Mortenson/Power Tabbed for Children's Memorial Project

Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago has announced the selection of a joint venture of Minneapolis-based M.A. Mortenson Co. and Schaumburg-based Power Construction Co. as construction managers for its 1.1 million-sq-ft hospital.

The construction costs are estimated at $535 million, but total project costs have not been determined, said Kevin Einbinder, communications director for Children's.

The two firms were chosen because of their extensive experience in the construction of health care facilities.

The site is on the Northwestern University medical campus in the Streeterville area of Chicago's Loop, Einbinder said. It is adjacent to and just west of the new Prentice Women's Hospital bounded by Chicago Avenue on the north and Superior Avenue on the south.

The hospital is being built to make health care available to every child in this region.

Groundbreaking will happen in spring 2008, and the hospital is expected to be complete in early 2012.

Three architectural firms are working in partnership on the design of the hospital. Los Angeles-based Zimmer Gunsul Frasca is serving as the lead architect and will be overseeing the work of Chicago-based Solomon Cordwell Buenz and Oak Brook-based Anderson Mikos Architects.

First Two Silos Done at Holcim Plant

After working around-the-clock in December, workers at the Holcim (US) cement plant under way in St. Genevieve County, Mo., have completed the first two of 13 silos.

In the span of 16 days, 170 tradespeople-85 on each 12-hour shift-worked 2,125 man-hours each day to pour and finish 6,015 yards of concrete to complete the silos. They are 60-ft-dia, 275-ft-tall, slip-formed blend silos.

In February, MC Industrial began work on the first of two 150-ft-diameter, 207-ft-tall clinker silos, said to be the largest in the world.

Following construction of the clinker silos will be eight 275-ft high, 79-ft-diameter inverted cone silos with the capacity to store 260,000 tons of cement, and one 40-ft-diameter, 207-ft-high reject silo.

In all, more than 90,000 cu. yds of concrete will be poured to complete the silos. At peak, the project will employ 340 tradespeople who will work two, 12-hour shifts during the 18-week slip forming schedule.

The expected completion of this portion of the project is February 2008.

The plant will begin production of 12,000 tons per day clinker in 2009.

Racine Getting $170M Lakefront Development

A $170 million lakefront development in Racine that will involve 445 residences and 90 apartments was announced.

The former Walker Manufacturing and Pugh Marina site will include a marina, restaurants, stores and offices, in addition to the residences. The project is project to start in May and is anticipated to be complete in summer 2008.

The announcement came from Brookfield-based National Survey & Engineering, which is providing site design, surveying and construction engineering services. Minneapolis-based Hammel, Green and Abrahamson Inc. is the architect. The general contractor has not been named.

A meeting was recently held in St. Louis for minority entrepreneurs in the construction industry to introduce an initiative to build a sustainable minority contracting community in St. Louis.

The Regional Union Construction Center incubator was established by PRIDE of St. Louis Inc., the area's construction labor-management organization.

The RUCC's mission is to help minority owners of union construction companies grow their businesses via a structured program that shares best industry practices. After having their operation assessed by industry experts, participants will receive a tailored training and educational program, one-on-one counseling and have access to a three- to five-person business advisory board.

The incubator's business development program began accepting applications from qualified small minority-owned construction companies in January. The center, which will be based at the Wellston Enterprise/Small Business Building, aspires to mentor five to seven minority contractors in its first year.

The group estimates it will cost $500,000 annually to operate the incubator.

The Carpenters' District Council has committed $10,000 per month to it for the next three years. Other financial backers include the St. Louis Regional Business Council, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, The Pyramid Cos., McCarthy Building Cos. Inc. and McBride & Son Enterprises.

Senior Suites Planned for Chicago's Auburn Gresham

Joint venture partners Chicago-based Senior Lifestyle Corp. and The Beloved Community recently broke ground for the $15.4 million Senior Suites of Auburn Gresham.

The residential development that will provide 85 affordable apartments specially designed for seniors.

The 76,000-sq-ft development at 1050 W. 79th St. will be the second Senior Suites location to feature an adjoining Chicago Department on Aging Satellite Senior Center. Operated by the city's Department on Aging, the senior center will offer fitness and computer classes, Internet access, health screenings, library and meeting space and community-oriented events.

Senior Suites of Auburn Gresham will offer accommodations to seniors aged 62 and older, at rates lower than comparable residences. Twenty-five studios and 60 one-bedroom residences will have monthly rents from $396 to $750, which include utilities, housekeeping, assigned parking, scheduled transportation, free laundry facilities, activities, and exclusive participation in Senior Lifestyle's award-winning Fit For Life wellness program.

Each apartment will be equipped with a kitchen, wall-to-wall carpeting, a spacious bathroom, window treatments, and individually controlled heating and air conditioning. Specially designed features take into account the changing needs of residents, such as easy-access cabinetry and appliances, conveniently located electrical outlets and light switches, and an Up-and-

About system for residents to check-in with staff each morning. Common amenities include an elegantly appointed dining room, lounges on each floor for social gathering and activities, library, and outdoor patio.

Paric to Build Three Wastewater Facilities

St. Louis-based Paric Corp. is constructing three wastewater facilities, including one in Indiana. Combined project values are $24 million.