About Nia Architects

Nia Architects is a Chicago-based architectural firm established in 1996. The firm offers architectural, interior design, and construction management services to residents in Chicago, Washington D.C., as well as clients all over the globe. For 24 years, Nia Architects has worked on different types of projects, especially in the housing, education, public, and civic sectors.

The name, Nia, means “purpose” in an African language. Hence, it has become the foundation of the company’s mission and principle. Nia Architects aim to serve its clients with purpose both in the design and customer service. As a Nigerian-founded firm, most of the staff at Nia Architects come from immigrant families. The firm is made up of a diverse and talented team of designers and architects. Diversity has become one of the firm’s strong suits, especially when it comes to crafting innovative, unique, and creative designs.

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Its designs have been showcased in various publications including Chicago Tribune, Curbed Chicago, Multi-Housing News, Architect’s Newspaper, and Crain’s Chicago Business to name a few. The black-owned architectural firm is registered with the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and Architects Advocate for Action on Climate Change.

About JGMA

Established in 2010, JGMA has been providing provocative architecture both nationally and internationally. The internationally-renowned firm has worked on a variety of typologies in the residential, education, recreation, health, and corporate industries. JGMA is committed to serving the Chicago neighborhood by creating high-quality housing designs that are affordable. As part of its mission, the firm continues to support non-profit community organizations that will benefit the people of Chicago.

Juan Gabriel Moreno founded JGMA as a progressive firm incorporating inter-disciplinary principles and community engagement with the vision of enriching people’s lives. Moreno is a celebrated architect honored by the former President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos as one of the recipients of the 100 Colombianos in 2013. His works have also been internationally recognized with the PIECE Award for International Excellence in 2013.

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JGMA has been recognized numerous times for its state-of-the-art designs. Recently, the firm was awarded the 2020 Interior Design Competition winner at the IIDA 47th Annual Interior Design Competition. It also received the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design at the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards. Its designs have been featured in Architectural Digest, Architect’s Newspaper, Architect Magazine, World Architecture News, and Architectural Record among many others.

About Hooker DeJong, Inc.

Hooker DeJong, Inc. is made up of a team of dedicated and skilled architects, interior designers, engineers, and specialists. Founded in Michigan in 1936, it continues to provide architectural, interior design, and engineering services in the Midwest and across the country. As a full-service architectural firm, it also offers assistance in design development, project planning, and construction documentation. Its projects span across various industries such as affordable housing, senior living, commercial, retail, healthcare, government, and education.

With over 80 years of experience, Hooker DeJong, Inc. has built an impressive portfolio of diverse clients and successful projects. The firm’s portfolio and works have gained publicity particularly in Apartment Finance Today, Senior Housing News, Curbed Chicago, and Chicago Tribune. The AIA and LEED-certified firm is known for delivering complex projects on time and on budget.

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The design team operates under the guidance of David Layman who serves as the company’s president and CEO and has been a board member of the Michigan Housing Council. Made up of a group of creative collaborators, Hooker DeJong, Inc. attributes its success to the team’s in-depth knowledge and expertise in the architecture, engineering, and construction fields. Its design and work principles are based on quality, efficiency, and reliability.

About Cordogan, Clark & Associates

Since 1951, Cordogan, Clark & Associates has been one of the leading architectural firms in Chicago. As a full-service company, it offers a wide range of services from architecture, interior design, engineering, planning, construction, consultation, to forensic investigation. The company has developed its expertise in designing spaces for residential, educational, civic, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and recreational projects. With its tenure, the firm has extensive background and experience in developing and managing technical designs and complex projects.

The firm’s team of goal-oriented designers place high importance on planning and developing designs based on quality, functionality, and affordability. Known for completing projects on time and budget, Cordogan, Clark & Associates has built a reputation as an efficient architectural firm capable of taking on all types of projects. The AIA and LEED-certified firm has received awards from the AIA and Precast Concrete Institute and Community Beautification Awards. Its designs have been featured in the Chicago Tribune, BD+C, Chicago Daily Herald, and NIU Today.

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For 69 years, the partnership between John Cordogan and John W. Clark has proven to be a successful venture. One of the firm’s notable projects is the Milwaukee Avenue Apartments located in Avondale. The apartment building was designed to cater to residents with sensory and mobility disabilities by making the apartment units fully accessible to the homeowners.

About FitzGerald Associates Architects

FitzGerald Associates Architects has been operating as an architectural firm in Chicago for over a century. Established in 1919, the firm caters to residents in the Chicago neighborhood as well as the suburbs. The fifth-generation architectural firm has worked on various types of projects designing apartments, affordable housing, mixed-use developments, luxury homes, retail, and hotels. Many of its projects are tailored for high-profile clients across Chicago.

Its designs have been recognized locally and nationally. In 2019, FitzGerald Associates Architects received the HBAGC Excellence in Housing Design Gold Key Award, Friends of Downtown Best New Building Award, and CAMME Awards Innovative Building Design Award. Its projects have been featured numerous times in the press including the Chicago Business Journal, Nadig Newspapers, Multi-Housing News, Bisnow, Crain’s Chicago Business, and Architectural Digest. The firm is also associated with the AIA and LEED.

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FitzGerald Associates Architects is composed of a talented and diverse group of people who share a unified goal of building designs that create a positive impact on the environment. It operates under the tutelage of Pat FitzGerald who serves as the company’s chairman. He is recognized for his outstanding work in urban infill housing and has helped build over 20,000 units in Chicago’s affordable housing and luxury residential projects.

About John Ronan Architects

Chicago-based John Ronan Architects has been in business since 1999. With over 20 years of service in the architectural industry, John Ronan Architects continue to provide architecture, interior design, landscape design, urban design, and planning services to the Chicago community. Its scope of work encompasses various industries including residential, recreational, commercial, educational, cultural, religious, and hospitality projects.

As an internationally-acclaimed design firm, John Ronan Architects has received numerous awards from the AIA namely the 2020 Distinguished Building Award and the 2020 Divine Detail Award. The same year, the company also won first place in the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design at the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards. The firm’s designs have also been recognized in the press such as Architect Magazine, Elle Decor Italy, Hinge, Metropolis Magazine, and The New York Times to name a few.

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The firm is made up of a group of committed and passionate designers led by John Ronan. His previous works were showcased in international exhibits as well as national displays particularly the Art Institute of Chicago and The Architectural League of New York’s Urban Center. John Ronan Architects aims to provide exceptional quality and service to its clients using a collaborative approach. 

About WJW Architects

Formed in 1991, WJW Architects is an architectural firm specializing in housing and healthcare projects. Since its inception, the firm has worked on hundreds of projects across the Midwest including affordable housing, senior living, institutional, and community development properties. Its team is made up of skilled individuals who are experienced in formulating accessible and sustainable designs.

WJW Architects is headed by Mike Jerabek, Todd Wiltse, and Heidi Wang. The combined skills, experience, and knowledge of the trio has led to the success of the firm. The firm’s design process integrates the use of sustainable practices and structural designs. WJW Architects is known for its remarkable works in designing affordable multifamily homes as well as architectural designs for individuals with disabilities.

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Over the years, it has received recognition for its works in the affordable and supportive housing sectors. In 2018, WJW Architects was awarded the NGBS Green Partner of Excellence and in 2019, the Wyvetter H. Younge Award from the Illinois Housing Council and Illinois Housing Development Authority. The firm is a member of the AIA, Architects Advocate for Action on Climate Change, and is LEED-certified. Its past designs were featured in Forbes, Multi-Housing News, Architect’s Newspaper, and Bloomberg.

About Weese Langley Weese Architects

Serving Chicago and its neighboring areas, Weese Langley Weese Architects has been in business for over 40 years. Founded in 1977, the firm offers a wide range of architectural services focusing on affordable housing, commercial, educational, and religious projects. As a full-service architectural firm, its specialty is in affordable housing including historic structures and new construction. The firm caters to a broad clientele and has built a strong portfolio with different types of projects.

Weese Langley Weese Architects is composed of a small group of highly-skilled and talented individuals with an extensive background in the industry. Its team of experts is geared towards providing clients with exceptional quality and impeccable service. The firm is run by partners Dennis W. Langley and Daniel Towler Weese who are experts in the architectural field.

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In 2017, Weese Langley Weese Architects received several awards including the Historic Art Deco Award from the Urban Land Institute Chicago Vision Award, Honorable Mention for Special Needs Housing by the Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award as well as the Award for Rehabilitation Landmarks Illinois from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award. The AIA-accredited firm was featured across several magazines and newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune, Architect’s Newspaper, Chicago Sun-Times, and Architect Magazine.

About DesignBridge

DesignBridge was founded in 1985 as an architectural firm offering its services to the Chicago neighborhood. For over 30 years, DesignBridge has worked on numerous projects in the housing, commercial, mixed-use developments, and institutional segments. The AIA and LEED-certified firm is led by Gabriel Ignacio Dziekiewicz who also serves as the president and design principal. Operating under Dziekiewicz is a team of creative and diverse individuals who work independently with one goal of providing innovative solutions.

The firm aims to provide a multidisciplinary approach to its plans in architecture and interior designs. Its design process uses a personalized approach to each project based on research, experience, collaboration, and analysis. The solution-driven firm also incorporates sustainable practices into its designs to create an efficient system while catering to the needs of the client.

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Many of its past works have been showcased in print and online publications including Association of Licensed Architects, Realtor.com News, Modern Luxury CS Magazine, and Archinect. DesignBridge was also recognized for its innovative designs and was awarded in 2019 as the Best Sustainable Architecture & Design Studio by Chicago BUILD Construction & Engineering. In 2018, it received first place in The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design.

About Landon Bone Baker Architects

Landon Bone Baker Architects (LBBA) is a full-service architectural practice that has earned a strong reputation for bringing responsible, contextual design to multifamily affordable and mixed-income housing and neighborhood planning. The firm’s portfolio of projects ranges from large to small scale urban developments; from single-room-occupancy buildings to affordable apartment rehabilitations; from daycare centers to comprehensive community redevelopment efforts. LBBA provides good design in a way that is engaging and respectful to residents, communities, and their neighbors in Chicago and the Midwest.

LBBA is distinguished by our community-based approach, working closely with city officials, neighborhood organizations, CDC’s, and developers of affordable and mixed-income housing to create the best possible solutions. The team responds to the context, program, budget, and community concerns while integrating sustainability and health initiatives through engaged collaboration. LBBA’s goal is to design comfortable, attractive, secure, and livable environments that help keep residents rooted in their communities. The firm’s various works have earned awards such as the 2020 Readers Choice Award Preservation Winner by Affordable Housing Finance and the 2020 AIA/HUD Secretary’s Award Community for Informed Design Award. Many of its designs have also been showcased in ArchDaily, Architectural Record, BD+C, Curbed Chicago, Chicago Sun-Times, and Fast Company to name a few.

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Over time, LBBA has grown more involved with the early stages of development and design, developing large- and medium-sized urban planning and building schemes for market rate, mixed-income, affordable, and subsidized housing projects. The firm’s familiarity with community development programs, applicable codes and requirements, and financing options have helped LBBA establish a framework for best practice design and construction. Its best practices include green initiatives, sustainable development programs, alternative material development, sustainable landscape design, and coordination with the general contractor as a cost-containment measure.

About Development Solutions, Inc.

Since 1992, Development Solutions, Inc. (DSI) has built for clients such as Verizon and Colliers International throughout Chicagoland. Managing Principals Daniel Mazeiro, Martin Moran, and Jacob Karamol lead the over 60-strong team as it tackles these compelling, complex projects. One of the firm’s founders—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Mazeiro—has a background in architecture and urban design and a master’s degree from Harvard University. Moran joined the team as a project manager after earning his bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University. He has since completed over three million square feet of tenant interior projects. LEED AP Karamol rounds out the leadership team with a deep background in commercial real estate development and design-build construction. He is also a member of the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP).

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The Greater Chicago Food Depository’s 213,377-square-foot office and warehouse on W. Ann Laurie Place make it possible for the food bank to continue its fight against hunger year-round. DSI renovated the space by expanding its freezer/cooler storage systems and updating its refrigeration technology. The three-phase project included more renovations throughout the office and training space as well as the warehouse and packing facility, all while it stayed operational.

About Morgan/Harbour Construction

Morgan/Harbour Construction’s skilled and dedicated team has been building across the Midwest and as far east as New Jersey since 1999. President Warren Seil leads the firm, bringing over 34 years of experience in the design-build construction industry to the firm. He is also a member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Morgan/Harbour builds over 40 concurrent projects in six states with the same focus on efficiency, quality, and safety.

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Chicago’s largest LEED-certified warehouse building, the Exchange 55 Warehouse/Distribution Center, was built on the former site of the Crawford Station power plant. The 992,904-square-foot structure can accommodate multiple tenants, whether it’s an e-commerce company, food and cold storage, manufacturing, or distribution. Exchange 55 supports electric vehicles and solar panels and incorporates LED lighting and energy-efficient fixtures. The surrounding landscape includes 700 trees and 400 native plants. It was also made more accessible through pedestrian-friendly crosswalks and bike paths.

About Novak Construction

A trained carpenter, President John Novak envisioned Novak Construction as a commercial firm capable of building strong client relationships and providing a superior quality of work when he founded it in 1980. Today, the firm has earned the trust of clients in the retail, institutional, and multi-family sectors. The 100-strong team continues to build for the likes of Costco, Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart out of its Chicago office.

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Novak renovated this 120,000-square-foot steel-framed facility for Scholle Packaging in Northlake. In eight months, the firm added a 4,900-square-foot interlock exterior and a 13,000-square-foot fourth level on a 15-foot raised roof, which required new foundations and micro-piles. Novak also installed a new extrusion line, additional chillers, and hydronic piping. An existing concrete parking lot on the 10-acre site was removed to make way for an underground storm-trap and storm utility piping structure system. Electrical services were upgraded as well, even as the plant remained operational during construction.

About The Missner Group

The Missner Group has seen three generations of leadership in its seven decades of serving Chicagoland and Midwestern markets. Barry and Glen Missner carry on the legacy their father and grandfather gave them: providing the highest quality of construction guided by a complete understanding of their clients’ needs and goals. With a degree in Regional Development from the University of Arizona, Barry brings over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate to his role as CEO. He also won a NAIOP Award for Industrial Redevelopment of the Year. Glen has overseen over $600 million worth of construction projects, having also served with the firm for over three decades, and continues to provide strategic direction and mentorship as president.

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The Missner Group expanded the steel and insulated metal-walled Berkshire Refrigerated Warehouse facility on S. Packers Ave with 11 new dock positions, a 3,000-square-foot USDA boxing room, and a matching 3,000-square-foot office mezzanine. The $2.5-million expansion includes the installation of a jointless concrete flooring system and vertical lift dock equipment with integrated truck restraints, as well as other site and landscaping improvements.

About Skender

For over 60 years, Skender’s200-strong team has brought an innovative spirit to its lean, comprehensive project management approach both within Chicago and across the nation. President and CEO Justin Brown first joined the firm in 2005 as Executive Vice President and has since spearheaded company-wide strategic growth initiatives. Brown holds a Building Construction Management degree from Purdue University and also worked with other leading Chicago firms for nine years before joining Skender.

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The first tenant in Sterling Bay’s life sciences building at 2430 N Halsted, Exicure is a pioneer in gene regulatory and immunotherapeutic drugs. Skender built out its state-of-the-art laboratory and research office space. The floor houses open-office workstations, 44 lab stations, 11 fume hoods, two tissue culture rooms with alarmed pressurization, an uninterrupted power supply, and space for a custom-built DNA synthesizer machine.

About Clune Construction

Chairman Mike Clune established Clune Construction in 1997, which has gone on to manage over $1 billion annually in construction projects for some of the most respected companies in the world. The employee-owned firm is powered by a team of more than 600 talented professionals working out of six offices across the US. Purdue University Building Construction Technology degree-holder David Hall joins Clune in the leadership as CEO. Hall first joined the firm as a project manager in its early days and worked his way up to President of the Midwest Region and National Operations Director before assuming his current role.

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Clune renovated the clinical labs, microbiology department, histology department, public corridors, restrooms, and support areas of the not-for-profit Thorek Memorial Hospital. The project was carried out in phases as the hospital continued to operate throughout the construction. Updates included new exterior exits, fire-proofing, and MEP system upgrades.

About Krusinski Construction Company

Second-generation builder Chairman Joe Krusinski started out in the construction industry over 50 years ago. After earning his Architecture degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago, he began working with an architectural and engineering firm. He founded Krusinski Construction Company (KCC) in 1973, taking on complex projects throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Today, his son, Jeff, joins him as President of the firm. Jeff grew up around his father’s project sites and officially joined the company in 1994 while studying Building Construction Technology at the College of Lake County. He worked in the estimating, project management, and field operations departments before assuming his current role.

Featured Projects

KCC built out a 167,000-square-foot speculative warehouse for 86 Food Service on 43rd Street. The wholesale food distributor occupies 90,000 square feet of the structure, covering cold storage refrigeration, freezer, and retail areas. There are also 7,500 square feet of office space and 50 new car stalls with one drive-in door.

About Summit Design + Build

President Adam Miller brings over 24 years of construction management and real estate experience to Summit Design + Build. Miller started as a landscaper and laborer before interning with the US Army Corps of Engineers. He later rose through the ranks from project engineer to vice president with various firms, overseeing over 400 projects, totaling more than 12 million square feet and $600 million. Miller started Summit Design + Build in 2005 to build spaces where people and businesses thrive. The firm has consistently ranked among Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) top contractors for both the Southeast and the Midwest.

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Summit built this 157,600-square-foot precast and steel soap factory for Method Products. The warehouse and manufacturing facility includes a 7,200-square-foot office mezzanine. It also features a 230-foot 600-kilowatt wind turbine, photovoltaic solar panels, solar thermal hot water, rooftop greenhouse, and daylight harvesting systems. The LEED Platinum structure earned the 2015 Silver Medal Design Award from the Association of Licensed Architects, as well as the 2015 USGBC Illinois Building Innovation Award, and was also named ENR Best Green Project for the same year.

About Pepper Construction Group

Serving the Midwest for close to a century, Pepper Construction continues to build sustainable, resilient, and high-performance buildings. Chairman and CEO Stan Pepper represents the third generation of leadership in the company his grandfather, Stanley Pepper, founded in 1927. Stan began working with the firm at 15, rising through the ranks from carpentry, marketing, and project management, becoming president at 32. Today, Ken Egidi joins him as president. Egidi has served as treasurer for the Builder’s Association and president of the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors (AGC). The firm received the AGC Innovation Award in 2021.

Featured Projects

In order to centralize leading eyewash and shower product manufacturer Guardian Equipment’s operations, Pepper Construction converted this warehouse into a combined corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility. Two stories were added to the existing 70,000-square-foot structure on North Branch Street, along with a 100-stall permeable parking lot. The facility was awarded the LEED Gold certification.

About McShane Construction Company

The award-winning McShane Construction Company has built complex projects throughout the US for over three decades. Professional Engineer (PE) Chairman Jim McShane, PE, founded the firm in 1974, bringing his Marquette University Civil Engineering degree to the core markets of industrial and office construction. The firm has since expanded to the multi-family and healthcare sectors, with fellow Marquette University Civil Engineering alumnus Mat Dougherty, PE, joining McShane as president. Dougherty came on board the team in 2000 and worked his way up. He oversees the firm’s projects from the Rosemont, Illinois headquarters as well as four regional offices in Alabama, California, Arizona, and Wisconsin. McShane ranked 30th on ENR’s 2020 list of Top Midwest Contractors and has received numerous other awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors Illinois Chapter, Chicagoland AGC, and NAIOP.

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The 316,550-square-foot Last Mile Logistics Center I-55 sits on a 19.6-acre site in Gage Park. The 36-foot clear height front-load speculative facility offers 32 truck docks, four drive-in doors, 71 trailer stalls, and parking for up to 229 vehicles. On the south end of the property is a 3.6-acre park with walking paths, outdoor seating, and a detention pond. Window walls at the front pedestrian entry bring light into the massive structure.

About Nicholas Design Collaborative

Nicholas Design Collaborative (NDC) has been designing throughout the Chicago area and nationally since 1989. Founder and President Peter Nicholas, AIA, previously worked with other leading firms in Chicago as well as his native San Diego and Philadelphia before diving into the city’s urban architecture scene.

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In addition to its high-end single and multi-family projects, NDC has recently designed projects in the affordable housing space. This project for Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) in Rogers Park will provide 18 units for formerly homeless clients who want a different way forward. Outdoor spaces will bridge them to the surrounding community: a patio with seating areas, open grass space, and a community garden. The building will have a modern design yet still weave well into the urban fabric of its neighborhood, giving its residents a fresh start.

About Thomas Roszak Architecture

Hailed as one of Architectural Digest’s “World’s Top 20 Architects” in 2005, Thomas Roszak, FAIA, has been in architectural design and construction for over 31 years. He established Thomas Roszak Architecture in 2008, with a special focus on urban residential architecture and went on to oversee more than 3,000 units with a market value of over $3 billion. He also founded the eco-design-build firm SteelGrass, which focuses on using new technology to build sustainable structures. Roszak has also received the AIA National Honor Award for his work on his own residence, the Glass House.

Featured Projects

Right at the heart of the Chicago Loop and CTA transit hub, the 33-story LINEA offers 265 modern loft-style apartments in studio, convertible, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts. The sleek sound-engineered glass building is not without playful touches in the colorful accents and artsy pieces found in its common amenity spaces, which include a lobby lounge, an indoor-outdoor pool, a fifth-floor Eco Terrace, a top-floor Sky lounge with fitness center, media and billiards room, and a dog spa and tree-lined dog-walk.

About Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture

AIA Chicago 2018 Firm of the Year Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture’s (HPA) timeless designs stem from a rigorous study of the places on which these buildings stand. The firm was established in 1987 by founding partners Ray Hartshorne, AIA, and Jim Plunkard. Hartshorne is a recognized leader in the multi-family housing industry, having designed over 25,000 residential units for diverse environments. Plunkard leads HPA’s Planning and Urban Design Group, which focuses on large and mixed-use projects, adaptive reuse, and preservation.

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The first new building constructed on South Michigan Avenue since 1958, Essex on the Park is a 620-foot, 56-story mixed-use tower. 479 luxury apartments get unparalleled views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan, complemented by indoor sanctuaries and multiple levels of green roofs. The centerpiece is a three-story, light-filled winter garden, which HPA designed to be dramatically enclosed by a glass wall, offering a glimpse to street-level pedestrians. Essex on the Park is the first WELL-certified multi-family building in Chicago and is also Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver-certified.

About Valerio Dewalt Train Associates

Valerio Dewalt Train Associates is a 75-strong team working out of offices in Chicago, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Denver. The firm has taken a research-based approach to delivering visionary design solutions since its establishment in 1994. Principal Emeritus Mark Dewalt, AIA, led the way in balancing managing the complexities of innovation and people. Founding Principal Joe Valerio, FAIA, championed this principle alongside him. Valerio is a five-time winner of the National AIA Honor Awards.

Featured Projects

Reviving 53rd street as a retail and entertainment destination in Hyde Park is Vue53, a mixed-use development with 28,000 square feet of retail space accompanying its 267 residential units. The 13-story addition to this diverse location features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments designed with the University of Chicago community in mind. 15% of the units are also dedicated to affordable housing. The blue glass complex stretches across two towers designed to minimize their perceived mass while framing views of the vibrant surroundings. A Target store covers most of the ground-floor commercial space, while amenities such as a game room, exercise room, and outdoor sun decks are scattered across the structure. The project won the Multi-Housing News Platinum and Student Housing Business Awards.

About FitzGerald Associates Architects

FitzGerald Associates Architects is the fifth generation of the firm originally founded by Leo Hirschfeld and Maurice Rissman in 1919. The company continues to design outstanding spaces across the apartment and condominium, corporate, retail, and hotel industries throughout Chicago. 40-year industry veteran Chairman Pat FitzGerald has made particular contributions to affordable, public, student, market-rate, and luxury housing. Joining him as President is Mike De Rouin, AIA, who himself has designed complex mixed-use buildings that accommodate affordable and market-rate multifamily residences during his 30 years in the industry.

Featured Projects

FitzGerald designed the 45-story, 492-unit 727 West Madison. The luxury rental tower offers a variety of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts ranging from 490 to 1,550 square feet. There’s also over 10,000 square feet of retail space in the tower, a large sun terrace with a pool, spa, cabanas, and grilling stations; a yoga, barre, and Pilates studio; a private massage room; a resident lounge with demonstration kitchen; a state-of-the-art screening room with surround sound; a co-working space; conference rooms; a dog spa; and a bicycle kitchen. The project won the 2019 Friends of Downtown Best New Building Award and Innovative Building Design Chicagoland Apartment Marketing And Management Excellence (CAMME) Award.

About Pappageorge Haymes Partners

Founded by George Pappageorge, NCARB, FAIA, and David A. Haymes, AIA, in 1981, Pappageorge Haymes Partners (PH) began with the goal to reactivate the under-utilized buildings and urban fabric of Chicago. The firm quickly established its reputation as a team of locally influential designers, garnering six AIA Chicago Chapter design awards in its first four years. Now in its 40th year, PH’s reputation as an innovator in contextual, site-appropriate urban architecture has expanded to the rest of the US, with projects ranging from small boutiques to historic renovations, adaptive reuse, hotels, and redevelopment of suburban mall sites. Yet at its core, PH remains a small, nimble, urban firm anchored on the value of its people.

Featured Projects

Designed as two ellipses that overlap, slide apart, and cant, the 588,000-square-foot, 48-story 465 North Park residential tower enhances the Chicago skyline with its fluid, shifting presence. Elegantly curved façades open up sightlines in all directions, offering views of the city’s iconic buildings as well as the lake. An internal parking garage rises five stories into the core of the base podium, shielded from view by residential units wrapping around it. The structure also has 11,650 square feet of commercial space and a LEED Gold certification.

About Studio Gang

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Founder Jeanne Gang, FAIA, NCARB, has brought a sensibility for urban design to projects across Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Paris since 1997, receiving the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur in 2015 and inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2017. The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and Royal Institute of British Architects Fellow leads a more than 100-strong team at Studio Gang.

Featured Projects

Named among AIA Illinois “Great Places” in 2018, the Aqua Tower is an architectural feat not just because of its height, standing at 876 feet. It’s also one of few tall buildings able to create a community across its façade. The 1.9-million-square-foot structure combines hotel, office, rental apartment, condominium, and parking space, topped by one of Chicago’s largest green roofs. Each floor slab is strategically sculpted to create comfortable outdoor terraces from which neighbors can casually interact, as well as take in views of the city’s landmarks. The project received the Chicago Athenaeum 2009 American Architecture Award and was Emporis’ 2009 Skyscraper of the Year. It was also a finalist at the Deutsches Architekturmuseum 2010 International Highrise Awards, an AIA Chicago 2010 Distinguished Honor Awardee, and a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals “Proggy” Awardee for its bird-friendly status.

About SOM

Started in 1936, the collective of architects at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is behind some of the most technically and environmentally advanced structures, including the world-renowned Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which still holds the record for the tallest building in the world at 828 meters. The firm is also renovating the historic Waldorf Astoria in New York. With offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Seattle, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Dubai, SOM is led by a long list of veteran partners and directors with a broad range of expertise in aviation, hospitality, and residential and sustainable design.

Featured Projects

SOM designed the Taylor Street Apartments and Little Italy Branch Library, one of Chicago’s first co-located Chicago Housing Authority and Public Library branches. The mixed-income residential complex features a one-story library on the street level, along with more community spaces. The complex is set back and staggered across the site, preserving the Taylor Street Farm. The Little Italy Branch Library features soaring ceilings and remains connected to the surroundings through glass walls. The residential units feature the same floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Chicago. The project won the 2021 AIA/ALA Library Building Award, as well as the 2019 Vision Award for Affordable Housing and Visionary Collaboration from the Urban Land Institute Chicago Chapter.

About bKL Architecture

2020 AIA Chicago Firm of the Year bKL Architecture is a team of passionate designers that has worked for a variety of markets internationally. Principal Thomas Kerwin, FAIA, established the firm in 2010 and continues to lead the team today backed by the experience he gained during his 30-year career designing complex, large-scale projects across the globe. He has served as president of AIA Chicago and is a member of the Urban Land Institute and Executives Club of Chicago. Joining him as managing principal is Danielle Tillman, AIA, recipient of the 2021 AIA Young Architects Award.

Featured Projects

Inspired by the historical buildings in the surrounding River North neighborhood, the Exhibit on Superior Chicago is a 34-story, 289-unit rental apartment tower with a 5-story podium. Residents enjoy retail options on the ground level, as well as a fitness center, and lounge and spa areas with direct access to the landscaped podium roof deck and outdoor lap pool. There’s also a park and dog run that is accessible to the public and a semi-public parking garage with 109 parking spots. The 381,000-square-foot LEED Gold-certified project won the Friends of Downtown Best New Building Award and the CAMME Award for Two/Three Bedroom Model Units in 2017.

About Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB)

Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) is an architecture firm that operates out of offices in Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle. It was established in 1931 by visionaries Lou and Irving Solomon and has since built over 600 projects, many leaving an indelible impact on the nation’s skyline. Today, the team of over 240 design professionals is led by a long roster of FAIA, AIA, and LEED AP principals.

Featured Projects

With 500 apartments across its 46 floors, the 500 Lake Shore Drive offers unmatched views of the Chicago skyline, Navy Pier, and Lake Michigan. Retail stores can be found on the ground floor for the convenience of its residents. Catering to every lifestyle, the 714,000-square-foot structure also features a private gym, an outdoor pool deck, a cinema, a dog run and pet spa, game and reading lounges, a coffee bar, and a business center. The project has earned LEED Gold status with its high-performance building enclosure, efficient building and daylight systems, living green wall, green roof, and lush ground-level native species landscape. It was also awarded the 2014 NAHB BALA Silver Award, the 2013 Architectural Woodworking Institute Design Excellence Award, and the 2013 CISCO Pride in Construction Award, Residential – Chicago or Suburbs.

About Hotel Rehabs

Hotel Rehabs is a hotel renovation company that focuses on independent and branded boutique projects across the U.S. Since its establishment in 2010, the company has worked on over 60 hotels and thousands of guestrooms nationwide. Some of its notable works in the hospitality industry include IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott/Starwood hotels. Over the years, Hotel Rehabs has built a strong business relationship with its clients, architects, and suppliers.

From interior remodeling to exterior renovations, Hotel Rehabs offers a variety of services for construction needs in public areas such as hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, and function rooms. The firm has perfected its construction process using a streamlined approach while keeping everyone in the loop updated with the status of the project. As the CEO and co-founder, Chris Winterhalter takes care of the firm’s business operations. He also co-founded Sustainable Ventures and has worked on numerous projects particularly major-branded hotels.

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Known for its turnkey projects, Hotel Rehabs believes in finding solutions to problems while striving to achieve perfection in every job. The team under the direction of Chris is driven to succeed and embodies the core values of honesty, integrity, and transparency. Hotel Rehabs understands the significance of developing a trustworthy relationship with the client more than making a profit.

About Cicero Construction Group

As a general contracting firm, Cicero Construction Group was established in 1970 to provide commercial construction and hotel renovations nationwide. The family-owned business was founded by Sam Cicero Sr. and is now operated by his son, Sam Cicero Jr. who serves as the firm’s president. Sam Jr. continues to uphold the core principles his father has built. The company is run by experts in renovation with deep roots in project management, design-build, and construction.

The firm is made up of innovative thinkers and follows a “Best Value Approach” in each project. This system is the foundation of the firm’s success for the past 50 years. Rich in knowledge and experience in the construction business, the tenured Cicero Construction Group has become a leading contractor for hospitality and commercial renovations.

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As a design-build firm, Cicero Construction acts as a single point of contact for clients to make the process simple, convenient, and straightforward. The firm also offers pre-construction services from demolition to construction. The firm’s past projects include a mix of small businesses and major hotel brands. Wyndham Fairfield Inn, Doubletree Hotel, Marriott, Hilton, and Embassy Suites are just some of its projects in the hospitality industry worth mentioning.

About Weis Builders

Chicago-based Weis Builders has been providing commercial construction and hotel building services across the country since 1939. The firm operates in various locations particularly in Minneapolis, Rochester, Chicago, and Dallas. The third-generation, family-owned general contracting firm has received numerous awards for its outstanding performance. Some of its recognitions include the 2018 Multifamily Executive Award and the 2016 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Minnesota Affordable Housing Design Award. Its works have received recognition in the press namely The Minneapolis, St. Paul Business Journal, and Engineering News Record.

Weis Builders has worked with several world-renowned hotel chains such as Hilton, IHG, and Marriott. As a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Weis Builders continue to exceed customer satisfaction by providing high-quality workmanship and service. The firm offers preconstruction and construction needs with a team of highly-skilled associates using progressive and forward-thinking approaches. Other services offered are design-build solutions, construction management, and general contracting services.

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Over the years, Weis Builders has developed strong business relationships with its clients and subcontractors. Many of its projects are focused on hospitality, retail, senior living, and multifamily projects. Having been in business for decades, the company has earned its spot as one of the top general contracting firms in Chicago.

About Mortenson

A family-owned business established in 1954, Mortenson is currently ranked as the 8th largest hospitality builder by Engineering News-Record (ENR), providing hotel and commercial construction and development services on a nationwide level. From five-star luxury resorts to exclusive boutique properties, they’ve worked alongside the most trusted brands in hospitality including Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, Omni, and Intercontinental. Mortenson’s Chicago office has also been consecutively awarded by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) as the National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For since 2004. In addition to its many recognitions, Mortenson is currently ranked by Engineering News Record (ENR) Midwest as the number three Top Contractor.

The firm is known for its high standards and competency in tackling every project. Its process is centered on the team’s efficient planning and innovative solutions as well as the collaborative effort between the company and their customers. This ensures that all aspects of the project are properly managed with schedule and budget.

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Mortenson’s team of professionals has the experience and know-how, especially when it comes to managing complicated jobs. No matter the scale of the project, the firm’s goal is to deliver high-quality workmanship with zero injuries, which contributes to the overall success of each project. Mortenson is steadfast in their commitment to making a difference – focused on building for the greater good and making a positive social, economic and environmental impact in the communities they serve.

About Forefront Structural Engineering

Forefront Structural Engineering was founded in 2009 and since then has been providing hotel and commercial construction services across Chicago. The firm is operated by Josh Dortzbach who has more than 20 years of experience in constructing new buildings. Josh also specializes in projects that focus on structural ingenuity. Under his helm, the firm’s team of builders is composed of professionals who each have a comprehensive background in the construction industry.

The name “Forefront” embodies the firm’s commitment to becoming Chicago’s leading contracting firm in the hotel and commercial industry. The company’s goal is to provide solutions to clients using modern practices and innovative techniques while upholding high standards of structural engineering. Forefront Structural Engineering highlights the importance of creating solutions for all types of projects while achieving excellence in the technical aspect of structural engineering. By working with the industry’s top experts, the company was able to produce numerous award-winning projects.

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Forefront Structural Engineering has earned several awards such as the AIA Distinguished Building Award and the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI) Merit Award. Its prominent works include the Viceroy Hotel, Hoxton Chicago Hotel, Virgin Hotel Chicago, and The Robey and Hollander Hotel. The firm is accredited with AIA and SEAOI.

About Power Construction

As one of the most tenured general contractors in Chicago, Power Construction has been providing a wide range of building and construction services in the greater Chicago metro area for nearly a century. Founded in 1926, the family-owned and managed firm has worked on major hotel chains in various locations such as Marriott, Hyatt Regency, and Hampton among many others. Since 1985, the firm has worked on 28 hotel projects with $1 billion in construction works.

The company operates under a unique business model which has become the foundation of its success. By keeping the clients engaged and building strong relationships with its customers, architects, and subcontractors, the firm is able to develop a solid portfolio of diverse projects. The firm’s team of talented and dedicated professionals have the same goal of exceeding client expectations. The team tackles each project using a personalized and hands-on approach to establish communication and transparency.

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Power Construction is a well-respected and trustworthy firm with a pristine track record and exceptionally high customer ratings. With its success, the firm makes it a point to give back to the Chicago community. Every year, the team volunteers to assist chosen organizations through its initiative, “Power with Purpose.”

About McHugh Construction

Since its founding in 1897, James McHugh Construction Co. has earned its reputation as a builder of landmark, one-of-a-kind structures in Chicago and other areas of the country. The company specializes in managing multimillion-dollar projects, from ground-up new construction to complex renovations and high-end interiors. As a multi-faceted general contractor, McHugh constructs high-rise concrete towers; steel structures; and buildings using alternative materials such as cold-formed steel, heavy timber, and cross-laminated timber.

McHugh has built and renovated iconic structures such as Chicago’s Marina City, St. Regis Chicago, Trump Tower, Aqua Tower, Blackstone Hotel, Navy Pier (including the 200-foot-tall Centennial Wheel and most recently, the Sable Hotel at Navy Pier, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Offshore Rooftop and Bar), as well as other noteworthy projects in regional markets such as Loring Park Tower in Minneapolis, Two Twelve Clayton and Westin Cupples Station in the St. Louis area, and multiple projects in Nashville and Miami. In the hospitality sector, the firm has worked on the renovation, adaptive reuse, and/or new construction of numerous hotels that have resulted in the delivery of over 103 total projects, 18,000+ hotel keys, and 1 Million SF of Hotel Meeting and Public Spaces. Noteworthy local projects include multiple renovations of the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, Hilton Chicago Towers, Waldorf-Astoria, Marriott Mag Mile, Cambria Hotel, Embassy Suites, and multiple Kimpton properties; full adaptive reuse conversions for The Gray Hotel, the Virgin Hotel, and the Blackstone Hotel; and new construction of the Sable Hotel at Navy Pier, Hiltons at McCormick Place, and the WIT. McHugh’s hospitality-focused group is led by vice president Kate Ivanova, and she was named to Crain’s 2020 Notable Women in Construction and Design.

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The company’s mission has always been to promote a seamless and positive project experience with excellence and innovation. It is known for its unwavering commitment to its clients, its ability to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget, and its dedication to growing and developing its partnerships with subcontractors. In 2020, McHugh Construction earned a spot on the Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces list for the fourth year in a row. For more information on the company, visit www.mchughconstruction.com.

About Skender

The award-winning firm, Skender, has been in business for 60 years. As a highly-experienced construction firm, Skender has built a diverse clientele in the hospitality, healthcare, retail, education, senior living, affordable housing, offices, multifamily, and interior spaces. Its team is composed of over 200 industry experts.

Its past projects have been featured in Bisnow and REJournals with Hyatt as one of its noteworthy projects. With its solid background and experience, Skender has been recognized for its impressive projects. Some of its awards include the 2018 Landmark Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award, 2018 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Illinois RED Award and has been named as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Best Places to Work in 2020. Skender is accredited with AIA, the IIDA, and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP)

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The company’s core values are focused on the people and the experience. Its success is based on the collaborative effort between the firm and the client. Skender’s team is made up of dedicated individuals who are committed to providing exceptional service and outstanding results. In 2012, Skender Foundation was established to help organizations in the education and wellness sectors. The foundation has assisted over 300 charitable institutions.

About Clark Construction

Clark Construction Group is regarded as one of the most experienced contracting firms in the U.S. Founded in 1906, the firm has been transforming hotel and commercial spaces into remarkable structures for over a century. Clark Construction Group operates as one of the oldest firms in Chicago. Even as a local builder, its services have expanded nationwide with offices located in various areas across the country.

The company’s portfolio shows its diversity in terms of industry, project scale, and complexity. Its team of builders can work with any type of renovation including civil operations. Clark Construction Group is renowned for its world-class service and impeccable craftsmanship.

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The award-winning firm has earned numerous recognitions including the 2020 NAIOP DC MD Award of Excellence, 2020 Chicago Building Congress Merit Award, and 2020 Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) National Award of Merit to name a few. Its works have been featured in various publications namely the Los Angeles Times, Baltimore Business Journal, and Puget Sound Business Journal. Some of its prestigious projects in the hospitality industry can be seen at the Hyatt Regency and Marriott Marquis. Clark Construction Group is accredited with the AIA, NAIOP, DBIA, and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

About Pepper Construction

Pepper Construction is a premier construction firm in Chicago offering a wide range of commercial and hotel building services. Since its inception in 1927, the firm has developed its expertise in incorporating sustainable building methods. Pepper Construction firmly believes that the future of construction requires exploring new technologies and innovative practices that positively impact the community and the environment. Pepper Construction makes it a priority to use clean and eco-friendly materials that are safe for the environment.

When handling projects, the firm operates under one plan, one model, and one team. This approach has led to the success of numerous projects for almost a century in the business. Pepper Construction is regarded as one of the most established and well-respected contractors in the area.

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The award-winning firm has amassed numerous awards namely the 2020 Illinois Green Alliance Limelight Emerald Award for Green Building Innovation and the 2013 Corporate Caring Award to mention a few. Some of its prominent works can be seen at the St. Jane Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and The Robey and Robey Hall. With its impressive portfolio, numerous publications have featured the firm’s profile including the Indianapolis Business Journal, Forbes, NKyTribune, and Construction Superintendent Magazine among many others. Pepper Construction is accredited with AIA, LEED, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

About Linn-Mathes Inc.

As one of the most tenured contractors on this list, Linn-Mathes Inc. continues to provide a wide range of construction services throughout Chicago for more than a century. In 1919, Nathan Linn started a small construction business focusing on residential and commercial projects. Since then, the firm has come a long way from its humble beginnings and is now regarded as one of the most respected contracting firms in Chicago. In the mid ’70s, Brad Mathes joined the company and the name was changed to Linn-Mathes Inc.

With over 100 years of experience, the firm has amassed a diverse clientele with projects ranging from remodeling and rehabilitation to new construction. Linn-Mathes is a full-service company catering to residential, commercial, mixed-use, senior living, and hospitality projects. As a third-generation family-owned and operated business, the company maintains its standard of excellence through quality workmanship.

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Over the years, Linn-Mathes has worked with local architects and subcontractors who have comprehensive background and experience in the construction industry. The decorated and celebrated firm has received numerous recognitions for its remarkable works earning accreditations from the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) and the Illinois Housing Council. In 2009, the firm was named Contractor of the Year by the Coalition for United Community Action.

About Synergy Construction Group

The multi-faceted general contracting firm, Synergy Construction Group has been serving Chicago homeowners and businesses since 2010. For a decade, the firm has worked on a variety of projects catering to mixed-use, multi-family, healthcare, retail, restaurant, manufacturing, institutional, and tenant improvement. As a design-build company, Synergy Construction provides expertise in all areas of construction using the most effective building methods.

Aside from construction needs, Synergy Construction also offers reconstruction management, consulting, budgeting, and development services. Communication plays a huge role in the firm’s build process. At the same time, making sure that all projects are delivered on schedule. The solution-driven firm handles all aspects of the project from start to completion. Through sustainable practices, Synergy Construction has earned its certification with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). By focusing on the needs of the client, the firm can effectively design and build spaces that are also safe for the environment.

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In 2015, the Pulse of the City News presented Synergy Construction with the Star Award. Its projects have gained attention from various publications including the Chicago Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune, Rejournals, REBusinessOnline, and ConnectCRE. One of its notable projects is the residential units at W Scott St. located in Old Town. The project consists of a six-story building with a mix of beautiful apartments and attractive retail stores.

About Novak Construction

Since 1980, Novak Construction has been serving the Greater Chicago area with a full range of construction services. Founder John Novak formed Novak Construction as a family-oriented company. Its services cater to residential, commercial, mixed-use, corporate, restaurant, retail, healthcare, and industrial projects. With a strong commitment to its clients, employees, and the community, the firm continues to uphold its high standard of service.

For four decades, the company has expanded its services and now has over a hundred employees under John’s tutelage. The licensed firm has extensive experience in over 30 states offering general contracting services, pre-construction, and construction management. Known for its expertise in mixed-use and commercial projects, Novak Construction has become a reputable firm in the Chicago community. The firm is also highly experienced in preparing city requirements making the process easier for clients.

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Some of its notable customers include Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods Market among many others. Known for producing quality construction, 85% of its clients are repeat customers. The LEED Certified firm is recognized for its sustainable methods and regarded as a leader in green building practices. The firm has been featured multiple times in various publications including Crain’s Chicago Business, Bisnow, Commercial Property Executive, Chicago Sun-Times, Wednesday Journal, Block Club Chicago, and Nadig Newspapers.

About Power Construction

Established in 1926, Power Construction is a veteran construction company with services catering to the Greater Chicago area. With nearly 95 years of service, Power Construction continues to provide all types of construction needs for various industries including luxury homes, multi-family units, mixed-use properties, senior living, industrial, retail, hospitality, education, science, and aviation. To get every project done effectively and with care, the family-owned and managed firm has established a unique system focusing on building long-lasting relationships with its clients, employees, and partners. Its team focuses on listening and participating in all aspects of the construction process, everybody sharing the same passion for providing the highest standard of service. Whether the task requires providing real-time updates or formulating solutions to address complex problems, the staff at Power Construction is more than happy to provide customers with what they need.

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Over the years, the firm received accreditations from the Public Building Commission of Chicago and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Its projects can be in various publications including Yahoo Finance, Chicago Morning Star, Chicago Tribune, REJournals, Bisnow, Business Wire, Commercial Property Executive, Chicago Sun-Times, and Multi-Housing News. From 2015 to 2020, Power Construction was consistently recognized by Chicago Tribune in the Top Workplaces Regional Awards.

About Summit Design + Build

In 2005, Adam Miller started Summit Design + Build as a general contracting firm. Its range of services includes construction management, consultation, planning, sustainable construction, and design-build services for Chicago residents as well as other parts of the country. For 15 years, Summit Design has worked on mixed-use, adaptive reuse, recreation, retail, restaurant, hospitality, medical, industrial, institutional and sustainable projects, earning it a certification from the USGBC.

Summit Design possesses a group of skilled individuals with decades of industry experience. Trust, teamwork, commitment, and accountability have always been the firm’s core principles. The company also values the importance of building long-term relationships with its clients and suppliers. Recognized for its ability to find the most feasible and cost-efficient solutions, Summit Design consistently raises the bar in construction through its innovative practices while providing excellent quality construction and service.

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Its projects have been featured in Crain’s Chicago Custom Media, Midwest Real Estate News, Commercial Property Executive, REJournals, and The Real Deal. From 2019 to 2020, ENR Southeast named the company as one of Southeast’s Top Contractors while in 2015, the firm received the NAIOP Award for Excellence in the category of office and mixed-use redevelopment.

About LG Construction + Development

Chicago-based LG Construction has been providing general contracting services for 12 years. Brian Goldberg originally opened LG Development Group as a real estate development firm specializing in high-end residential and commercial properties. LG Development Group expanded its services and in 2008, LG Construction opened its doors. As the business grew, the company opened two more firms, LG Advantage and LG Design. LG Advantage is a service division focusing on smaller projects while LG Design is the company’s interior design arm.

With the establishment of these independent firms, LG Construction can provide a more efficient and convenient design-build process for customers, especially since all services are under one roof. LG Construction specializes in construction and development with clients ranging from luxury homes, mixed-used units, new construction, and commercial properties. The firm has deep roots in the Chicago market and can handle all types of construction needs.

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Publications such as Nashville Post, Chicago Curbed, Loop North News, Chicago Agent Magazine, Architectural Digest, and Modern Luxury have featured this LEED-certified firm. One of its notable works is the Transient Oriented mixed-use development project located in the West Loop neighborhood. The property features luxury apartments, retail shops, a rooftop terrace, a lounge, and a fitness center.

About Focus

Specializing in real estate development and construction, Focus has been providing a variety of solutions for residential and commercial properties for over 25 years. In addition to CRE development, Focus also offers general contracting services for third parties and has delivered projects valued at over $455M for its clients. Since its inception in 1993, Focus has earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship and design based on an impeccable track record in municipalities like Chicago, Wheaton, Evanston, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Forest Park, Oak Park, and Winnetka.

Founder Tim Anderson has over 40 years of industry experience and is committed to providing quality architecture with the mission to create spaces for people to experience a better life. He leads a team of over 50 talented professionals across multiple disciplines. Under Tim’s leadership, Focus has proven its value to its investors as well, with projects like Kelmscott Park in Lake Forest and The Parker in the Fulton Market fetching record-setting prices at the time of their sales.

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The company’s impactful and diverse portfolio has resulted in recognition from institutions and peers. In 2019, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Chicago honored the firm with the Crystal Key Award for Multi-Family Development and the firm’s projects have been featured in publications like The Real Deal, Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Tribune, and Curbed Chicago. Focus is accredited with the West Central Association Chamber of Commerce and is LEED Certified. Explore more of their work at www.workwithfocus.com.

About Pepper Construction

As experts in the construction industry, Pepper Construction Group continues to provide quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service throughout the Midwest. The general contracting firm caters to residential, private, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, industrial, retail, gaming, and government sectors. In 1927, the company opened its doors to Chicago residents and since then has grown to become the 6th biggest contractor in the Midwest.

With 93 years of experience, Pepper Construction has developed its skill in integrating innovative building practices and state-of-the-art technologies. These methods provide the most effective solutions for challenging spaces while maintaining a safe and healthy environment. The firm is committed to using clean and sustainable materials in every project. Additionally, the firm also offers construction management services using an efficient system for a streamlined process.

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Over the years, the company has amassed multiple awards. In 2020, Pepper Construction received the Safety Innovation Award from The Coalition for Construction Safety and was given the Sustainable Leadership Award at the CoreNet Real Awards in 2019. The firm is accredited with the Greater River North Business Association and is LEED Certified. With its numerous awards, Pepper Construction was also featured in various publications including the
ENR, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Daily Herald, Construction Dive, ArchDaily, and Archinect.

About James McHugh Construction

Since its founding in 1897, James McHugh Construction Co. has earned its reputation as a builder of landmark, one-of-a-kind structures in Chicago and other areas of the country. The company specializes in managing multimillion-dollar projects, from ground-up new construction to complex renovations and high-end interiors. As a multi-faceted general contractor, McHugh constructs high-rise concrete towers; steel structures; and buildings using alternative materials such as cold-formed steel, heavy timber, and cross-laminated timber.

McHugh has built and renovated iconic structures such as Chicago’s Marina City, St. Regis Chicago, Trump Tower, Aqua Tower, Blackstone Hotel, Navy Pier (including the 200-foot-tall Centennial Wheel and most recently, the Sable Hotel at Navy Pier, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Offshore Rooftop and Bar), as well as other noteworthy projects in regional markets such as Loring Park Tower in Minneapolis, Two Twelve Clayton and Westin Cupples Station in the St. Louis area, and multiple projects in Nashville and Miami. In just the last 15 years, McHugh has delivered over 24 million square feet of mixed-use projects including more than 12,000 apartments, 2,200 condo units, and 9,000 parking stalls. Other local noteworthy completed projects include NEMA Chicago, Westerly, the Sinclair and NEXT Apartments in the Gold Coast; Hubbard Place, Kingsbury Plaza, The Elysian (Waldorf-Astoria), and Renelle on the River in River North; suburban wood frame mixed-use buildings in Itasca, Wilmette, and Orland Park; and construction of multiple mixed-use towers at Lakeshore East and Kinzie Station.

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The company’s mission has always been to promote a seamless and positive project experience with excellence and innovation. It is known for its unwavering commitment to its clients, its ability to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget, and its dedication to growing and developing its partnerships with subcontractors. In 2020, McHugh Construction earned a spot on the Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces list for the fourth year in a row. For more information on the company, visit www.mchughconstruction.com.

About Clark Construction

As a leading contracting firm in Chicago, Clark Construction offers a full range of construction services catering to all states across the U.S. The firm specializes in mixed-use, commercial, institutional, science, healthcare, and public spaces. Since its inception in 1906, Clark Construction has produced award-winning projects with an extensive portfolio and a diverse clientele. Its projects span across all scopes and sizes including the most complex buildings.

Clark Construction has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small local excavation company. Now with 4,200 employees and offices across various locations in the country, the firm is ranked as one of the leading general contractors in the U.S. The reputable and established firm offers unparalleled expertise in all areas of construction.

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Clark Construction has earned more than 1,400 awards throughout its tenure. In 2020, it received three awards at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Awards and 10 AGC awards between 2018 to 2020. Along with its numerous recognitions, the firm was also featured in the press including ENR, Construction Dive, Commercial Observer, BD+C, BisNow, Business Wire, and CBS Chicago among many others. With 114 years of service in the construction industry, the firm has earned accreditations from the USGBC, AGC, and ABC.