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10.28.2014
Funding Comes in for WIU Quad Cities Phase III

Over the weekend, Governor Pat Quinn announced a $5 million dollar infusion of funds from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program to initiate the design process of Western Illinois University's phase III plans for their Quad Citites Riverfront Campus. This phase will consist of a new 85,000 SF academic building to house the University's STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs consisting of offices, classrooms, general and specialized laboratories, student resource and support spaces. In keeping with the design and build of the first two previous phases, Holabird & Root will design the phase III building, which is projected to be six stories.

For more information:

Quinn announces $5M investment for WIU's next phase

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09.29.2014
Groundbreaking at the Workman Sports and Wellness Center

Holabird & Root team members gathered with the community last Friday, September 19, 2014, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Center in Effingham, Illinois. The site is a dream long in the making for an 80,000-square-foot sports complex. Construction is set to start on the $14.6 million dollar complex in October and projected to be completed in a 12-14 month timeframe thereafter.  The development of the sports complex for the community of Effingham is a long-time goal coming to fruition after working for its installment for nearly three decades. The facility is planned to include volleyball courts, basketball courts, two pools and an eight-lane lap pool, in addition to a recreational/therapy pool. Further plans include a Get Fit center and plans to house St. Anthony's Wellness Center for physical therapy. Members of the Holabird & Root design team in attendance included Project Architect Greg Grunloh and Project Coordinator, Jamison McBride.

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09.16.2014
Breck School Design Wins 2014 Institutional ALA Design Merit Award

Holabird & Root just received notice of winning the prestigious 2014 Institutional Merit Award from the Association of Licensed Architects for the design and build of Breck School. Founded in 1886, Breck School is an independent, college-preparatory, PreK-12 school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The school commissioned Holabird & Root to perform master planning, a redesign of the overall site, renovation and expansion of existing buildings, and construction of new spaces, including playing fields and green spaces. This school is now LEED Silver Certified. The Holabird & Root team responsible for this project consists of Principal Designer James Baird, Project Manager Ernie Wagner, Interior Designer Andrea Caputo and Project Architect Brett Gawronski. 

08.22.2014
Holabird & Root Announces The Passing of Gerald Horn

Holabird & Root is deeply saddened to announce the passing of former Principal Gerald Horn, who died on Saturday, August 9, at the age of 79. Gerald, fondly known as Jerry, was a partner at Holabird & Root from 1988 to 2004. He began his career with the firm back in 1971 as a project designer and moved up through the ranks proving himself to be a competent and worthy leader, while also serving for several years as a studio professor at Illinois Institute of Technology. He was a mentor to many, including recently retired Principal Jeff Case, who attributed the longevity of his career at Holabird & Root to Jerry, saying, “Jerry was my [teacher], he was my ticket, he believed in me.”  Jerry was a prolific designer and mentor to countless young architects, both at IIT and Holabird & Root.

Holabird & Root remembers and honors the memory of one of our most cherished leaders. Jerry was the recipient of several awards throughout his impressive career, including a collection of AIA design awards through the years for landmark projects such as the Great Lakes Naval Training Center Engineman School, Monsanto Environmental Health Laboratory, Illinois Bell Telephone 4A Toll Building (national design award), Hollister Corporate headquarters in Libertyville, and the Hollister Factory Building in Stuarts Draft, Virginia. Jerry moved the firm forward through a collection of other notable projects including the Northwestern University Law School, American Bar Center, the Chicago Historical Society expansion, the Federal Reserve Bank Addition and Renovation, the University of Illinois Digital Computer Building, the City Home Affordable Housing Project, IIT Kent Law School, Nicor Headquarters Building, IBM Credit Union and the impressive Holabird & Root Headquarters with the bridge through the light court, to name just a few. Jerry passed away in his self-designed California home, which also won an AIA distinguished building award.

Current Holabird & Root Managing Principal Greg Cook remembers Jerry fondly, sharing, “Jerry passing affects all of us a lot. As an architect, he was a true artist, all about the pure structure. He was very complex in his designs, he did them all in his head and they always came out beautiful, completely thought out, he was totally independent. Jerry’s abilities were uncanny in his use of space, use of the land, the presence of the building within the site, the structural fluidity and expression of his designs was astounding.”

Jerry is survived by his wife, Caryl, his son, James, his daughters, Jill, Debra and Laura, and eight grandchildren. He is remembered by all the colleagues who loved and respected him at Holabird & Root, in addition to several industry professionals worldwide.

See Also: Chicago architect Gerald Horn dies at 79

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07.25.2014
Holabird & Root Team Members Featured in NU Expansion Video

Holabird & Root team members have been featured in Northwestern University's atrium expansion project video.Holabird & Root has continued its long-standing relationship with Northwestern University Law School by most recently being given the opportunity to provide an addition and renovation to the Rubloff Building Atrium. The three-story jewel-piece atrium addition boasts a new two-story space adjacent to the expanded café to be utilized as multi-purpose space for student study, events, and collaboration. New state-of-the art flip classrooms and student study areas are both open and private to foster interaction among law students.

Holabird & Root originally designed the 360,000-s.f. facility, which houses a major addition to the Law School, including its library. 

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07.14.2014
Holabird & Root Wishes a Farewell to Principal Jeff Case

The last day of June marked the end of an era at the Holabird & Root headquarters. Following a 38-year journey with the company, Principal Jeff Case has taken his retirement. Jeff started with Holabird & Root back in 1976 as an intern architect under the supervision of his mentor and former firm principal, Jerry Horn. Recalling his time learning under Horn, Jeff shared, "Jerry was my professor, he was my ticket, he believed in me. I don’t think I ever had a moment where I really desired to leave. I’ve been very privileged here." Jeff became a partner at Holabird & Root in 1988, serving as a principal for 26 years. Before the company toasted his achievements, Jeff was asked what his advice for young architects would be: "Work as hard as you can. Learn as much as you can. Be ready, willing, and able. Find a mentor. Be observant. Make yourself useful. Ask how you can be more helpful."

Jeff now plans to head to Florida following the sale of his house in Old Town, which was designed by Harry Weese. He says he's looking forward to active days full of golfing, swimming, painting and travel, sharing, "I have a brother out there so there’s family, and I’ve established a presence with an art center already."

Holabird & Root celebrates the many varied contributions Jeff has made to the firm and wishes him a happy and fulfilled journey in the next leg of his adventure.

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05.29.2014
Holabird & Root Pursues Work in Iraq

Holabird & Root has recenty been in exciting negotiations for a project with the Iraqi Ministry of Health through a joint-venture agreement with ZEF Concepts. The future development, Al Qalaa Hospital, is a 200-bed healthcare facility located in Kut.

ZEF Concepts is a Sustainability and Green Technologies consultancy based in the UK.

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05.22.2014
Holabird & Root, Root, Roots for the Cubbies!

The Holabird & Root team descended on Wrigley Field yesterday to support our very own Jim Miller as he threw out the first pitch at the Cubs game against the Yankees at 1:20pm. Miller sported a 1937 throwback Cubs jersey in celebration of the year that Holabird & Root designed the bleachers and hand-operated scoreboard. Incidentally, this pitch took place over the same series marking Derek Jeter's final appearance at the Friendly Confines and the Cubs presented Jeter with a No.2 from the iconic scoreboard.

 

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05.16.2014
Holabird & Root Named As CBC Award Finalist

Holabird & Root was honored as a finalist for the latest Rightpoint Consulting office buildout at the Chicago Building Congress Awards held on Thursday, May 15th. Andrea Caputo and Cory Kamholz both served as project designers for the space and were both in attendance. Rightpoint Consulting is a return client for H&R, after hiring the firm to complete their first office redesign back in 2010.

“The Rightpoint office buildout is the purest example of what we preach to our clients in terms of workplace strategies.” Kamholtz is referring to the freedom to incorporate new solutions that meet the needs of today’s companies. Rightpoint’s many settings reflect the more collaborative, generational style of working necessary throughout so many large-scale projects. The access to natural light is both an energy and health-friendly incorporation. The installation of flexible furniture allows the space to morph into what the team members need: altogether, an environment capable of adapting to its team’s requirements.

Caputo is curretnly working on interior design for Rightpoint's Michigan satellite office, giving that office the same branding and finishes as the Chicago office.

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05.8.2014
Holabird & Root Announces Internal Promotions

Holabird & Root is happy to congratulate Jan Behounek, Noel Davis and Tom Harrison on their recent promotions within the company. H&R is proud to employ such committed and talented team members.

Jan Behounek, AIA, LEED AP, CDT - Jan was recently promoted to Associate Principal for her longstanding tenure with Holabird & Root and the high quality of innovative work she produces on a project by project basis. As one of the company’s Project Managers, Jan is respected for her strong leadership skills and considerable experience in facilitating smooth and successful jobs.

Noel Davis, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C - Noel was recently promoted to Associate in recognition of his dedication and company tenure, he is esteemed as Holabird & Root’s lead Planning Analyst. 

Tom Harrison, SE, PE, AIA, LEED AP - Tom was recently promoted to Associate as Holabird & Root’s lead structural engineer, his 28 years in the industry make him a highly valuable asset to the firm.

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05.1.2014
H&R Celebrates Groundbreaking for The Mills

Holabird & Root has joined forces with Three Corners Development for a new riverfront development, Riverbend Commons, that will transform a parcel of land along the Mississippi River into an economic hub for the Quad Cities area. The 15.5-acre Riverbend Commons site is located near the Western Illinois University Riverfront Campus, where Holabird & Root has another project underway. H&R attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, April 23 for the for a student housing portion of the project, known as The Mills. This housing commission is unique in that this development is a private establishment with the city of Moline, not university-owned. The Mills will be open for student housing in August to any area college student. The housing is expected to serve students from WIU, Augustana and Trinity alike. Phase I and II of the Riverbend Commons master plan provides housing solutions for surrounding area students, as well as retail, dining, and recreational options featuring both local and national brands. Phase III is less defined at this time to allow for flexibility in responding to future market needs. Potential components such as educational, financial, and healthcare facilities are proposed to create a holistic experience for the residents of Moline. In attendance at The Mills groundbreaking ceremony from Holabird & Root were Architects Jan Behounek, Anne Strane, and Project Planner Noel Davis. Read more highlights about The Mills here:

The Mills at Riverbend Commons begin to Rise On Riverfront

The Mills at Riverbend Commons

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04.23.2014
East West University Celebrates New Student Life Center

Hlabird & Root was pleased to be a part of the Grand Opening of the new Student Life Center. In attendance was Principal in Charge-Jeff Case, Project Architect-Greg Grunloh, and Project Coordinator-Jamison McBride. Holabird & Root participated as a sponsor of the even as well. 

Our firm recently completed the design and oversaw the construction of the new Student Life Center.  This design-build project produced a multi-story tower that expresses openness by blending the environs of the site with the academic experience inside the building. High visibility is key in the firm’s design approach to strive for mutual interaction. The “marquee” of the building - a glass column that flows from the 2nd to 17th floor - showcases activities in the vertical student lounge to the city. Instead of presenting itself as an ivory tower, the new Student Life Center at East-West University offers inviting social space to engage the surrounding communities.

By offering an immersive experience of the city, the new Student Life Center turns the surrounding cityscape into an extension of the classroom. The dormitories on the upper floors are designed so that every single room has a view of the city and the lake. Almost all usable spaces in the building have views to the city and lake as well, as a result of the recessed walls and the heavy use of glass panels. With facilities such as a library, student support spaces, computer labs, an auditorium, and athletic center, the Student Life Center creates a holistic educational experience with all the civic and cultural resources downtown Chicago has to offer.

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04.23.2014
Holabird & Root Celebrates Wrigley Field Centennial

Happy Birthday to Wrigley Field! On April 23, 1914, the Friendly Confines hosted its very first game.  The venerated, long-time home of the Chicago Cubs also served as home to the Chicago Bears for 49 years, and is the second oldest ballpark in the nation. Holabird & Root is proud to be a part of the rich history of this Chicago landmark.  In the early summer of 1937, Holabird & Root was approached by Bill Veeck and commissioned to design what would become the highly revered Wrigley Field Bleachers and hand-operated scoreboard, which, still in use today, embodied new magnetic eyelets never before employed in a scoreboard. The bleachers and the iconic scoreboard were both listed among the park's features to receive landmark status in 2004. The 1937 bleachers buildout led to the hallowed ivy that was planted that same year and still graces Wrigley today, as well as the fact that on September 28, 1938, the first full year of the new bleachers wound down with the most famous homer in Cubs history:

“In the bottom of the ninth, player-manager Gabby Hartnett hit a two-out, two-strike, tie-breaking shot into the left-field bleachers to beat Pittsburgh 6-5 and move the Cubs past the Pirates into first place. The ballpark was too dark at the top of the inning for play to continue, but the umpires decided to let the game go one more inning, setting up the heroics that led to a pennant.”-Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune 1987

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04.18.2014
Holabird & Root Wins Excellence Award for Renovation

Holabird & Root congratulates the team that worked on the University of Chicago Midway Studios Renovation for winning the 2014 Preservation Excellence Award in Exterior Rehabilitation from the city of Chicago Department of Planning and Development. This historical renovation took place over 4 years and carries historical significance as the home base of famous sculptor Laredo Taft. The rehabilitation included a complete re-roofing and skylight renovation, exterior restoration and tuck-pointing, a completely reconstructed north entry porch from historic photos, and a new west entry from the Logan Center designed to keep in the same spirit as the historic east entry. Holabird team members included Greg Cook, Greg Grunloh, Jan Behounek, Jamison McBride, and Matt Blewitt.

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04.2.2014
Holabird & Root Breaks Ground at the New Addition to ChicagoCAC

In 1983, Congress declared April to be National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of communities working together to prevent child abuse. In conjunction with this observance, Holabird & Root is pleased to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new addition at Chicago Children's Advocacy Center (ChicagoCAC). Together, ChicagoCAC and its partners are the city’s front-line responders to reports of child sexual and physical abuse. ChicagoCAC is the city’s only not-for-profit organization that coordinates the efforts of child protection staff, law enforcement professionals, family advocates, medical experts and mental health clinicians under one roof.

Holabird & Root’s design portrays the concept of the Chicago row house, with the goal of reducing the mass of the two-story addition, creating a dynamic elevation, and respecting the existing architecture. The two-story addition is approximately 18,900 square feet, almost doubling the size of the existing facility.  The space is designed to help children and families feel safe, while also encouraging collaboration among professional teams. Organizationally, the first floor of the addition is dedicated to professional spaces and offices, while the second floor will house the mental health department, training area and lunchroom.  Child- and family-friendly spaces will remain at the heart of the existing building. The project is on track to meet LEED Gold certification.

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01.10.2014
Holabird & Root Announces Passing of Michael Pancost, AIA

It is with great sorrow that Holabird & Root announces the passing of architect Michael Pancost, AIA.

Michael spent over 38 years with Holabird & Root, providing invaluable leadership to our firm.  He contributed to many of Holabird & Root’s landmark projects and, equally important, served as a mentor to many of our young architects throughout the years.  His technical expertise combined with his enthusiasm for the industry made him one of the most respected members of our team.

His passion for architecture and the insight he provided to colleagues will be missed.