McHugh Makes Waves with Aqua Contract

Chicago-based James McHugh Construction Co. has been named the general contractor that will bring the design vision of Chicago's Aqua tower to reality.

The design of the 82-story, mixed-use tower already has received attention for the undulating "waves" of concrete that will make up the balconies. Its exterior features a rippling effect that architect Jeanne Gang of Chicago-based Studio/Gang/Architects said mirrors the striated limestone outcroppings and formations that can be seen throughout the Great Lakes. Chicago-based Loewenberg Architects is serving as architect of record.

The developer for the project is Lakeshore East LLC, an affiliate of longtime McHugh client Magellan Development Group LLC. The design architect is Studio/Gang/Architects, headed by Jeanne Gang.

While listed as an 82-story tower, Aqua actually will rise 88 stories from ground level, with six levels of parking below the raised street level of Columbus Drive. The eight-story pedestal base will include a number of amenities and will be topped by an 80,000-sq.-ft. terrace with gardens, gazebos, pools, hot tubs, running track and fire pit.

The hotel portion of the Aqua will be housed in its first 18 floors. The all-suite hotel, being developed by Chicago-based Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc., will include 200 hotel suites and 30,000 ft. of meeting and event space.

There is no repetition in the ripples that make up the balconies, which range from zero to 12 ft. deep, and McHugh must custom-build all the forms that will cantilever past the edge of the building, with the shapes of the edges custom built. Topping the balconies will be 33,000 lin. ft. of balcony railing, each one custom measured since no two will be alike.

Three-Building Dormitory To Rise in Chicago

A 396,000-sq.-ft. residence hall and dining facility has been announced by the University of Chicago.

The housing complex comprises a 900-bed residence hall with single-, double- and apartment-style suites in one high-rise and two mid-rise buildings arranged around two courtyards. The tall tower will be 14 stories, and the other two will be nine stories each.

The project cost has not been released.

The facility will be built on the southern part of the Hyde Park campus adjacent and connecting to Burton-Judson Hall.

The facility is intended to replace existing residential facilities while also expanding the university's overall housing capacity and provide social, support and dining spaces for its residents. Amenities include a 542-seat dining facility, a 75- to 85-seat cafeteria, convenience store and study commons with computer facilities and study space.

The Chicago office of Providence, R.I.-based Gilbane Building Co., in a joint venture with Chicago-based UBM Inc. and Chicago-based Ardmore Associates LLC, is the contractor. Boston-based Goody Clancy and Chicago-based Campbell Tiu Campbell are the project architects.

39-Story Apartment to Rise in West Loop

Chicago-based developer Fifield Cos. has announced that construction has started on Allure at K Station, a 39-story, 350-unit apartment building north of the Fulton River District and west of the Chicago River.

The building will be located at the southeast corner of Kinzie and Des Plaines streets. It offer 35 studio, 245 one-bedroom and 70 two-bedroom residences in 11 floor plans. Residences will range in size from 573 to 1,111 sq. ft. The building also will include a 280-car parking garage.

Amenities will include an outdoor pool and landscaped terrace, fitness center, business center and media room with an adjacent library. Immediately to the north of Allure, there will be a new public park as well as a Jewel/Osco and other retail.

Chicago-based architect Pappageorge/Haymes designed Allure at K Station, and Chicago-based James McHugh Construction is the contractor. The expected completion date is summer 2008.

Three College Buildings To Rise in St. Louis

Three college projects have been announced in St. Louis: the Saint Louis University Arena, Vatterott College and Washington University's Social Sciences and Law Building.

The 10,400-seat SLU arena project is $80 million. The 130,000-sq-ft WU project is $40 million.

Vatterott's $15 million, 90,000-sq.-ft. facility in North St. Louis County is targeted for completion in October and will house the school's national headquarters and approximately 20 skilled trades programs, including in HVAC, welding, plumbing and electrical, information technology/computing and allied health.

O'Fallon, Mo.-based Paric is building Vatterott, St. Louis-based Clayco is the general contractor of the arena project and St. Louis-based Tarlton Corp. is constructing the Washington University facility.

Walker Parking Launches Restoration Division

Elgin-based Walker Parking Consultants has announced the launch of Walker Restoration Consultants.

The organization will pursue restoration assignments in structures that include office, medical and institutional buildings; public infrastructure (including bridges, tunnels, and water-treatment facilities), airports, sports/entertainment buildings and plazas. Compared to overhauls, renovations, or wholesale dismantling and reconstruction, Walker Restoration Consultants services represent a substantially smaller investment in time and money and are less disruptive to the structure's owners and users.

Walker Restoration will conduct condition appraisals, develop plans and supervise preservation work to ensure that facilities maintain their structural integrity.

K. Nam Shiu was named vice president and head of Walker Restoration Consultants.

Westwood Launches Construction Degree

Westwood College has launched a construction management program in Illinois in January.

The 36-month program that leads to a bachelor degree will include lecture and laboratory courses covering a range of construction topics, including building materials and techniques, documents, surveying, computer aided design, planning and scheduling, building codes and inspection requirements, construction law and estimating.

The construction management curriculum was developed in cooperation with construction industry representatives and that the faculty includes individuals with both academic and on-the-job-site experience. Courses will be offered throughout the year, enabling students to receive their bachelor degree in three years.

The courses will be offered at two locations in Chicago and one each in Calumet City and Woodridge.

Westwood is a part of Denver-based Alta Colleges, a national career-focused college.

Beloit College Names Science Center Team

Beloit, Wis.-based Klobucar Construction Co. and Madison, Wis.-based J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc. will team up to build the $31 million Beloit College Center for the Sciences.

Groundbreaking for the 106,000-sq.-ft. building, designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Holabird & Root, is this spring. Occupancy is scheduled for the 2008-2009 academic year.

The team brings to the project experience in environmentally sensitive construction. Beloit College has made a commitment to meet LEED.

Work Starts on Midwest ISO Building

Indianapolis-based Lauth Property Group has announced that it closed on approximately 10 acres of commercial real estate in Carmel, Ind., to develop the Carmel Science and Technology Park and build in it the headquarters for the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc.

Midwest ISO is reportedly one of the largest bulk power transmission system operators in the country.

Construction was scheduled to begin in December. Midwest ISO has signed a ten-year lease for more than 135,000 sq. ft.

The building will allow the Midwest ISO to consolidate its personnel, who are now located in four buildings, in a single facility.