Leopardo Construction Brings Home Top Honors in three Categories During CISCO’s Project of the Year Event
February 18, 2025
BURR RIDGE – To say Leopardo Construction had a productive and successful 2024 would be an understatement. In fact, the general contractor was given top honors in three of CISCO’s six Project of the Year categories – all part of CISCO’s Pride in Construction program, which was held during its Jan. 31 Annual Meeting at Harry Caray’s restaurant at the Westin in Lombard, Illinois.
New Construction – Suburbs (Above $20M)
When Leopardo received its first plaque as the top project in New Construction – Suburbs (Above $20M) for construction of the Downers Grove Civic Center, CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen told those in attendance that, “this won’t be the last time you hear the name Leopardo today. They had a very good year, which resulted in some award-winning projects.”
The three Leopardo projects to be honored in their respective categories were the Downers Grove Civic Center (New Construction – Suburbs, Above $20M); Valent Biosciences Biorational Research Center Expansion (New Construction – Chicago/Suburbs, Below $20M); and RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center at Rush Lisle (Rehabilitation).
The Downers Grove Civic Center is a groundbreaking achievement in public infrastructure. It seamlessly merged Downers Grove Police Department, Downers Grove Village Hall, and Downers Grove Grade School District 58 operations into a state-of-the-art 80,900-square-foot municipal building. 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.
Accepting Leopardo’s award was Leopardo Project Executive Jeff Montanari, who thanked the many the contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and vendors who work alongside Leopardo for the past several years to complete this project. “The all worked tirelessly to make this project happen, and it resulted in a lot of positive feedback from the community,” Montanari explained.
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.
Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett said Leopardo Constructions is a team everybody should want to work with. “They were incredibly accommodating throughout the whole process, by pointed in the right direction when needed, and hearing us out along the way,” Barnett explained.
Representatives from Downers Grove recently held a Dedication Celebration Feb. 8, 2025, where the public had the opportunity to tour the Downers Grove Civic Center, hear remarks, and be part of a dedication ceremony.
New Construction – Chicago/Suburbs (Below $20M)
Leopardo Construction‘s second honor came in the New Construction – Chicago/Suburbs (Below $20M) category with the critical expansion project for Valent BioSciences, which resulted in a total project size of 25,000 square feet. 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.
This 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.
Leopardo’s Operations Executive Vice President Leigh McMillen said its Manufacturing Science and Tech team was truly honored to receive CISCO’s award for the Valent BioSciences Facility Expansion. “The successful completion of this project would not have happened without the incredible strong partnerships and support we had with our Trade people and our Trade partners throughout this entire project,” McMillen explained.
Rebab
Leopardo‘s final honor came in CISCO’s Rehabilitation category with the rehab work done on RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center at Rush Lisle. 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.
New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M)
The top project in the New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M) went to Damen Green Line Elevated CTA Station, constructed by F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates. 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 percent MBE, 9.2 percent 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.
F.H. Paschen Project Manager Pat Wright said the project will have a lasting impact on the surrounding community for years to come. “This Damen Green Line is not just for people attending events at the United Center. It’s for everyday commuters that rely on the CTA as a main source of transportation,” Wright explained.
Infrastructure
Granite Construction received top honors in CISCO’s Infrastructure category for its 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.
Granite Construction Project Manager Nick Kowalczyk said the project was very complex and delt with several with diverse stakeholders, like the Chicago Park District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local communities, to ensure a successful and inclusive project. “Being able to rehab this 85-year-old project was pretty awesome. It was all made possible by our Union partners and government agency advocates.”
Residential
The top Residential project chosen was the Solverre, constructed by Gilbane Building Company. 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 percent M/WBE participation during construction, highlighting the project’s dedication to diversity and equity in the workforce, with 3 percent of construction jobs filled by local residents, fostering economic empowerment within the Uptown neighborhood and promoting community development.
James Arends Vice President, Sr. Director of Business Development at Gilbane Building Company said working on great projects like the Solverre, “results in great friendships. Life is too short to work with people you don’t like.”
Board Excellence Honor: Strength Through Collaboration
A Board Excellence honor was given to HIRE360 Training & Business Development Center as the Strength Through Collaboration Award, which was constructed by LR Contracting.
For the third time, the CISCO 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 percent of resources contributed by industry contractors and Unions. More than 50 percent 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 percent 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.
Accepting the award on behalf of the Business Development Center, HIRE360 Executive Director Jay Rowell stressed the importance of collaboration, which Rowell believes is the way to get things done.
“Because of collaboration, this building came together. This is a real honor to receive this award because CISCO shares our core value of collaboration. So much of the labor for this project was donated to support us – again, a true collaborative effort,” Rowell added.
