More Than $100M Center To Rise in Bronzeville

Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood will be the site of a family life center built in large measure through the generosity of the late Mrs. Joan Kroc, philanthropist and widow of McDonald's restaurants founder and Chicagoan Ray Kroc.

The 19-acre location in the historic neighborhood is bounded by 47th, State, 49th and Federal streets.

While a final cost has not been determined, the project is expected to cost more than $100 million, including construction cost and endowment. The Kroc Estate will pay for half the construction cost and half the endowment needed to offset operating costs.

The Salvation Army must raise any additional construction costs, as well as operating costs.

According to Lt. Col. Grindle, The Salvation Army plans on breaking ground in 2005 and opening the facility in 2007.

"We are deeply grateful to Joan Kroc for her expression of confidence and extraordinary generosity," Grindle said. "This center will encompass all the core values of The Salvation Army."

Following her death in October 2003, Kroc left $1.5 billion to The Salvation Army to build and maintain community centers in underserved communities throughout the United States. The first center opened in June 2002 in San Diego.

Chicago officials were informed in June 2002 that an anonymous donor intended to build a comprehensive recreational and social services facility in a major city, specifically in an underserved area. Chicago would be competing with other large cities to land the project.

Chicago quickly assembled a group of officials from city departments and sister agencies, including the Chicago Park District, Chicago Housing Authority and Chicago Public Schools. City officials had less than two weeks to choose a site and compile background information on the area for Salvation Army officials.

Grand Orleans Condos Start Construction

Construction of the $42 million Grand Orleans Condominiums is under way with excavation for the caissons and the deep foundation system at Grand and Orleans streets.

The building will feature 14 stories of residences stacked atop seven levels of parking for 113 vehicles. The building, in the heart of an arts and entertainment neighborhood, will have 98 residences, seven per floor.

The lobby level will have retail, a fitness center and 24-hour doorman.

Seven floor plans have been designed for the eighth floor, a transitional floor between the parking facility and residential tower, and large terraces for selected residences will be installed on the roof deck of the garage.

PBM, J.W. Peters Merge Operations

Rochelle, Ill.-based PBM Concrete has merged with Burlington, Wis.-based J.W. Peters, a division of Elk River, Minn.-based Cretex.

J.W. Peters specializes in the construction of precast concrete parking garages and has two plants.

"By combining resources, we will be able to better serve the needs of our customers and to provide better support," said John Nanna who remains as president of the new J.W. Peters.

Thomas Holmes, former president of PBM Concrete, has become director of sales and engineering. Robert Hassey, former president of J.W. Peters Prestressed, is now vice-president of business development for the new J.W. Peters.

Exterior Restoration Done on Robie

The exterior renovation of Frank Lloyd Wright's famed Frederick C. Robie House in Chicago is complete.

Considered to be the "cornerstone of modern architecture," the landmark building has been plagued by issues including a leaky roof, termite damage and deteriorating mortar, which collectively contributed to a significant amount of water damage. To restore the home's integrity and grandeur, the University of Chicago leased the property to the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust who, in turn, developed a three-phased plan for rehabilitation.

Phase one work included restoring the clay tile roof, repairing and replacing the existing roof structure, replacing the underpinnings of the side porches, replacing load-bearing steel beams, repairing damaged plaster and repointing and repairing the exterior brick facade throughout.

Phase two will involve site work and includes landscaping, removal and replication of the garden walls and replacement of concrete. A portion of this work was completed during phase one.

Phase three will focus on the house's interior. The renovation plan includes removal, restoration and replacement of the 174 art glass windows and doors, replacing plaster, restoring the fireplaces, and reproducing grillwork and lighting features.

The trust's goal is to complete all phases by 2007.

Bulley & Andrews' Meyne Division of Chicago served as the general contractor for the exterior restoration.

Construction Begins On GSA Office

Higgins Development Partners has announced that a new General Services Administration building is to begin construction at 2111 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Chicago.

The office is an 800,000-sq.-ft., three-building complex that consists of a 10-story office building, a two-level parking deck, two levels of below-grade parking and an annex.

The exterior of the office building is comprised of a highly finished architectural precast concrete expressing a 10-ft. module around openings comprised of light blue vision glass and a bluish colored spandrel glass panel.

The building features a two-level main entryway with a large glass net wall that has a stressed cable structure support. The main building lobby features marble panels on the west wall, granite flooring and precast concrete with wood panels on the north and south walls.

DeKalb Next Oasis for Redo

The DeKalb facility on Interstate 88 will be next oasis in the Illinois Tollway's Oases Redevelopment Project.

The oasis building has been closed for remodeling and expansion and will remain closed until fall 2005 for remodeling and expansion. When the facility is complete, visitors will find new and improved tenants and amenities.

An Illinois Tollway agreement with Pennsylvania developer Wilton Partners and ExxonMobil provides for the developers to invest $94 million in capital improvements in the Illinois Tollway's seven oases.

Five of the seven oases will be completely rebuilt, with the DeKalb Oasis and the Des Plaines Oasis on the Northwest Tollway being remodeled.