2nd Annual CBC
TableTop Tradeshow

VERTICAL COMPLETION

Keynote Speakers:

Louis Rossetti, Walsh Construction Company
James D'Amico, John Buck Company
Joseph Dolinar, Goettsch Partners

CBC welcomed the project team for the innovative Blue Cross / Blue Shield “Vertical Completion” expansion project at its March 19, 2008, General Membership Meeting Luncheon. Presenters included Louis Rossetti (Walsh Construction Company), James D'Amico (John Buck Company), and Joseph Dolinar (Goettsch Partners) as our keynote speakers.

Their informative presentation detailed the 24-story structural steel addition to the Blue Cross / Blue Shield's Corporate Headquarters in Chicago. The building was originally completed in 1997 and designed at that time for possible future expansion. Following nearly 10 years of full occupancy and growing pains, HCSC decided to proceed with its expansion plans.

The addition includes 16 elevators, four escalators, two food service floors, and a new Conference Center. Building capacity will be nearly doubled and the existing floors will remain fully occupied and operational during the entire construction process.

PRIMARY COLORS

Keynote Speaker:

Paul Green,
Director of the Institute for Politics & the Arthur Rubloff
Professor of Policy Studies at Roosevelt University

CBC welcomed Professor Paul Green, Director of the Institute for Politics and the Arthur Rubloff Professor of Policy Studies at Roosevelt University as its Keynote Speaker for the February 20, 2008, General Membership Meeting Luncheon.

His lively presentation and piercing insights on the State Primary races, on the forthcoming 2008 Democratic and G.O.P. conventions in August and September, and on the local, state, and national economies pulled no punches. Professor Green predicted that Obama and McCain would lead respective Democratic and Republican tickets in November, and sited Richardson and Romney as the likely best bets for their running mates.

2008 CBC ECONOMIC FORECAST

Keynote Speaker:

Mickey Levy,
Chief Economist, Bank of America

A capacity crowd gathered in the Union League Club's Main Lounge on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, as Dr. Mickey Levy, Chief Economist for the Bank of America, gave his business forecast for 2008.

In his role as Chief Economist, Dr. Levy analyzes national and international economic behavior and conducts research on monetary and fiscal policies. He also sits on the Bank's Asset Liability Committee.

Dr. Levy noted that excess housing still needs to work itself out, and that the housing market still faces several years of decline. He observed that non-residential construction has remained strong, but expects flattening in that sector until 2010. He prophesied that the year 2008 will end stronger than it began.

“Illinois Tollway:
A Faster Route to the Future”

Keynote Speaker:

Brian J. McPartlin, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway

The Chicago Building Congress welcomed Brian McPartlin, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway, as guest speaker to its monthly Membership Meeting Luncheon. Attendees learned details of the current and upcoming tollway Illinois Tollway improvement projects. Mr. McPartlin pointed out that, in order to minimize the effect of construction on commuters, the Illinois Tollway attempts to keep the same number of lanes open during construction as prior to construction. Illinois Tollway customers enjoy improved communication in the form of 30 dynamic message signs located thoughout the tollway system, broadcasting commute times, accidents, and construction plans; and they also receive the lowest per-mile rate in the nation (3 cents/mile w/ I-Pass).

2007 AWARD OF HONOR

Honoring:

DIRK LOHAN,
FAIA, PRINCIPAL, LOHAN ANDERSON ARCHITECTS

Dirk Lohan’s creative vision has played a large role in shaping Chicago as we know it today. A few of the visible examples of his accomplishments include his work on the Soldier Field & North Burnham Park renovation, the Cityfront Center Master Plan, and the Museum Campus Master Plan for the Field Museum and Oceanarium. His ardent enthusiasm for intelligent building design has inspired a generation to view architecture as more than just art … as “built environments” having a positive impact on the lives and work of all people.

Awards and recognition have followed Dirk’s career achievements locally and nationally. We congratulate him now on receiving the prestigious Chicago Building Congress Award of Honor, celebrating his lifetime of notable achievement!

“On My Mind”

Keynote Speaker:

John Callaway, WTTW “Chicago Tonight”

Veteran Chicago journalist John Callaway delivered a rousing account of his journey through 50 years of electric local history, beginning as a callow youth arriving in town with 71 cents in his pocket. Somehow landing a job at the old City News Bureau, which he characterized as "the West Point -- no, Quantico -- of American journalism in those days."

His vision of Chicago politics compared and contrasted the two Daley regimes and drew parallels on the great issues of the day. All-in-all, he gave the city high marks for running more open, honest, and broadly-based government than in the past, even though some problems just never seem to go away.

Callaway painted a fascinating verbal walking tour of Chicago as it was then, contrasted with what one finds now on the same routes, due to the marvelous renaissance the city has enjoyed in recent years. "I don't need to tell you what has happened, because you are the people who made it happen, with all these marvelous contruction projects. Suffice to say, the pace quickens daily, and some neighborhoods bear scant resemblance to what one saw there just six months ago…particularly travelling south of the Loop. This is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world!"

Left: CBC President, Dana Thorne, presents Ace Tech High School CEO, Geri Harsten, a $5000 check, sharing proceeds from the 2007 Golf Outing at Bloomingdale Golf Club. Right: CBC President, Dana Thorne, with Geri Harsten and students from ACE Tech High School.

CBC TableTop Tradeshow

Southworks Development…
        “Revitalizing a Community”

Keynote Speaker:

Daniel McCaffery, President, McCaffery Interests

McCaffery Interests, in partnership with Pennsylvania-based Westrum Development Company, Lubert-Adler Funds and United States Steel, is seeking to redevelop the former US Steel Southworks site into an exciting new lakeside neighborhood.

Mr. McCaffery highlighted the master plan for the 275 acres which will include thousands of new residences, a retail center, a boat slip and new harbor, extensive lakefront parks, bike paths, beautifully landscaped open spaces and restaurants.

Aqua Tower:
Updating Chicago's Skyline

Keynote Speaker:

Jeanne Gang, Studio Gang Architects

Jeanne Gang leads Studio Gang Architects, a practice that has designed award-winning projects since its inception in 1998. Ms. Gang shared the inside story of Studio Gang Architects and previewed the unique design for the 82-story Aqua Tower and its undulating concrete balconies.

“AGING GRACEFULLY:
AN ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR 2007”

Keynote Speaker:

Carl R. Tannenbaum, Group Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, LaSalle Bank Corporation

Carl Tannenbaum gave his traditional economic forecast, evaluating key economic factors such as the correction in the housing industry, energy prices, lower unemployment, higer wages, and the aging "Baby Boomer" population, to arrive at his prediction that 2007 looks like a solid year!

“A VISION FOR CHICAGO”

Keynote Speaker:

Richard M. Daley,
Mayor, City of Chicago

Over 400 Building Industry Professionals packed the Palmer House Hilton's Grand Ballroom and spilled into the adjoining State Ballroom to hear the Mayor present his vision for Chicago.

Mayor Daley's Vision for Chicago is that of a "Global City" To that end, Mayor Daley asserted that the O'Hare Redevelopment Project was all-important in maintaining Chicago as a hub for international travel. Mayor Daley also stressed that a good public transportation system was key to becoming a Global City, and acknowledged that Chicago needs to build effective north-south throughways in and around the city. Lastly, hosting the 2016 Olympics was enthusiastically viewed by the Mayor as "an opportunity to capture the creativity of the people of Chicago to recreate the city", showcasing Chicago's wonderful attributes as a Global City.

2006 AWARD OF HONOR

Honoring:

CLYDE N. BAKER, JR.,
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER STS CONSULTANTS

Clyde N. Baker, a man of energy, talent, vision, and compassion, was honored with the CBC's most celebrated award. Over the course of a distinguished 50-year career, Clyde Baker has served as the geotechnical engineer on most of the high-rise construction built in Chicago, including the three tallest buildings ever built here (the Sears Tower, the John Hancock Center, and the AON Center).

Upon graduating from MIT in 1954 with his Masters in Civil Engineering, Clyde joined STS Consultants to find the challenges he relished. At age 26, he was in charge of soils engineering for a large portion of the new Illinois Toll Highway System then being built. By the 1960's and 1970's, he was putting Chicago's new towers on a firm footing.

Clyde's numerous professional involvements embrace the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Structural Engineers Association of Illinios, The Chicago Chapter of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, and the Chicago Committee on High Rise Buildings.

Downtown Development…
      “Going for the Gold”

Keynote Speaker:

Paul O'Connor, Founding Executive Director of World Business Chicago

World Business Chicago is a not-for-profit economic development organization promoting metropolitan Chicago.

Mr. O'Connor shared his efforts to showcase Chicago as a top contender to host the 2016 Olympics.

“Working with the City”

Keynote Speaker:

Lori T. Healey, Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development

Ms. Healey heads a multifaceted department that oversees all development and long-range planning from the lakefront to O'Hare and every Chicago neighborhood in between. Following lunch, Lori revealed the future direction of her department, and what changes she foresees.

“THE SKY'S THE LIMIT”

Keynote Speaker:

Bill Baker, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Bill Baker offered attendees the inside story of SOM and shared his insight on the very future of tall buildings.

VOICE OF THE CHICAGO CUBS

Keynote Speaker:

Pat Hughes,
Chicago Cubs Baseball Broadcaster,
WGN, Radio 720 on the AM dial

Pat Hughes spilled his bag of anecdotes, inside stories, and locker room secrets with attendees.

CHICAGO BUILDING CONGRESS 2006 ECONOMIC FORECAST

Keynote Speaker:

Carl R. Tannenbaum, Group Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, LaSalle Bank Corporation

Carl Tannenbaum's economic forecast has become a January meeting tradition! Once more, Carl sorted through a variety of economic indicators - a moderate housing market, rising fuel prices, a rebounding job market, and rising interest rates - to deliver economic expectations for the coming year.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Keynote Speaker:

Neil Sullivan,
Managing Deputy Director of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Office of Emergency Management & Communications

Neil Sullivan's presentation gave an insight into the real inside story on Chicago's Emergency Preparedness Plan.

2005 AWARD OF HONOR

Award Recipient:

Richard A. Stein,
Senior Managing Director of Mesirow Stein Real Estate

CBC honored Richard A. Stein as recipient of this prestigious award. Mr. Stein is a prominent figure in the Building Industry. Over the course of his 30-year career, Richard Stein has been involved in some of the largest construction projects in the city of Chicago, as well as the surrounding suburbs.

Richie's relationship with the city goes well beyond the walls of the planning and development department. He has also been recognized for his social conscience and civic affiliations, and for his advocacy of economic opportunities for minorities, women and community-based businesses. A man of energy, talent, vision, and compassion, Richie Stein defines and exemplifies the Award of Honor.

O'HARE MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

Keynote Speaker:

Rosemarie Andolino, Executive Director,
O'Hare Modernization Program

Ms. Andolino enlightened CBC on how this comprehensive plan could reduce delays and congestion at O'Hare, while meeting our region's aviation transportation needs well into the future.

ACE MENTOR PROGRAM

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Charles H. Thornton, Charles H. Thornton & Company, LLC

Dr. Thornton, Founder of the ACE Mentor Program described the mission, history, and the future direction of this national mentoring initiative connecting high school students interested in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction with professionals from leading design and construction firms.

RECONSTRUCTING IRAQ

Keynote Speaker:

LTC Norman M. Grady, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

LTC Grady's presentation highlighted the reconstruction mission that the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers are undertaking in the southern third of Iraq while he was stationed outside of Basrah, Iraq from January through August, 2004.

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER

Keynote Speakers:

Donald J. Trump, Jr., Vice President, Acquisitions and Development, The Trump Organization

Paul James, Senior Vice President, Bovis Lend Lease

Donald Trump, Jr., and Paul James enlightened our group with the intimate details of this striking 90-story, glass curtainwall building located just off Michigan Avenue along the Chicago River.

CHICAGO BUILDING CONGRESS 2005 ECONOMIC FORECAST

Keynote Speaker:

Carl R. Tannenbaum, Group Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, LaSalle Bank Corporation

Carl once again fielded some tough questions about this year's forecast, explaining how lower interest rates, and tax incentives continue to boost the economy. His forecast also covered the ongoing concerns regarding both rising health care costs, and social security privatization.

MILLENNIUM PARK TOUR

Panelists:

Kevin S.Gujral, Chief of Infrastructure
Michael Hannemann, Design & Engineering Manager
Joseph E. Manzi, Project Coordinator
Edward Uhlir, Project Director

Guided tours of the fabulous Park facilities were arranged exclusively for CBC members and their guest, followed by an informative presentation on the project by our distinguished panelists.

DISTRIBUTED GENERATION…FILLING THE GAP?

Keynote Speaker:

Chris Goodpasture, Preon, Inc.

Chris Goodpasture gave a detailed presentation on Distributed Generation, a key element in the City of Chicago's Energy Plan. Chris explained the many benefits of these “mini” power plants, and presented the group with a case study on a Chicago High Rise now operating with this new technology.

JERRY ROPER'S “CHICAGO BUSINESS UPDATE AND OUTLOOK”

Keynote Speaker:

Jerry Roper, President and CEO,
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce serves over 2600 member companies in the six-county region of Northern Illinois, and is one of only seven "4-star" Chambers, the highest rating granted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Roper joined the Chamber in 1993, following nine years with the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.

Mr. Roper gave an informative presentation on current happenings in the Chicagoland area, and what the future may hold in store for area businesses.

ILLINOIS FACILITIES FUND CREATES NEW PROJECTS!

Keynote Speakers:

Trinita Logue, President

Gabriella DiFilippo, Vice President of Real Estate Services,
Illinois Facilities Fund

Our Keynote speakers gave a informative presentation on how the Illinois Facilities Fund, a statewide non-profit corporation created in the late 1980's to make below-market real estate loans, serves low-income or disinvested communities unable to obtain traditional financing.

Gabriella DiFilippo outlined, from start-to-finish, the procedures necessary for non-profit corporations to qualify for below market real estate loans, as well as showcasing several of their final products.

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE

Keynote Speaker:

Michael Szkatulski, Managing Director,
Mesirow Stein Real Estate, Inc.

Our presenter, Michael Szkatulski, gave a detailed presentation on how Mesirow Stein is continuing is commitment to urban development in Chicago, by playing an integral role in the creation of this vital South Side neighborhood.

He explained how the creation of this new community fulfills a long-term planning strategy by the City of Chicago...linking together the Pilsen, Little Italy, and Greektown neighborhoods.

111 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE

Panel Speakers:

William L. Moody, Principal-in-Charge of Design and Construction,
The John Buck Company

Steven M. Nilles, Executive Vice President,
Lohan Caprile Goettsch Architects

James F. Dushek, Senior Vice President and Director of Field Operations,
Bovis Lend Lease

Our panel, an award-winning development and design team, gave a detailed presentation on this stunning new Chicago development…a 50-story office building with 1,001,000 square feet of office space, located on the southeast corner of Wacker Drive and Monroe Street.

CHICAGO BUILDING CONGRESS 2004 ECONOMIC FORECAST

Keynote Speaker:

Carl R. Tannenbaum, Group Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, LaSalle Bank Corporation

Carl fielded some tough questions about this year's forecast, explaining how lower interest rates, and tax incentives have helped to boost the economy. While markets have improved, Carl noted that rising health and insurance costs continue to be an area of concern for most companies and families.

Will “CREATE” Really Solve Chicago's Transportation Problems?

Keynote Speakers:

Laura Guillot Wilkison,
Project Coordinator for Legislative and Policy Issues,
Chicago Department of Transportation

Earl Wacker, Director,
Chicago Transportation Coordination Office

Ms. Wilkinson and Mr. Wacker discussed the numerous improvements being made to the railroad infrastructure and local roads by means of the “CREATE” (Chicago Regional Environmental and Transportation Efficiency) project, an exciting new public/private partnership involving Local, State, and Federal governments working together with several freight and passenger railroads serving Chicago.

“GOTHIC GOES GO-GO”…Transforming the University of Chicago's Traditional Image

Keynote Speaker:

Robert Holliday, Director of Project Management for the University of Chicago Facilities Services Department

Mr. Holliday related how the U of C has transformed itself in recent years, both physically and intellectually. Ten major capital improvement projects have attested to the venerable institution's financial commitment to revitalizing its physical plant, and a renewed focus on undergraduate programs have balanced its traditional emphasis upon research and graduate studies.

McCormick Place West Expansion Project

Keynote Speakers:

Gary H. Schalmo, Vice President, The Clark Construction Group, Inc.

Mickey Kupperman, CEO and Chairman of the Board, A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc.

The Chicago Building Congress welcomed two key partners of the McCormick Place West design/build team as guest speakers to its monthly Membership Meeting Luncheon. Attendees learned about advanced features and innovative designs being pioneered at this exciting $850 million Expansion Project.

ABN AMRO Plaza

Keynote Speakers:

Karen Wuertz, Senior Project Manager, LaSalle Bank Corporation

John McDermott, Senior Project Manager, Hines Interests, Ltd.

Attendees learned about the advanced features and boldly innovative design being pioneered by this exciting new West Loop Project from the two key project managers involved in its design and execution.

Technology Roundtable

Keynote Speakers:

Jim Zajac, CBC Board Member and Past President, and a Principal with Perkins and Will

Howie Peirsma, Vice President, Pepper Construction Group

Bryan Jurewicz, Vice President, GradeBeam, LLC.

Jeffrey Kubes, Trial Attorney, Crisham & Kubes

A distinguished panel discussed emerging technologies that are revolutionizing the ways we plan, design, bid, and build major buildings in Chicago. Fast Internet connections speed drawings and specifications from Architect to General Contractor to Subcontractor…back and forth, as design is finalized and cost crystallizes…all with greater efficiency than ever before.

New City of Chicago Department of Construction and Building Permits

Keynote Speaker:

John A. Roberson, Commissioner, City of Chicago,
Department of Construction and Permits

John A. Roberson, the new City of Chicago Commissioner of the Department of Construction and Permits made a lively and informative presentation on the innovative changes sweeping through his department that are making it faster and more functional for the Building Industry.

World Trade Center Collapse

Keynote Speaker:

Richard L. Tomasetti, Co-Chairmen, The Thornton-Tomasetti Group, Inc.

As our country resounded with touching memorials on the first anniversary of the tragic national losses at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, CBC took pride in hosting a presentation by Richard L. Tomasetti, P.E…a thought-provoking analysis of why and how the towers collapsed.

CBC Architectural Boat Tour

CBC members and guests enjoyed an evening architectural boat tour highlighting the marvels of over 50 historic and architecturally-significant Chicago building sites. Boarding “Chicago's First Lady” for cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres dinner, and a visual feast of the grand buildings facing the river under fair skies, the group enjoyed an informative guided tour hosted by Louise Haack, a volunteer docent with the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

Restoring Historic Chicago

Keynote Speakers:

Joseph Antunovich, Antunovich Associates

Brian Goeken, Landmarks Division, City of Chicago

Don Shapiro, The Beitler Company

Our distinguished panel of experts portrayed the collaborative effort that it takes to restore historic buildings and re-commission them for new lives of changed purposes never imagined by their builders. One example - The Reliance Building - once run down and a public safety hazard, but is now the elegant Hotel Burnham - which received critical acclaim for its stunning restoration and contribution to re-energizing State Street in the heart of the Loop District.

Chicago Bears New Stadium

Keynote Speaker:

Ted Phillips, President and CEO,
The Chicago Bears

Ted Phillips, gave his insight on the new Chicago Bears stadium.