Chicago Construction News staff writer During a public presentation at Soldier Field last week, the Bears unveiled plans to build a new, fixed-roof stadium along Chicago’s lakefront. The Burnham Park Project includes a new publicly-owned multipurpose replacement stadium located just south of Soldier Field that’s part of a singular year-round hub centered on park-based culture and recreation.  “This is an incredibly, incredibly special day for the Chicago Bears,” said Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren, “for the City of Chicago, for the state of Illinois, for our ownership, for our play ..read more

Chicago Construction News staff writer Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago broke ground Apr. 23 on a new 75,000 square foot outpatient center at 1895 Arbor Glen Blvd in Schaumburg. The center will offer primary care, ancillary and diagnostic services, orthotics and prosthetics, laboratory and pharmacy services, as well as an ambulatory infusion center with the capacity to expand services. The project team includes architect HKS, general contractor Skender, IMEG Corp. as the structural and mechanical engineers, and V3 Companies as the civil en ..read more

Chicago Construction News staff writer Another $30 million will be added to the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital (RDMS) program, and the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program. “To boost job creation, improve local infrastructure, and enhance amenities, my administration is investing an additional $30 million to support downstate commercial corridors and downtown areas,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “I highly encourage all eligible organizations to apply for this transformational funding.” The RDMS program, which received $20 million, will provide grants ..read more

Chicago Construction News staff writer Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony to launch construction on the $300 million ElevateT3 project at O’Hare International Airport to upgrade the ageing terminal facilities. Construction will be performed by COT3 as Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR), a joint venture of Clark Construction and W.E. O’Neil, Upcoming bid opportunities can be found at www.ord21.com/bids. “Today marks a significant step forward in redefining the travel experience at O’Hare International Airport through the ElevateT3 project,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This transfo ..read more

Judy Lamelza Special to Chicago Construction News A plan to develop a mixed-use structure at 2328 S. Michigan Ave. marks a significant transformation in Chicago’s Motor Row district. The project, driven by Fern Hill in collaboration with Decennial Group and Rebel Hospitality, aims to introduce a dynamic blend of residential, retail, and office spaces into an area historically known for automotive showrooms. The selected site, currently occupied by a vacant Burger King, is poised for a dramatic redevelopment within the urban fabric of Chicago’s Near South Side. Designed by Eckenhoff Saunders ..read more

Chicago Construction News staff writer The Village of Schaumburg is expected to approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25 $344.4 million budget April 23, prioritizes infrastructure spending and anticipates an easing of inflationary economic conditions and moderating revenue growth. “The proposed budget is a responsible plan that allows the village to move forward and implement initiatives that are important to Schaumburg residents,” Village Manager Brian Townsend said. “The proposal allows the village to continue making improvements that will provide a high quality of life to those who live, work ..read more

Chicago Construction News staff writer The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has awarded $25.1 million to 20 applicants for electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program. Grants will fund 643 new Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at 141 locations throughout the state. The awards are based on a Notice of Funding Opportunity issued in late 2023, funded through Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan and authorized under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). In 2023, Illinois EPA awarde ..read more

Chicago Construction News staff writer The construction industry added 39,000 jobs last month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment grew by 270,000 jobs or 3.4%. Non-residential construction employment led the way, jumping by 24,600 jobs, with the specialty trade category adding the most jobs – 16,300. Heavy and civil engineering added 6,000 and non-residential building added 2,300 jobs. “Today’s release was a blockbuster jobs report and indicates that recessio ..read more

Chicago Construction News staff writer The Obama Foundation has revealed new details, including renderings and a ‘fly-through’ video, of the Home Court, an athletic and event facility being built at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. Elevate Design Builders, a joint venture led by Bowa Construction, an African American-owned firm based in Chicago, and AECOM/Hunt, are leading the facility’s construction. Moody Nolan, the largest African American design firm in the U.S., is the design partner for the Elevate Design Build team. Their selection aligns with the Foundation’s goal of pro ..read more

Chicago Construction News staff writer The Chicago Transit Authority released renderings for the new, fully accessible Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations last week, after announcing $111 million from the department of transportation’s reconnecting communities grant program to replace more than 10,000 feet of Blue Line track between Kedzie and Pulaski. “This funding is a critically needed investment in the Forest Park Branch and allows us to continue to move forward on our promise to improve rail service on the west side,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “This grant reinf ..read more