The revolutionary new center delivers personalized care dedicated to patients throughout their journey – from diagnosis to treatment to recovery. While cancer patients are accustomed to going to multiple locations for different services, the new cancer center reduces stress and simplifies the treatment process by providing all services, except surgery, under one roof.

The new, two-story, 53,931 sf medical office building provides patients with a convenient location for comprehensive services to meet their various needs, including chemotherapy treatment, exam/patient consulting, in-house pharmacy, radiation oncology, mammography, stereotactic and more.  Key project challenges included:

• Demolition of existing building on site
• Relocation of Spinning Wheel Drive
• Coordination across multiple bid packages
• Addressing needs of land owner to the north
• BIM utilized for MEP/FP coordination
• Linac Vaults (over 1,400 yards of concrete) and associated coordination
• Schedule work rules prohibited work on Saturdays due to observance of the Sabbath

Building a state-of-the art cancer treatment facility required innovative planning and construction. Architecture firm Earl Swensson Associates (ESa) of Nashville, TN created a thoughtful and person-centered design that, for example, has imaging areas visually separated from treatment areas. This way, undiagnosed patients are not waiting in the same offices as patients already receiving intensive therapy.

Serving two different groups of patients, the Institute has different entrances for each. The first, with the valet parking portal on the south side, is for cancer patients. The other patient type is the one who comes for outpatient imaging services—mammography, ultrasound, x-ray and the like. That patient enters from the western door of the building and will find all the imaging services on the building’s second floor.

Along with implementing design features such as strict division between imaging and treatment facilities, the project’s general contractor, Bulley & Andrews, found solutions to the project’s immense structural demands. The Institute houses four massive vaults: one for HDR imaging, one for PET/CT scanning and two for Linear Acceleration (Linac) radiation treatment.

The walls, floors and ceilings of every vault are made of solid concrete between four and eight feet thick. In addition, the forward-thinking building was designed to allow for future vertical expansion, which required extensive additional reinforcement of the existing load-bearing walls, even above and beyond the reinforcement needed to support the massive vaults.

In addition to providing patients advanced cancer treatment services in a comprehensive and caring manner, the new AMITA HEALTH Cancer Institute & Outpatient Center is also seen as a gateway project by the Village of Hinsdale. The cancer center is one of the first buildings seen when entering Hinsdale from the east along Ogden Avenue, and therefore, great care was given to its design and execution.

Just as the building welcomes people to Hinsdale, the community itself welcomed the new facility, providing significant involvement and donations to support its construction.

Safety was of the utmost priority during the project. Bulley & Andrews customized, implemented and maintained site specific safety initiatives during the project.

The team’s commitment to safe building practices was evidenced by no safety violations and zero lost work days throughout the nearly two years and 12,109 man hours logged on the project.

Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois developed a 500,000 square foot masterplan centered on four goals: to create, “A more Effective and Welcoming Campus”, “Space for Academic Programs to Meet Current and Future Needs,” “Space for Student Services to Meet Current and Future Needs”, and a “Strategic, Cost Effective Approach to the Entire Campus.” To reach these goals, the school hired construction management firm Power Construction, architect Holabird & Root and civil engineering and landscape architecture consultants firm Eriksson Engineering Associates, Ltd.

The Harper College transformation included a new 34,500 square foot, two-story addition to Building D featuring an open, collaborative space with large windows to maximize natural light. The new hub for students and faculty is outfitted with comfortable lounge seating, study tables, a Starbucks, modern lighting, an entrance to the academic classrooms and a connecting link to the Advanced Manufacturing Lab in Building H.

A new 275,000 square foot, four-story parking garage was also constructed on the east side of the campus, adding an additional 825 parking spots for students and faculty. To make room for the new structure, the engineering consultant reconfigured the existing ring road to wrap around the garage. The relocation of the road benefitted the campus by minimizing disturbance of the native plantings in the biology preserve area.

The second phase of the project focused on modernizing Building D with an interior and structural renovation. The 100,500 square foot renovation consisted of total demolition of the interior space and selective demolition of portions of the building structure. The selective demolition of the exterior wall created additional space in the classrooms by opening the exterior walls to extend the classrooms by 6 feet.  The existing east staircase was demolished and a new entrance was created by opening up the corridor space to allow more natural light to flow through the building. The centerpiece of Building D is a two-story glass rotunda connecting Building D to the Building E. This open space is used by students to study, learn and meet.

The north entrance of Building D also received exterior improvements including two outdoor gathering green spaces, pedestrian walkways and two patio plazas incorporating native plantings, permeable pavers, and stairs leading to a pedestrian walk-way and the new outdoor amphitheater.

The two-phase Graduation and East Campus Landscape Architecture project was developed to add a gathering space for students and the local community. The project transformed a six-acre parking lot located on the south shore of Harper Lake and north of campus building D into a large lawn pavilion with a 4,500-person capacity outdoor amphitheater. The amphitheater’s canopy structure was recommended to shade the sun and acts as a backdrop to the stage. The lawn’s contoured slope towards the stage offers event attendees stadium-like style seating. The Project was completed in the Spring of 2016 and accommodated 3,500 seated guests for the school’s premiere annual event- Spring Graduation and Commencement.

As part of Power’s quality control process, project documents are reviewed at Design Development and again at 75% Construction Documents to look for common constructability and enclosure issues.

Comments are communicated back to the design team in an effort to prevent as many issues as possible. This is the first step for new projects.

Multiple envelope performance enhancements were offered around mitigating thermal bridging which were incorporated into the final Issued For Construction drawings.

All subcontractors were gathered for a preconstruction scope specific meeting to discuss their work to ensure they knew the college’s expectations.  Topics for these meetings included:

• Review of the materials used for the project
• Selected details of the project
• Methods of installation

The renovations were completed in multiple phases, sometimes separated by significant periods of time. Review meetings were implemented as contractors returned to the site for the next phase as a refresher to the Harper College project specific details.

As the initial portion of the subcontractor work was completed, it was reviewed by Power and Holabird & Root to ensure it was compliant with the project requirements, design and finishes. The rest of the renovations were monitored throughout the construction phase until the project was completed.

A complete, full scale, exterior wall assembly was constructed for the curved portion of the lecture halls made of brick, spray foam insulation, block back up, structural steel columns and beams, segmented curtain wall panels, glass, and flashings and coping at roof level. It served the project very well both in terms of aesthetics and constructability/tolerance issues. This mock up resolved a major challenge of the project by addressing how the roof was detailed to transition into to the top of the windows. The team resolved this challenge by using a small piece of composite decking material sized to fit into the glazing pocket to terminate on to the roofing. The mockup now has a new purpose as a teaching tool for Harper’s architecture department.

Other mock ups included first installation mock ups for quality review. For example, a toilet room was completed and reviewed before the remaining toilet rooms being finished for quality control.

Power tested the completed enclosure by performing exterior wall water leak testing and curtainwall testing, which resulted in the installation of waterproofing/sealers on existing sections of masonry walls.

Harper was a pilot project for the new FinishLine software, used to track, document and manage punch list items for the entire team. The database sorts punch list items by room, subcontractor or type of work. This collaborative software was used on the Harper D Addition, Building D renovation and Amphitheater projects by Power, Holabird & Root and Harper College. During a walk through, items are entered using a mobile device, transmitted via cloud to a database and email notifications are sent to specific subcontractors. After the work is completed the entire team is notified that the punch list item is complete. The FinishLine software helped streamline the final punch list completion and occupancy processes.

Now, FinishLine is the Power’s standard software for managing field installation issues.

The projects on the Harper College campus have profoundly impacted students, faculty and administrative leaders. Harper College board chairman Greg Dowell said the new and improved Building D is a “truly magnificent learning center that will serve the students for decades to come.” Kenneth L. Ender, President of Harper College says that the new Beaubien Family Rotunda has, “Become a student magnet. The open space coupled with great views gives students a place to meet, study and unwind.” Ender also added that, “Building D has an inviting design that has transformed this facility into a destination. Students and faculty appreciate the natural light that is brought into every classroom.”

The size and sculptural appearance of the new amphitheater bring value to the school’s programming and provide the local community in Palatine, Illinois with a new event space. Following the space’s inaugural use for the 2016 Spring Commencement, the amphitheater hosted a local jazz festival that was free and open to the public.

The project also inspired the career paths of Harper students. At the start of the project, Power Construction engaged students studying Construction Management/Architectural Studies with an info session highlighting a new internship opportunity for a junior college student who was energized and passionate about a future in the industry. Luis Monroy applied, interviewed and was selected for this position. His internship focused on the new 34,500 square foot addition to Building D where he concentrated on RFI’s, submittals, and architectural coordination of finish trades. He continued his studies throughout the construction project. As graduation approached, Power Construction offered Luis full time position as a Project Engineer. Now, nearly three years later, he continues to work at Power Construction. The internship brought his love for architecture and new construction skills together for a successful career.

Our goal is to complete every project without incident or interruption as part of our dedication to sending all personnel home without injury. Our Safety Policy of continuous improvement is a top priority, which positively impacts scheduling and quality performance. It is intolerant of decisions and situations that compromise the safety of our job sites, the surrounding areas, and our staff.

At Harper College we developed a Site Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) which identified traffic patterns we coordinated with flagging efforts for students and staff protection, managed deliveries through the temporary parking and ring road entrance and provided temporary parking for subcontractors to minimize campus traffic.

We communicated safety challenges to all tradesmen through: Daily huddles, stretch and strengthen programs

Daily observation processes, including tool inspections and training Weekly Toolbox Talks

Job Hazard Analysis prior to the start of major tasks

Our Site Orientation training session covered: OSHA Regulations

Drug and Alcohol Policies Personal Protective Equipment Site-specific Safety Regulations

At Harper we incorporated the Subcontractor Site Safety Requirements & Procedures Manual into all Subcontract Agreements to maintain an effective project-wide safety culture.

Gilbane completed construction of a stunning 43,000 SF addition for Joliet Township High School District 204’s campus in downtown Joliet, Illinois. Key objectives for the project team were to add an expansive student center, an open-plan dining facility, multi-purpose areas, and an elevator to improve ADA accessibility at the Joliet Central High School campus, which serves approximately 3,200 students.
Designed by Wight & Company (Wight), the new structure features a three-story glass curtainwall façade that leads into a bright and inviting student center. Beyond that is a spacious, open-plan dining pavilion that can seat up to 600 people for events. The focal point of the addition is a soaring structure of tubular steel that defines a collaborative space for students where they can study, socialize and access student services. The student collaboration spaces provide upgraded services to students in a 21st century learning environment. Construction of the student center also involved masonry restoration, utilities relocation and parking lot improvements.
Originally built in 1901, Joliet Central High School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the entire project was built to meet the needs of a 21st century educational environment, the historical integrity of the 115-year-old building was preserved. Throughout the project, architectural elements of the existing building were maintained, along with the school’s historical designation. Architectural elements included the incorporation of parapets and a limestone façade that retained the Collegiate Gothic appearance of the main building. A portion of the existing limestone façade underwent restoration, due to its prime location as the interior wall of the galleria.

Since Joliet Central is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, construction quality was of the utmost importance throughout the entire project. It was important to build a state-of-the-art facility that aligned with the needs of the students and staff, while honoring the historical integrity of the campus environment. The project team was continually focused on construction quality to ensure these goals were achieved.

Gilbane and every contractor took pride in the work quality. As the building took shape, it was apparent this was a special addition honoring the 100+ year history. The level of craftsmanship in the masonry work, as well as the structural ornamental steel reinforced the pride in work and craftsmanship by all of the contractors.

The galleria space is a three-story atrium, supported by Gothic ornamental structural steel arches. The structural steel contractor created a full mock-up in their fabrication shop. The mock-up allowed the contractor to make sure the connections for the intersecting arches fit prior to full fabrication and delivery. This process allowed for a highly-efficient erection process.

The team heard time and again from residents that they see Joliet Central as a beacon for the entire community. The building design is a physical manifestation of that idea. At night, the three-story atrium glows like a beacon, making its strong presence known in downtown Joliet.

This student center provides students a central area to gather, socialize, and collaborate and students enjoy having this area where they all feel welcome. The community venue has the potential to hold up to 400 people, and the galleria space can be configured in an auditorium-style setting, where seating can be set-up around a portable stage. In addition, the open-dining pavilion provides seating for 600 students and has a flexible configuration that can be arranged for community and school events.

The project’s groundbreaking was also shaped by a significant amount of community input.

Safety of students, staff, and pedestrians was a daily priority and required extensive communication and coordination, as well as traffic control in a heavily traveled area of downtown Joliet.

Due to the close proximity of the construction site to the operational school, logistics and safety were critical components of this program. The project team focused on the continued operation of the school and the safety of everyone in and around the construction site. To ensure this goal became a reality, the team developed detailed site logistics plans, project phasing, security requirements, a quality program and a detailed safety plan.

The Gilbane project safety plan embodies the policies and procedures for prevention of injury, property damage, fire damage and occupational illness. No single feature of the work is of greater importance than safety.  One aspect of the safety plan implemented was the Short Service Worker (SSW) or New Site Worker (NSW) program. New workers on a project are particularly at risk as they begin familiarizing themselves with their project work environment and the project safety processes designed to support their safety. To respond to this potential threat, Gilbane requires every worker on the project only for a time of 30 days or less to participate in the SSW/NSW program. The program is administered by the contractor supervisor foreman and requires documented demonstration of project safety processes and safe behaviors by each worker at the end of 30 days to graduate from the program. This program is one example of the Gilbane Cares philosophy in action. The goal is that everyone is safe on all projects and when they leave the site.

Composed of three primary “bars” that are offset and stacked, the arrangement creates unique spaces for collaboration, open views of the surrounding landscape, optimizes solar orientation for amenities, and provides programmatic flexibility not found in typical center-core office buildings. A network of horizontal sunshades clads the perimeter of the complex, with the sunshades varying in depth depending on orientation, while floor-to-ceiling glass offers extensive natural light for the shallow office plates. A soaring three-story double wall faces south toward the multi-level plazas, showcasing an architecture that responds to the changing Chicago climate, providing visual identiy along the interstate while projecting the strength and future focus of the company.

As a Class A office building, the Zurich project stood above others in the quality of material selection, construction techniques, and QA/QC.

Goettsch Partners took the effort to select high quality materials ranging from high performance coatings to the stone on the lobby security desk. Each material went through a rigorous process analyzing submittals and material samples using mock ups of corner conditions and critical details.

The building drawings went through a peer review process from Clayco’s Technical Assurance Group to make sure certain aspects of the design were constructible and met the expectations of the client and architect.  Clayco also performed peer reviews on the design-build MEP documents and site utilities.  3D modeling and BIM was used to coordinate details and clash detection.  The BIM process had full participation by Goettsch Partners, Clayco, and the design-build MEP engineers.

Consultants were used to review the design as well.  The project enlisted the services of Thornton Tomasetti for sustainability, Ruby & Associates for steel review, RoofTech for roof consulting, Jenkins & Huntington as the elevator consultant, Goettsch Partners Tech Services for the curtain wall, Rolf Jenson for code analysis, and One Lux Studio for lighting.

QA/QC was coordinated with periodic site visits from the design team and from Clayco’s TAG group.  All issues from these site visits were compiled and tracked for completion.  In addition, the Clayco Technical Assurance group maintained a 100% presence on site for every piece of glass that was set on the project.

The new HQ building reflects the company’s commitment to the environment, both inside and out and illustrates the pride Zurich takes in being a great place to work. These elements ensure the 3,000 employees are in an environment that is efficient, inspiring and conducive to collaboration, as well as an enhancement for employee wellness.

As part of the “North of 90” development plan, this 40-acre parcel is the cornerstone of the Village of Schaumburg’s TIF district. The Zurich HQ relocation was the first in a push to redevelop and repurpose a vacant building and land, adding greater appeal for future investment.

More than 1,200 construction jobs were created and Zurich as an organization generates $1.3 billion in economic impact annually by employing people in the state of Illinois.

The Zurich project included 840,307 total man hours worked.  The project duration was 30 months with only 11 lost work days.  This project used a number of safety related initiatives including morning stretch & flex, 100% glove use, 100% fall protection and mandatory safety training on site.  The project also had an elaborate safety incentive program with participation from the subcontractor leadership.  There were no major injuries on the project.