CISCO announces 2024 Project of the Year Winners
December 20, 2024
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) categories, as well as three (3) individual awards: Educator of the Year, Public Body of the Year and Labor Advocate of the Year.
“The Projects of the Year Award represents the pinnacle of excellence in Chicagoland construction, and this year’s winners exemplify everything our industry stands for: Union collaboration, innovation, and commitment to community,” said CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen. “From the exceptional quality of construction and inspired design, to their profound impact on the communities they serve and stellar safety records, these projects set a standard that inspires us all. We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of these teams, whose work will leave a lasting legacy in the region.”
The top project in the New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M) went to Damen Green Line Elevated CTA Station
The Damen Green Line Station on Chicago’s Near West Side revitalized a key transportation corridor left dormant since 1948. The $80-million project serves as a hub for nearby institutions, businesses, and residential areas.
This 8,700-square-foot ADA-compliant station features a 3-story glass façade station house, a pedestrian bridge with iconic green trusses, sustainable mass timber roofing, and a custom 1,260-square-foot mosaic mural.
Through careful planning, the project overcame complex construction challenges, including fabricating and transporting a pedestrian bridge via barge to meet aesthetic and engineering standards, and maintaining uninterrupted train operations during column replacements.
The project highlights safety excellence, achieving more than 189,000 manhours without incidents, and a strong community impact, fostering local economic growth and achieving impressive minority- and women-owned business participation rates (28.2% MBE, 9.2% WBE).
The Damen Green Line Station is a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and community impact, setting a new standard for urban transit projects. It had a transformative role in enhancing connectivity, fostering economic growth, and celebrating Chicago’s architectural legacy.
The general contractors were F.H. Paschen and S.N. Nielsen & Associates; the client was the Chicago Department of Transportation.
The top choice in the category for New Construction – Suburbs (Above $20M) was Downers Grove Civic Center
The Downers Grove Civic Center project is a groundbreaking achievement in public infrastructure. It seamlessly merged police, village hall, and School District 58 operations into a state-of-the-art 75,919-square-foot facility. This project stands out because of its exceptional design, innovative construction techniques, and profound impact on the community.
Its modern amenities include a green roof garden, shared fitness areas, and high-tech council chambers, setting a new benchmark for municipal buildings. The police department’s specialized facilities include: a firing range, sally port, and evidence lab.
The team overcame significant challenges, like material shortages, complex site logistics near a rail line, and intricate building enclosure changes – all while maintaining the project schedule.
Advanced safety protocols, including weekly site reviews and a quiz-based safety training program, set a new standard for construction site safety. The project incorporated cutting-edge technologies like BIM modeling, digital layout systems, and 360-degree photo capture for real-time progress monitoring.
Some of the green building features include photo-voltaic panels, permeable pavers, and rain gardens. By consolidating essential services into one accessible location, the Civic Center enhances efficiency and fosters civic pride among Downers Grove residents. The public plaza and future-ready infrastructure positions the facility as a lasting community hub.
The general contractor was Leopardo; the client was Village of Downers Grove.
The top choice of New Construction – Chicago/Suburbs (Below $20M) went to Biorational Research Center Expansion
The Valent BioSciences Facility Expansion represents an extraordinary achievement in laboratory construction by blending innovation, precision, and sustainability to meet the specialized needs of a global leader in environmentally compatible technologies.
Spanning 25,000-square-foot, the project entailed the demolition and reconstruction of open offices and cutting-edge laboratories. Situated in the active Innovation Park campus, Leopardo expertly navigated the challenges of integrating the new facility with existing structures, all while minimizing disruptions to neighboring tenants.
Laser scanning, reality capture, and 360-degree photography enhanced planning and transparency – all ensuring precision and adaptability throughout the construction process. Safety protocols included: site-specific plans, daily meetings, and regular toolbox talks – fostering a culture of vigilance and contributing to a flawless safety record.
Leopardo’s meticulous attention to detail ensured the successful installation of intricate laboratory equipment like fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, and exhaust control systems. This project highlights Leopardo’s ability to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions in specialized construction sectors, setting a benchmark for future lab and office developments.
The general contractor was Leopardo; the client was Valent BioSciences.
The top choice of Infrastructure projects went to Lakefront Bicycle Trail #3 Over the Chicago River
The Lakefront Bicycle Trail #3 Project widened the east sidewalk of the iconic DuSable Lake Shore Drive Bascule Bridge (a drawbridge or a lifting bridge), a landmark once known as the largest bascule bridge in the world. This improvement eliminated a notorious bottleneck for cyclists and pedestrians, improving safety and mobility on one of Chicago’s most heavily used trails.
The project scope included structural, mechanical, and electrical rehabilitations of the historic bridge (built 1929-37), roadway and sidewalk deck replacements, upgraded lighting, and renovations to the bridge houses and stairways.
Executed by Union labor, the project involved more than 200,000 man-hours with minimal safety incidents, achieving its goals over 4.5 years. It revitalized the lower level of Lake Shore Drive, which was added in 1984, to support modern needs, while enhancing Chicago’s connectivity and community spaces.
Coordination with diverse stakeholders like the Chicago Park District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local communities, ensured a successful and inclusive project.
The general contractor was Granite; the client was Chicago Department of Transportation
Among Rehab projects, RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center at Rush Lisle was the top vote-getter
Leopardo transformed a former office building into the state-of-the-art RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center, combining cutting-edge technology, compassionate care, and advanced design. This comprehensive facility allowed for integration of care, making high-quality academic cancer care more convenient and accessible for patients across Chicago and beyond.
The project included:
• A 2,300-square-foot 1-story addition for a LINAC vault to support radiation oncology.
• Specialized spaces for medical oncology, infusion clinics, pharmacy and lab services, and an advanced imaging center with MRI, CT, Ultrasound, X-ray, and mammography.
• Therapy areas dedicated to meditation, massage, and group exercise for holistic patient care.
• A major façade upgrade, including ACM metal panels and granite staining to align with Rush Hospital’s branding.
A customized safety plan, including QR-code-based orientations and interactive safety quizzes, ensured a robust understanding of safety protocols. Weekly safety visits and integration of safety planning into the construction schedule contributed to the project’s zero-incident record.
The general contractor was Leopardo; the client was Rush University Medical Center.
The top Residential project chosen was The Solverre
Solverre is a luxury 12-story Class A rental apartment community located in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. With 303 rental units, ranging from studios to 2-bedroom apartments, and an above-ground parking facility, the development spans approximately 1 acre.
Located in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood, Solverre revitalizes the area by creating a dynamic, luxury living environment aligning with the cultural and economic aspirations of the community.
It features world-class amenities like:
• A pool deck, fireplaces, and grilling stations
• Club rooms, a business center, and a fitness room with a yoga studio
• Dedicated spaces for pets, including a dog room, and facilities for cyclists with bike storage
Solverre offers residents modern, sophisticated living with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The building sets a benchmark in engineering as the 1st precast building in North America to adhere to the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute’s stringent standards, demonstrating its cutting-edge construction practices and commitment to quality.
There was: 21.56% M/WBE participation during construction, highlighting the project’s dedication to diversity and equity in the workforce, with 33% of construction jobs filled by local residents, fostering economic empowerment within the Uptown neighborhood and promoting community development.
General contractor was Gilbane; the client was Willow Bridge Company (previously Lincoln Property Company).
A Board Excellence honor was given to HIRE360 Training & Business Development Center as the Strength Through Collaboration Award
For the third time, the Executive Board decided to use its discretionary authority and award a Board Excellence honor. This year – HIRE360 Training & Business Development Center is recognized with the Community Partner honor. This project was unique, and the Executive Board felt it deserved to be recognized.
The HIRE360 Training & Business Development Center in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood is a state-of-the-art facility converted from a former warehouse.
Spanning 54,000-square-feet over 2 floors, the center serves as a hub for workforce and business development in the construction and hospitality industries. It houses pre-Apprenticeship programs, women- and minority-owned business development services, youth career outreach, and supply chain diversity initiatives.
The facility includes specialized training labs, conference spaces, hospitality training facilities, and modern amenities such as a parent/child center, gym, and solar installation training lab.
Completed in 2024 at a cost of $9 million, the project was supported by donated materials and Labor, with 30% of resources contributed by industry contractors and Unions. More than 50% of construction Labor was provided by women- and minority-owned business enterprises (WMBEs), and more than half of the 10,300 labor hours were completed by Apprentices.
The center addresses systemic inequities by equipping economically disadvantaged communities with access to high-quality training and resources.
HIRE360’s programs serve more than 1,600 active candidates, 75% of whom live in areas disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. It is projected to serve 5,000 guests annually, fostering economic growth and community empowerment through skill-building and job placement.
The general contractor was LR Contracting; the client was HIRE360.
Individual award winners are:
Educator of the Year – Kevin Walters with Chicago Hope Academy
Public Body of the Year – City of Evanston/Mayor Daniel Biss
Construction Advocate of the Year – Bill Heffernan – ScreenSafe
