kiewit Infrastructure Co.; the client was the Chicago Transit Authority.

 
 

The top Residential project chosen was The Row Fulton Market

The Row Fulton Market is a:
– 43-story
– 500-foot tall
– 550,000 square foot luxury multifamily skyscraper in Fulton Market

It includes 300 apartment residences on floors 2-43. The top 2 floors are reserved for six expansive 3- and 4-bedroom penthouse residences. The apartments feature spacious convertible, 1- 2- and 3-bedroom floor plans.

The Row was a groundbreaking project in many respects. An effective partnership enabled this project to break ground in diversity and equity.

General contractors was LR Contracting; the client was Related Midwest.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A Special Mention honor was given to Walsh Academy & Career Tech High School as the Community Partner Award

Opened in fall of this year, Walsh Sr. Academy and Career Tech High School focuses on preparing special education students to enter high demand, high-paying jobs in the trades for a successful future. Walsh Academy curriculum offers CTE instruction. It develops strong partnerships with contractors, Union organizations, including CISCO, and school districts to create internship and job opportunities for the students in their communities.

The Walsh Academy building was completely gutted from roof to foundation. There wasn’t a single square inch that wasn’t touched by renovation. Upon 1st tour of the building, there was mold, debris, and vandalism EVERYWHERE. Included were multiple classrooms, shop classes, all new mechanicals, elevator, and modifications for small engines.

The general contractor was Wight Construction; the client was Maryville.

 
 
 

Individual award winners are:

– Educator of the Year – Rita Cárdenas – Chicago Public Schools’ Career Pathway Specialist Office of Early College and Career Education
– Public Body of the Year – Village of Tinley Park/Mayor Michael Glotz
– Construction Advocate of the Year – Christina Wernick – Laner Muchin, Ltd.
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CISCO Accepting Applications for Annual Pride in Construction Award Program

September 14, 2023

Click image below or HERE for application.

BURR RIDGE – If you think you’ve got one of the best construction projects in CISCO’s 6-county area, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake and McHenry – prove it with a submission to CISCO’s Annual Pride in Construction Award Program. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 1, 2023, from projects competed during May 2022 through December 2023.

CISCO’s Award Program gives general contractors, owners, engineers and architects a chance to submit projects in six (6) different categories for recognition as that categories’ Project of the Year. (See 2022 winners here). Categories include:

– New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M)
– New Construction – Suburbs (Above $20M)
– New Construction – Chicago or Suburbs (Below $20M)
– Rehabilitation
– Residential
– Infrastructure

Eligibility and Criteria
Each candidate’s project needs to demonstrate a dedication to:

– Quality of Construction
– Design
– Impact to Community
– Safety Record

Deadline
Participants must complete the application form and submit it directly to CISCO. CISCO is not responsible for the return of any materials submitted. Deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. For additional information, contact CISCO’S Director of Communications and Public Affairs Director Jennifer Rice at 630-472-9411. Applications can be sent via email at: jennifer@cisco.org, or via mail to: CISCO, 999 McClintock Dr., STE 100, Burr Ridge IL 60527.

Notification
Submittals will be reviewed in December 2023 during CISCO’s Board Meeting, and winners will be selected at that time. Winners will be notified the week of Dec. 11, 2023. Due to the volume of submissions CISCO receives, only winners will be notified. Winning entries will be posted on CISCO’s website – cisco.org, on Dec. 15, 2023.

Awards will be presented at CISCO’s Annual Meeting in 2024. Winning entries and their team will be invited for recognition and celebration. An exact date for the meeting has yet to be determined – but will be held in January 2024.
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Award Recipients Give Inspiring Remarks During CISCO’s Pride in Construction Awards

February 15, 2023

BURR RIDGE – The recipients of this year’s Pride in Construction awards – whether they were individuals or construction projects, exemplified what is capable when imagination and Labor come together to build better and stronger communities.

As it does every year during CISCO’s Annual Meeting, awards are given to both construction projects, as well as individuals who have made a positive impact on the Union construction industry. “These projects and individuals, without a doubt, show how world-class training and skills make a difference, said CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen.

Making an impact with our youth, Simeon High School CTE Electricity Instructor Latisa Kindred has mentored more than 150 students by teaching the IBEW curriculum to young men and women. Many have gone on to have careers in the electrical industry, construction management and other related Union jobs. Her relentless efforts earned her CISCO’s Educator of the Year award.

Like most teachers, her work does not stop when she leaves her high school. At the end of the day, she continues working for her students. “Because of the work I’ve been able to do, my students are able to contribute to their families and communities, which makes us stronger. We all build a stronger America. Isn’t that the goal?” Kindred questioned the crowd.

Succeeding in her job takes more than just her dedication and expertise. When supplies in her classroom run low, she has a support system she relies on, which was present in the crowd she was addressing. “I’m looking out at you right now, she said. “People are always there for me,” she explained. Many times, the Chicago-based IBEW Local 134 stepped up and donate supplies Kindred needed to keep her classroom going and students learning.

“You all have brought tears to my eyes, and I’m grateful you have all supported my students,” she added. “I hope and pray that everybody continues on this journey to build our future – which is the pipeline to construction in America, not just Chicago.”

Even though Kindred can educate, and Unions can train thousands of tradesmen and women, if we don’t have elected officials as partners who appreciate the signatory contractors and skilled Union tradesmen women that build, then it’s all for nothing.

One thing is for sure, the City of Countryside has a friend with Labor, which is why it was selected as Public Body of the Year.

Allen said Countryside Mayor Sean McDermott has a vision to protect working people. Not only does McDermott recognize and acknowledge hard-working men and women by supporting Project Labor Agreements, McDermott is an advocate for Responsible Bidder Ordinances.

One of his city’s project McDermott is most proud of is Countryside’s Municipal Complex, Illinois first net zero municipal building, which produces as much energy annually as it uses, and has its LEED Gold Certification, which was constructed with virtually 100 percent Union contractors.

“I believe we have a responsibility to do what we can when it comes to protecting the environment and working with Labor. When you combine these two movements, we can get a lot done. I’m extremely proud of our net zero building,” McDermott explained.

He also thanked his friends at Operating Engineers Local 150 adding, “if you’re ever in a fight, these are the guys you want to have your back.”

The final individual award winner was Pamyla Fountain Brown as CISCO‘s Labor Advocate of the Year, who has always been at the forefront of providing opportunity for individuals, who may never have such an opportunity.

Brown has been a leader in diversity and inclusion, exposing young people to multiple trades and other professional careers in the Union construction industry. Her career has spanned decades with her work at Turner Construction and Lakeside Alliance as Director of Community and Citizenship.

Overwhelmed with emotion after receiving her award, Brown said she was, “too cool to cry.” Instead, she reminded people that what she does, she does for others. “I am humble to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you in this movement. It makes me proud. I encourage all of you to continue to be in the fight WITH us and FOR us. We have to be stronger together,” she explained.

Construction Project of the Year Recipients

The CISCO Board of Directors selected some inspirational and unique projects at this year‘s event. The winners in five different categories illustrated the joint commitment, training and professionalism one can expect of Union contractors and a skilled union workforce.

In the New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M), the CISCO Board selected Plumbers Local 130 UA parking garage, submitted by W.E. O’Neil for its client, Plumbers Local 130 UA.

This $29 million, 254,000-square foot parking structure houses 600 parking spots, 36 spaces for bikes, grade level retail opportunities, a second-floor retail space and amenities for the Plumbers Union.

Both in color and material, the façade of the structure pulls from the West Loop’s historic buildings. Large cutout planters give the parking deck a modern residential feel, uniting it with its newer neighbors. The structure eases the pressure on nearby residential roads and is intended to create a more walkable experience in Fulton Market and the greater West Loop neighborhood.

Plumbers Local 130 UA Financial Secretary Treasurer Ken Turnquist said the Plumbers Union didn’t want a standard looking garage. “We’re happy with the way the garage turned out and it’s getting used frequently,” Turnquist explained.

A construction project in Kane County receive the highest vote-getter for New Construction – Chicago or Suburbs (Below $20M), which was the Mooseheart Activity Center (MAC) submitted by R.C. Wegman for its client Mooseheart Child City & School. This unique, residential facility is operated by the Loyal Order of Moose fraternal organization and sits on a 1,000 acre campus.

Mooseheart operates as a home for at-risk children and teens, ranging in age from infancy through high school. Mooseheart provides them with a living and learning environment, which offers stability, education, and personal growth. Because of this unique environment, the Mooseheart Activity Center needed to draw in, engage and educate a large range of children. This was achieved with colorful geometric wall patterns, rainbows of colors in the millwork and lighting displays, and the interior is packed full of energy and excitement.

The Mooseheart Activities Center includes an exercise room with the latest fitness equipment, multi-purpose activity space, a movie theater, a 4-lane regulation bowling alley and a outdoor splash pad. Mooseheart Executive Director Gary Urwiler said his organization and the children it mentors have been truly blessed by the interactions with others.

In the Rehabilitation category, another Kane County project received top honors, which was Boulder Point, submitted by Leopardo Companies for its client Oswegoland Park District. This project consisted of an expansion and renovation of a 15,000 square-foot community center. It is home to programs that include fitness, gymnastics, theater, preschool and dance.

This large scale renovation added approximately 3,500-square feet to the existing center. Various architectural elements were removed to make away for a new lobby and programming spaces. Other work included full interior build out with new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as millwork, stairs, and finishes.

Leopardo also made ADA and energy efficiency improvements and installed a new sprinkler system in classrooms and activity rooms that previously had NO fire protection systems in place at all. All these renovations and upgrades continued while the facility remained opened and operational – a true testament to the safety protocols in place and pre-planning efforts.

In a unique twist this year, the winner in Residential construction was awarded to Pepper Family Wildlife Center at Lincoln Park Zoo for work done on the zoo’s antiquated Lion House.

For more than a century, a pride of African lions have reigned as the kings of their domain at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Their castle, their home, was one of the zoo’s oldest structures. Over decades of use, the space had lost most of its majesty and the pride deserved a modern and updated home.

With the last significant renovation in 1990, the lions remained in limited spaces inside and out, with guests separated at a considerable distance. The new 54,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility, doubles the size of the previous lion habitat.

Regarding the project, Pepper Construction said, “Everything was unique about this job. There’s not a more challenging type of customer you’re going to encounter. The end-user is a lion. How are you going to communicate with them?”

After construction, visitors can now experience nose-to-nose, close-up and naturalistic views of the lions. The expansion of the habitat includes intricate rockwork, climate controlled features and zip lines with meaty food, simulating prey and providing an enrichment opportunity for the lions.

And in another unique blessing, shortly after the CISCO Board chose this project, triplet lions were born at the zoo!

Pepper Construction Project Manager Joe Gallo, who was involved in construction of the lion house from start to finish, said he was incredibly honored to be part of the project and to bring the animals “more space, and a state-of-the-art exhibit. This structure brings a cornerstone exhibit back to the Lincoln Park Zoo.”

In the final category for Infrastructure, the award went to the Tri-State Tollway (I294)/I57 Interchange Project, Phase two, which was submitted by the Illinois Tollway. Two years ahead of schedule, the Illinois Tollway opened the final ramps to provide full access at this interchange, delivering a new gateway for commerce and economic development in the Chicago Southland region. This project FINALLY connected both Interstates – one of only two spots in the nation where Interstates crossed, but did not connect.

This new, all electronic Interstate-to-Interstate connection better serves commuters and freight operators, while opening greater access for local communities, a fact highlighted by a story from Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse.

While talking with an educator in the Chicago Southland area, he told Rouse he had a student in his class who had becoming disinterested in learning. However, he began to noticed a spark in his student’s walk and she was becoming more interested in her classroom studies. After further discussions, the teacher learned her parents had been unemployed for a number of months. One of them for more than a year.

But after the completion of the tollway project, Amazon invested in a new facility, bringing 3,000 new jobs to the Chicago Southland area. The student’s parents were able to get employment for the first time in a long time. “These jobs changed the students disposition in the classroom. So not only are we making economic impacts in the communities we serve, it’s also impacting families and students directly in their ability to learn in the classroom,” Rouse explained.

She announced more development is planned with projects valued at more than $215 million, which is expected to affect Harvey and Country Club Hills. “There are ongoing projects planned in Tinley Park and other areas. The Interchange is expected to add more than 2 million-square-foot of commercial space, allowing businesses to move goods and services throughout the Chicago Southland area and beyond,” Rouse added.
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Project of the Year Feature – Residential

February 7, 2023

BURR RIDGE – Our 5th and final Project of the Year Feature is the top choice of Residential, which is Pepper Family Wildlife Center at Lincoln Park Zoo. General contractor was Pepper Construction; client was Lincoln Park Zoo.

When considering submissions, judging criteria is based on: quality of construction, design, impact on the community and safety record.

For more than a century, lions have reigned as the kings of their domain at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo. Their castle, their home, was one of the zoo’s oldest structures – the original 1912 Lion House. Unfortunately, after more than a century of use, the space had lost most of its majesty. The pride deserved a modern home.

Work began to create an exhibit that reflects the expert animal care Lincoln Park Zoo provides and improves the guest experience. Visitors can now experience nose-to-nose close-up, naturalistic views of the lions. The expansion of the habitat includes intricate rockwork, climate-controlled features and ziplines with pulley food ziplines, simulating prey, provide an enrichment opportunity for the lions.

On the project, Pepper Construction said, “Everything’s unique about this job. There’s not a more challenging type that you are going to encounter. The end user is a lion. How are you going to communicate with them?”

With the last significant renovation in 1990, the lions remained in limited spaces inside and out, with guests separated at a considerable distance. The new 54,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility nearly doubles the size of the previous lion habitat.

The team went to great lengths to retain the historical integrity of the building by concealing all MEP upgrades. The original building was not air conditioned and the windows were inoperable. With extensive work, the lion’s home was converted to an A/C climate controlled operable building.

The exhibit has a Kalwall® canopy system that transforms sunlight into glare-free daylight. The weather-rated side is typically installed facing up to protect against seasonal elements, but the team flipped it to ensure that forceful impact would not cause it to shatter or harm the animals.

To create a modernized human-animal connection experience, glass viewing spaces were included. The design team worked with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks to preserve, restore and enhance the architecturally significant features, including the masonry, clay tile roof and copper gutter, along with windows and doors.

The zoo’s commitment to the community is reflected in its tagline: For Wildlife. For All. This includes diversity requirements established by the zoo for vendors, suppliers and contractors. The lion house project achieved its goals with:
– 26% minority (MBE) participation
– 6.15% female (WBE) participation and
– 32.9% minority workforce participation on-site

Through a complete renovation, restoration and expansion, the 54,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility doubles the size of the previous lion habitat and provides increased transparency and a more immersive experience for visitors while restoring the architectural integrity of the original landmarked building. The habitat focuses on providing choices for the animals and enhanced wellbeing, from thermal comfort zones for heating and cooling to intricate rockwork and trees for climbing.

Within its first five months of opening, the facility celebrated a major success: the birth of a new African lion cub – the first born at Lincoln Park Zoo in 20 years!

The lion house construction did not pause during the pandemic. A strict mask policy was put in place and temperature sensors were used to enter the site each day. We also provided an additional jobsite “office” to support social distancing. Honest and open communication prevented any shut-downs due to COVID-19.

 
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Project of the Year Feature – Rehabilitation

January 31, 2023

BURR RIDGE – Our 4th Project of the Year Feature is the top choice of Rehabilitation, which is Boulder Point. General contractor was Leopardo Companies; client was Oswegoland Park District.

When considering submissions, judging criteria is based on: quality of construction, design, impact on the community and safety record.

The Boulder Point project consisted of an addition/expansion and renovation of the Oswegoland Park District’s facility. The facility was originally a car dealership built in 1960, which was leased by the Oswegoland Park District in 2004 and refurbished into a 14,887-square-foot community center. In 2009, the park district purchased the building, which is home to programming, which includes fitness, gymnastics, theatre, preschool and dance. Recognizing the need for more space to host quality community programming, the district embarked on a large-scale renovation and added approximately 3,426-square-feet to the center.

The scope included selective structural demolition and removal of various architectural elements to make way for a new lobby and programming spaces; full interior build-out with new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; as well as millwork, stairs and finishes. Leopardo also made ADA and energy efficiency improvements and installed a new sprinkler system in classrooms and activity rooms, which previously had no fire protection systems in place.

All of this work required extensive preplanning and coordination. Project teams worked hand-in-hand with Leopardo’s Virtual Build Group (VBG), Safety and Quality leads to successfully tie the new building into the existing structure.

Using 3D modeling, Leopardo was able to solve sequencing and constructability issues before problems arose in the field. All trade partners collaborated in this pre-planning effort. In addition, Leopardo’s effective budget management resulted in project savings, which were allocated to additional interior refreshes.

The impact of the Boulder Point facility is rooted in community development. This project addressed specific themes found in the District’s Comprehensive Master Plan including Develop New Indoor Facilities & Expand/Maintain Existing Facilities; and Expand and Improve Program Offerings. The new space allows the District to meet the current demands of their community and accommodate the growth the District is still experiencing. The project was completed on time and within budget with all project partners satisfied with the outcome.
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Project of the Year Feature – New Construction – Chicago or Suburbs (Below $20M)

January 24, 2023

BURR RIDGE – Our 3rd Project of the Year Feature is the top choice of New Construction – Chicago or Suburbs (Below $20M), which is Mooseheart Activity Center “MAC.” General contractor was R.C. Wegman; client was Mooseheart Child City & School.

When considering submissions, judging criteria is based on: quality of construction, design, impact on the community and safety record.

Located on a 1,000-acre campus just outside of Chicago, Mooseheart operates as a home for at-risk children and teens from infancy through high school, providing them with a living and learning environment that offers community, stability, education and personal growth. Mooseheart students live in an array of residential units on campus in an environment designed to provide a wholesome, supportive and enriching daily life.

The Mooseheart Activities Center (MAC) provides new activity and play spaces for residents – from toddlers to high school seniors – to enjoy. The space program includes an exercise room with the latest fitness equipment, multi-purpose activity space with multi-station video game areas, movie theater space with seating for 41, 4-lane regulation bowling alley, and an outdoor splash pad. The building also includes a concessions area to further support the activities in this new center.

The MAC was designed as an exciting space to draw in, engage and entertain both the Mooseheart children and teens, who range in age from 3- to 17-years old. From the colorful geometric wall patterns to the rainbow of colors in the millwork and lighting displays, the interior is packed full of energy and excitement from the moment one enters the facility. The center offers a myriad of entertainment options to appeal to all ages. The facility is divided into areas for:
• Fitness center and weight room
• Activity room and dance studio for pre-K through 5th grade
• Video gaming center area
• 4-lane bowling alley with snack bar
• Theater space with theater seating and projection
• Youth splash pad area

The MAC was built to blend new building forms with the existing campus geometry of historic structures. Our team did this by orienting the building to the iconic buildings on campus such as the campanile bell tower. When looking down the spine of the activity center building, the campanile bell tower is centered on the primary entrance glazing.

The interior of the space that would normally be largely cut off from natural light receives vast amounts of natural light from the clerestory windows. The lights in the circulation spaces are installed with daylight sensors, thus they are rarely required to be turned on during daylight hours.

The building is heated and cooled with conventional gas fired roof top units with hot water boiler heating, meeting current energy code standards.

 
 
 
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Project of the Year Feature – New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M)

January 17, 2023

BURR RIDGE – Our 2nd Project of the Year Feature is the top choice of New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M), which is the Plumbers Local 130 UA Parking Garage. General contractor was W.E. O’Neil; client was Plumbers Local 130 UA.

When considering submissions, judging criteria is based on: quality of construction, design, impact on the community and safety record.

The Plumbers Union wanted a parking structure that could boost attendance at their events. Beyond their immediate needs, they also saw an opportunity to create an amenity for the growing Fulton Market neighborhood. In the short term, it would provide spaces for the numerous construction workers driving to the neighborhood for its many new developments. As a long-term asset, it would provide parking opportunities for the many families moving to the surrounding area.

The property is much more than a parking structure, incorporating a generous array of retail and community spaces where residents can relax and socialize. While raising the bar on the typical parking structure, the new building transforms a flat parking lot into a dynamic and modern facility neighbors can embrace. The design encourages walkability, while alleviating traffic and street parking on West Randolph Street and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Finished in 2022, this 254,000 parking structure houses 600 parking spots, 36 spaces for bikes, at-grade retail opportunities, a second-floor retail space and amenities for the Plumbers Union. Both past and future are reflected in the building’s overall look and material choices. Both in color and material, the façade of the structure pulls from the West Loop’s historic building stock, while large cutouts and planters give the parking deck a modern residential feel, uniting it with its newer neighbors.

Throughout the development and construction of Parking Garage, the project team put an emphasis on community involvement. Careful and deliberate consideration was taken during the selection of trade partners. These efforts led to the hiring of seven (7) local ward residents, who remained throughout the duration of the project. Additionally, the project achieved a 50 percent Chicago residency for the onsite workforce, and of the firms subcontracted, 27 percent were MBE and 8 percent were WBE firms.

In designing the mixed-use parking and amenity deck, OKW Architects took inspiration from the Fulton Market neighborhood’s historic, existing, and future buildings. The combination of the nearby glassy towers, along with the re, brick-and-timber loft warehouses and homes, guided the design for how this Parking Garage harmoniously add to the future Local 130 campus and the neighborhood.

The Plumbers Local 130 UA Parking Garage project put tremendous value on safety, and it showed through their strong safety culture from start to finish.

A core value of W.E. O’Neil is safety, which was managed with a full-time, onsite safety engineer who was a Union tradesperson. Safety record information for the Plumbers Local 130 UA Parking Garage project:
• 92,091 total manhours worked on the project for all contractors
• 3 Recordable Injuries
• 4 First Aid Injuries
• No lost workdays

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Project of the Year Feature – Infrastructure

January 10, 2023

BURR RIDGE – Our 1st Project of the Year Feature is the top choice of Infrastructure, which is the Tri-State Tollway (I294)/I-57 Interchange Project, Phase Two. Construction Manager was Wight & Company. Client was Illinois Tollway.

When considering submissions, judging criteria is based on: quality of construction, design, impact on the community and safety record.

Two years ahead of schedule, the Illinois Tollway opened the final ramps to provide full access at this interchange, delivering a new gateway for commerce and economic development in the Chicago Southland region. This project FINALLY connected both Interstates – one of only two spots in the nation where interstates crossed, but did not connect.

As part of the improvements, I-57 was widened between I-294 and the CSX Railroad to accommodate added traffic entering and exiting the Tollway. Other work activities included earth excavation, drainage improvements, erosion and sediment control, and retaining wall and bridge construction. In total, construction of the full interchange required nearly 157,000 cubic yards of concrete; 80,000 tons of aggregate; 32,000 tons of asphalt; about 16,000 tons of steel and more than 80,000 linear feet of steel bridge beams.

Innovations included the use of 3D modeling and a paperless construction management system. 3D models were developed from 2D construction plans and the LiDAR survey of existing topography. This allowed potential conflicts to be identified virtually and get resolved in advance of construction. The 3D model also allowed the construction management team to collect all relevant data digitally, providing a more dynamic approach to quantity verification. The construction management team relied on iPads, rather than hard copies, for accessing plans and specifications, allowing them to work from a single version of contract documents and implement changes more efficiently.

The new I-294/I-57 Interchange was designed to reduce congestion on local routes, enhance economic development and improve regional mobility by providing commuters and freight operators with completed access between the two interstates.

The completed I-294/I-57 Interchange ramps are anticipated to accommodate 76,000 vehicles per day, provide direct freight access to Chicago’s south suburbs and save drivers $4 million annually in fuel consumption. Tri-State Tollway drivers who have been using I-80 to get to I-57 will save 25 travel hours per year using the new interchange.

Concurrent with the planning and construction of the project, the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning partnered with the communities of Dixmoor, Harvey, Markham, Midlothian and Posen to develop a I-294/I-57 Land Use and Economic Development Plan.

The study area encompassed a portion of the communities near the I-294/I-57 Interchange and identified key land use opportunities at interchanges and along major arterial corridors that will spur economic development both regionally and locally. Throughout construction of the new interchange, an estimated 15 million square feet of new commercial space began popping up in the Chicago Southland, including new warehouses, logistics centers and manufacturing firms in anticipation of the new access. This, in turn, has generated thousands of new jobs in the region.

Encouraging economic development and creating new jobs by building better access to the Tollway system was a key factor in planning construction of the interchange. With the new, full interchange completed, economic development officials expect more businesses will build or relocate to the area, creating still more jobs in the Chicago Southland.

The Illinois Tollway was committed to ensuring that the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project remained safe for both motorists and workers during construction, which is part of the agency’s overall commitment to roadway safety.

Work zone speed limits were in effect in all construction zones 24/7. A 45 mph work zone speed limit was in effect throughout the construction season on both I-294 and I-57. Additionally, drivers were reminded in a variety of ways – including onsite construction signage, daily construction alerts and social media – to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution, especially when workers were present.

Maintenance-of-traffic plans maintained full capacity of the mainline pavement as much as possible. On I-294, lane shifts and weaves were sufficient for most of the work. Along I-57, collector-distributor roads and associated bridges over 147th Street were constructed and then used for three lanes of expressway traffic while the I-57 bridges over 147th Street were demolished and reconstructed in a single stage.
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CISCO announces 2022 Project of the Year Winners

December 14, 2022

BURR RIDGE – The Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) announced its Project of the Year award winners today as part of its annual Pride in Construction Award Program. The program recognizes the top quality, Union construction projects in five (5) different categories, as well as three (3) individual awards: Educator of the Year, Public Body of the Year and Labor Advocate of the Year.

“We are proud to recognize these projects, project teams and organizations for this prestigious award,” said CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen. “Clearly, all entries are winners as the quality of each of these projects was evident to our Board members, who had the difficult task of choosing in each category. Amidst challenges still felt from the COVID pandemic, such as supply chain issues, general contractors, subcontractors, and the men and women who construct these buildings collaborated to stay safe, stay on time and within budget to complete these outstanding projects.”

The top project in the New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M) went to Plumbers Local 130 UA Parking Garage

This 254,000 parking structure houses 600 parking spots, 36 spaces for bikes, at-grade retail opportunities, a 2nd-floor retail space, and amenities for the Plumbers Union. Both in color and material, the façade of the structure pulls from the West Loop’s historic building stock, while large cutouts and planters give the parking deck a modern residential feel, uniting it with its newer neighbors.

 

While raising the bar on the typical parking structure, the building transforms a flat parking lot into a dynamic and modern facility the neighbors can embrace. The design encourages walkability, while alleviating traffic and street parking on W. Randolph Street and surrounding neighborhoods. General contractor was W.E. O’Neil; client was Plumbers Local 130 UA.

The top choice in the category for New Construction – Chicago or Suburbs (Below $20M) was Mooseheart Activity Center “MAC”

Supported and operated by the Loyal Order of the Moose fraternal and service organization, Mooseheart is a unique residential facility. It operates as a home for at-risk children and teens, ranging from infancy through high school. Mooseheart provides them with a living and learning environment, which offers community, stability, education, and personal growth.

As part of the campus’ $5.2M project to consolidate and improve aging recreational facilities on campus, the Mooseheart Activities Center (MAC) was built to provide new activity and play spaces for residents, which includes a fitness center, multi-station video game areas, 41-seat movie theater space, 4-lane bowling alley and an outdoor splash pad.

The main challenge with this project was the need to design as exciting space that would draw in and engage the WIDE range of ages of Mooseheart’s residents (3- to 17-years old). This was achieved with colorful geometric wall patterns and rainbow of colors in the millwork and lighting displays. General contractor was R.C. Wegman; client was Mooseheart Child City & School.

The top choice of Infrastructure projects went to Tri-State Tollway (I294)/I-57 Interchange Project, Phase Two

Two years ahead of schedule, the Illinois Tollway opened the final ramps to provide full access at this interchange, delivering a new gateway for commerce and economic development in the Chicago Southland region. This project FINALLY connected both Interstates – one of only two spots in the nation where interstates crossed, but did not connect.

Phase Two of construction delivered the remaining ramps, carrying traffic to and from Chicago and completed improvements on I-57. Phase Two also added four new ramps to complete the interchange, connecting southbound I-57 to I-294, and I-294 to northbound I-57. In total, construction of the full interchange required nearly 157,000 cubic yards of concrete, 80,000 tons of aggregate, 32,000 tons of asphalt, about 16,000 tons of steel and more than 80,000 linear feet of steel bridge beams.

The completed I-294/I-57 Interchange ramps anticipate accommodating 76,000 vehicles per day and save drivers $4 million annually in fuel consumption. Tri-State Tollway drivers who have been using I-80 to get to I-57 will save 25 travel hours per year using the new interchange. Construction Manager was Wight & Company. Client was Illinois Tollway.

Among Rehabilitation projects, Boulder Point was the top vote-getter

The Boulder Point project was an addition/expansion and renovation of the Oswegoland Park District’s facility, which is home to fitness, gymnastics, theater, preschool and dance for the community. More than 3,400-square-feet were added to the center.

Construction consisted of selective structural demolition and removal of various architectural elements to make way for a new lobby and programming spaces; full interior build-out with new mechanical, electrical and plumbing services; as well as millwork, stairs and finishes.

General contractor Leopardo Companies also made ADA and energy efficiency improvements and installed a new sprinkler system in classrooms and activity rooms that previously had no fire protection systems in place. General contractor was Leopardo Companies; client was Oswegoland Park District.

The top Residential Construction project chosen was Pepper Family Wildlife Center at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago

When your home hasn’t been updated or modernized in more than 30 years, you know you’re in need of a facelift. However, when you’re a pride of lions at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, you’re unable to give your family more space, A/C and better landscaping. But with the combined efforts of a design team, contractors and the City of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo’s lions are comfortably enjoying their newly renovated home!

The Pepper Family Wildlife Center boasts intricate rockwork, climate-controlled features, outdoor viewing shelters and an indoor meeting and event space – which can be rented, which features a Lion Loop with amazing views of the animals from the center of the habitat. Various features encourage behaviors from the wild — including a zip-line system delivering food at speed, to simulate “prey” that lions can chase down.

Within the five months of opening, a new African lion cub was born – the first at the Lincoln Park Zoo in 20 years. General contractor was Pepper Construction; client was Lincoln Park Zoo.

Individual award winners were:

– Educator of the Year – Latisa Kindred – Simeon High School’s CTE Electricity Instructor
– Public Body of the Year – City of Countryside
– Labor Advocate of the Year – Pamyla Fountain Brown

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CISCO Board Announces Selections For Top 2021 Construction Projects

CISCO’s Board of Directors recently determined which construction projects were winners in six different construction categories – part of CISCO’s Annual Pride in Construction Awards for Projects of the Year. Among the entries submitted by General Contractors, Builders, Architects and other organizations, the top choices were:

New Construction – Chicago (+$20m):
Midway Security Checkpoint Expansion; GC – F.H. Paschen; Cook County.

New Construction – Suburbs (+ $20m):
Forester Hotel; GC – William A. Randolph; Lake County.

New Construction – City/Suburbs (Under $20m): Kane County Multi-Use Facility; GC – R.C. Wegman; Kane County.

Infrastructure: I-294 Mile Long Bridge; GC – F. H. Paschen; Cook County.

Rehabilitation: Queen Bee School District Additions/Renovations; GC – Riley Construction; DuPage County.

Residential: Westerly; GC – James McHugh Construction; Cook County.

CISCO wishes to recognize each and every entry for its quality of construction, design, impact on the community and safety record. Even under extreme circumstances, amidst an unprecedented pandemic, general contractors, subcontractors and the men and women who construct these buildings collaborated to stay safe, stay on time, and within budget to complete these amazing projects.