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As we step into the New Year, we find ourselves pausing to contemplate the past 12 months—celebrating the projects we've championed and their impact on diverse communities across the Greater Chicago Area. We are grateful to our clients and partners who helped to make these projects possible in 2023! 1.    Cultural Venues: Obama Presidential Center Building Envelope Commissioning, Obama Foundation 2.    Cultural Venues: McKee House Adaptive Reuse Study, Midwest SOARRING Foundation 3.    Government: High Efficiency Building Systems and Envelope Repairs, Forest Preserves of Cook County Headquarters 4.    Government: Fire Engine House Envelope Assessments, City of Chicago, Assets, Information and Services 5.    Higher Education: William Rainey Harper College Façade Repairs 6.    Hospitality: Goose Island Beer Company Brewpub at the Salt Shed 7.    K-12 Education: The Field School Historic Preservation and Tax Credit Consulting 8.    Residential: Multiple Building Exterior Wall Critical Examination and 10-year Plan, Chicago Housing Authority 9.    Transportation: Westmont Station Renovation, Metra Commuter Rail 10. Transportation: Montrose Blue Line Station All Stations Accessibility Program’s Renovation, Chicago Transit Authority We’re excited for all that 2024 has in store! #yearinreview #architecture #historicarchitecture #historicbuildings #buildingrehabilitation #historicrestoration #restoration #buildingrestoration #renovation #adaptivereuse #adaptivereusearchitecture #architecturaldesign #historicpreservation #savingplaces

Every month we like to choose a project to feature. This month, we’ve chosen Bloxham School, Stonehill House.   Stonehill House was nominated for ‘Project of the Year’ at OxPropFest Awards 2023.   The thriving independent coeducation school required a solution that would enable the school to achieve 40 boarding places, as well as a new common room and tutor room, to facilitate growth of the school. *Project challenge*   There are challenges to overcome with every project, and that is what makes each one unique and interesting to work on. Those challenges are one of the reasons we chose Bloxham School as our Project of the Month.   Key considerations: -        Located in a conservation area -        Grade II listed building -        Limited vehicular access -        Structural challenges -        Proximity to residential properties   Take a look at the journey and how the school achieved its vision: https://lnkd.in/eP75NzxE   #featuredproject #planning #bloxham #oxfordshire #planningpermission #school #conservationarea #listedbuilding Image credit: Clews Architects and Andy Marshall, Fotofacade

Great article on application of modular construction for an urban cormmercial project

You've learned about the flashy new blast doors and remember the massive opening widths McKEON Door protects in iconic buildings like Ion Houston, but did you realize #McKEON Door can help with protecting smaller openings too? They're not limited, and neither are you. Take these two examples: Up first is the McKEON Model CFS in the open and closed position at an MD Anderson Cancer Center Pathology Lab built by York Construction and designed by HOK. This 2’-6” W x 9’-0” H fire shutter shields building occupants and safeguards lab contents in the event of any emergency. We'd like to give Matthew Leinart, AIA, MBA, LEED GA with HOK a special thank you for all the work you put into this project, and kudos to our team - Michael Bertoncini, Hoang Huyen Le, and Dustin Adler - for their work on this project. The second - pictured at far right - is a different McKEON CFS fire-rated counter shutter protecting lives in the much-anticipated Nickel City bar and restaurant opening soon in #HTown. It measures just 2'-7" W x 3' 0" H, but its power is mighty. This inauspicious addition to the space will allow dozens of customers to safely enjoy the latest addition to our great food city. And editor's note here - we are excited about having a new happy hour spot! Thanks to RB Dillard Group and Taft Studio (looking at you, Lizzy Bufton RID) for giving us the opportunity to work on the project. (Team members involved for this second project were Michael Bertoncini, Dustin Adler, Kevin Ham, Samantha Savanah, Matt Mccabe, James Marrow, David Gilg III, and Jeremy Hicks.) #WhatWeveBeenBuilding #SafetyFirst #FireSafety #LifeSafety #FireDoors #Architects #Architecture #Design #Healthcare #Pathology #Lab #Medicine #Foodie #Bar #Restaurant #Construction #Design

Smart Designs: Affordable Living in Florida is officially available in the Tampa Bay Business Journal and our website. BDG's thought leaders delve into the complex landscape of affordable housing development. Successful planning demands a comprehensive understanding of diverse variables and a strategic, risk-averse approach. This white paper covers key considerations including regional development experience, financial sustainability, zoning analysis, building quality, market influence, economic and political factors. Assembling an adept team and establishing a well-prioritized work plan are emphasized as essential components in navigating the intricate early planning stages of development. Read More: https://lnkd.in/e7gN7quY https://lnkd.in/eBtf4ujq #SmartDesigns #AffordableLiving #Florida #LeasershipINArchitecture

One of the most notorious City agencies you can run into during development? Landmarks Preservation Commission Not that we don't love beautiful neighborhoods, but the LPC process differs so much from the typical NYC development cycle, that it often shapes the entire planning and strategy of the project. Getting through Landmarks requires, first, a good understand of how the agency actually runs. LPC basically has two sides to it: The Staff and the Commissioners The LPC Staff intakes your project, and depending on the scope, has authority to approve your proposed work. This includes renovating a storefront, or making a small vertical or rear extension, that does not have a visible effect on the street. For larger projects, Staff works with the owner and design team to advise and refine the design, making it palatable for a full Landmarks Commission hearing. After going through a (usually) contentious Community Board meeting, projects get presented to the Commissioners who vote it up or down, usually requesting one or two rounds of revisions. I have found the Staff very helpful, and usually with some patience and good listening, they can lead you down the right path to an approval. Just make sure to add a good 6-12 months to your permitting timeline. #zoninghacks Meltzer/Mandl Architects., P.C. Yirmiyahu Gilbert

For this year’s final #BlackHistoryMonth community spotlight, KAI looks to the Arlington Grove Apartments project. Located in the City of St. Louis, this special project included the redevelopment of the William B. Ittner designed Arlington School, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places, managed by the National Park Service, aims to facilitate public and private initiatives in identifying, assessing, and safeguarding America's historical and archaeological assets. KAI was chosen by the St. Louis Housing Authority to perform Design-Build services and transform the block into a $34 million, 162,000 square foot mixed-income and mixed-finance residential development that includes 112 units of apartments, townhouses, and semi-detached housing as well as a mixed-use building and renovated school. The 91 construction housing units included a heavy emphasis on sustainability that positively impacts both the residents and the community for years to come. The opportunity to help provide people in underserved areas with a meaningful place to live and a starting point for a better future is something on which we’ve built our legacy. Our mission of transforming communities is part of every project we take part in and is a mission we strive for with each step we take into the future. Read more about this historic and meaningful project in the link below. https://lnkd.in/g-m-VSSp #TransformingCommunities #CommunityImpact #AEC #Design #Engineering #CommunityInvestment #Construction #CommunityDesign #ResidentialDesign #EducationDesign

"Formerly the Deaner Dental Institute, it opened in 1923. The Architect is Arthur Frederick Adams and Collins Brothers Construction Company served as Contractor. In 1927, it became the national headquarters of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen. They worked for shorter working hours, higher pay and a retirement system. During this time, it was called the Carmen Building. The Carmen moved in 1949 and the building became a diagnostic research clinic initially funded by William Volker, who hoped it would become the Mayo Clinic of Kansas City. During this period it was called the Research Clinic or Midwest Clinic. It later became the home of Burns & McDonnell. The Salvation Army moved out in approximately 2021. This historic resource tells a unique and important story, defines the development history of the community, and provides tangible reminders of the past that create a unique sense of place. Kansas City ordinances do not currently allow pre-demolition review for most historic structures. Snap demolitions proceed with little more than an application filed with the City and a quick counter-review. With the recent threats to historic resources at 31st and Main and 4516 Warwick Blvd., several members of the City Council have verbalized support of a “Demolition Review Ordinance.” Under the City’s current demolition ordinance, securing a demolition is little more than a ministerial application including no review of a structure’s historic or architectural significance unless listed in the KC Register of Historic Places." To encourage support for the adoption of a “demolition review” ordinance, contact your 4th District Council Persons and the Mayor. ·       Mr. Crispin Rea, crispin.rea@kcmo.org ·       Mr. Eric Bunch, Eric.Bunch@kcmo.org ·       Mayor Lucas, MayorQ@kcmo.org #historymatters #urbanfabric #preservation #midtown #kc #remax #commercialrealestate #remaxknowskc #scottcrs https://lnkd.in/g-R_tHZR

Calling all code breakers! Decoding Density is a global competition to reimagine the future of six-storey plus apartments. Challenge code restrictions and dive into a world where design helps housing affordability and climate resilience.