Renzo Piano Designs Art Institute Expansion

The Art Institute of Chicago has unveiled the design for a 264,000-sq.-ft. expansion of the main building.

Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano of Paris is designing the $258 million building, which will showcase the museum's collections of modern and contemporary art.

The building will feature glass, steel and limestone and have an aluminum canopy designed as a "flying carpet." The northern façade will feature a monumental glass curtain wall, to emphasize light and permeability, while reflecting the museum's original architecture to unify old and new.

Construction began in June, and the new building is expected to be complete in spring 2009. Turner Construction Co. is serving as the general contractor.

An elegant feature receiving a lot of attention is a pedestrian bridge that will provide a link between Michigan Avenue, the museum and Millennium Park. The 9-ft.-wide, 900-ft.-long bridge will be composed of stainless steel structure with wood decking and glass railings.

The Art Institute has raised $170 million in gifts and pledges from 75 donors, including 14 of $5 million or more.

Chicago's Edward Uhlir Gets Barrier-Free Award

Chicago's Edward Uhlir is the recipient of the 2005 Barrier-Free America Award from the Washington, D.C.-based Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Uhlir, who is Millennium Park's director of planning, architecture and landscape, was asked to head the collaborative effort behind the park and to serve as the overall project manager. In this capacity, Uhlir took care to ensure that all components of Millennium Park's design were accessible for all Chicagoans and visitors.

"When the project began, I was challenged to ensure the creation of a world-class park that could be enjoyed by all residents and visitors regardless of their ability," Uhlir said. "The accessibility of Millennium Park is a component that truly makes a difference in the lives of thousands of individuals who will visit the park for years to come."

Previous winners of the Barrier-Free America Award include Fredric Bell, executive director of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, for his role in the redevelopment of lower Manhattan; Cesar Pelli, principal of New Haven, Conn.-based Pelli & Asssociates and architect of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; and TV host Bob Vila for his promotion of accessible design through his show and Web site.

PVA, a national veterans' service and disability rights organization, introduced the award in 2001 to recognize individual leadership in making our country more accessible for all Americans.

'Restore America' Grant Goes to Indiana House

The Efroymson House in Indianapolis has received a $35,000 Restore America grant. The Washington, D.C.-based National Trust for Historic Preservation and Home & Garden Television announced that the third year of its multi-million "Restore America: A Salute to Preservation" partnership will focus on the role that preservation plays in the revitalization of communities.

The grants are intended to further the restoration or rehabilitation of a historic structure for residential use. Grants may be used for professional services fees or bricks and mortar expenses.

Built around 1905 by department store owner Gustave Efroymson, the Efroymson House is one of the most architecturally prominent homes in the city's Herron-Morton Place neighborhood.

In other news, Eleutherian College, Madison, Ind., was named to the 2005 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Eleutherian was the first college in Indiana - and one of the first anywhere in pre-Civil War America - to admit students regardless of race or gender.

The college was founded in 1848 and served as a stop on the Underground Railroad with many college leaders and students active in the movement to shelter and shepherd fugitive slaves.

Today, the building shows the effects of prolonged neglect and vandalism.

Plunkett Raysich Earns Kudos

Milwaukee-based Plunkett Raysich Architects LLP was recognized for design excellence at the recent Annual Design Awards Gala in Madison of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Chicago-based International Interior Design Association.

The firm received the Best of Show Award for the Hamilton Fine Arts Center for the Hamilton School District in Sussex. It also received the Design Excellence Award for the Gibraltar Town Homes in Fish Creek and the First Place Award for the Waters at Park Place in Milwaukee.

The projects represented the state at the national IIDA awards competition held in Chicago in June.

Claridge Reopens As Hotel Indigo

The 1920s-era Claridge Hotel in Chicago's Gold Coast has reopened as a 160-room Hotel Indigo.

Atlanta-based Back Lot Productions was responsible for the concept - the name and logo, lobby, restaurant, room design and custom designed furniture.

InterContinental Hotels Group will manage this hotel on behalf of the unnamed Chicago based ownership group.