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Honor Awards: DESIGN

The AIA Illinois Honor Awards program is the only awards competition in the nation to focus on projects and people that closely adhere to the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence.

THE CAPITOL AWARD The highest state honor given for a transformational project - one designed for the human experience that works towards cultural transformation
GREATEST IMPACT Project Construction Value Below $5 Million
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Architect of Record: Krueck Sexton Partners

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The Mahalia Jackson Pop! Court is born out of the sheer determination of community, government, and the private sector, to do something significant together. The concept for a park that celebrates the rich history of the neighborhood came from The Greater Chatham Initiative. They wanted to flip the script on the status quo, believing that people should live in beautiful environments created by local artists and craftspeople. The goal was to immerse the young people of Chatham in an environment that connects them to their rich cultural history.

 

What was recently an asphalt lot, has contributed to a 208% increase in foot traffic and a 30% reduction in local crime, all while creating an amenity that celebrates Chatham’s unique history and its deep cultural foundation.

GREATEST IMPACT Project Construction Value $5 Million and Above
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Architect of Record: SMNG A Ltd.

Associate Architect: Farr Associates Architecture & Urban Design

 

Through intentional design and multi-organizational collaboration, The Academy for Global Citizenship provides a home where students feel empowered to positively impact their communities and grow as stewards of their environment.

 

The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC) opened to Chicago Public School students in September 2023, establishing itself as the anchor for Cultivate Collective’s six-acre campus on the Southwest side. AGC is a non-profit public charter school housing a PreK-8 elementary school, a community-based health center, a Head Start center, teaching kitchens, and a three-acre urban farm with fresh food market as Phase 1 of a two-phase development.

FOR EXCELLENCE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION Project Construction Value $5 Million and Above
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Architect of Record: Farr Associates Architecture & Urban Design

 

Although lovingly cared for by an on-site building engineer for 45 years, the building was severely out of date and could not offer dignified living conditions for its hundreds of formerly homeless residents. A 28-month rehabilitation tackled decades of deferred maintenance, upgraded building systems, and restored historic spaces and details top to bottom. The rehabilitated Lawson House opened for full occupancy in April 2024 with 409 low-income single-room occupancy (SRO) units, representing ~1/3 of the City’s new online units in 2024.  

 

The Historic Chicago YMCA, Lawson House, occupies the northeast corner of Chicago and Dearborn in one of the city’s richest neighborhoods. Built in 1931, the original architect Perkins, Chatten & Hammond designed the then tallest structure in Chicago to be a “city in a block,” complete with 583 sleeping rooms, two gymnasiums, an indoor pool, cafeteria, barber shop, and a suite of “period” offices spaces. Above the first floor, most of the historic Art Deco detailing is extant. 

FOR EXCELLENCE IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS Projects 5,000 SF and Over
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Architect of Record: SMNG A Ltd.

Associate Architect: Farr Associates Architecture & Urban Design

 

Through intentional design and multi-organizational collaboration, The Academy for Global Citizenship provides a home where students feel empowered to positively impact their communities and grow as stewards of their environment.

 

The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC) opened to Chicago Public School students in September 2023, establishing itself as the anchor for Cultivate Collective’s six-acre campus on the Southwest side. AGC is a non-profit public charter school housing a PreK-8 elementary school, a community-based health center, a Head Start center, teaching kitchens, and a three-acre urban farm with fresh food market as Phase 1 of a two-phase development.

FOR EXCELLENCE IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS Projects Under 5,000 SF
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Architect of Record: Nathan Kipnis

 

This project serves as an exemplary model for its truly remarkable integration of sustainable design principles combined with aesthetic considerations, as well as its commitment to a challenging historical context.

 

This modern home, located in an historic district, is on track to be Evanston’s first certified Passive House. The project began in January 2022 and the owner moved in on Earth Day, April 22, 2024.

 

The project successfully navigated the key challenge of fitting a modern home into a historic district by carefully considering the design elements, proportions, and materials to complement the neighboring Victorian homes. Approval from the preservation commission underscores the success of this approach.

EXCELLENCE IN MASTER PLANNING AWARD
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Architect of Record: Gensler

 

The Englewood Agro-Eco District Land Use Plan is a community-led vision to revitalize disinvested industrial land and infrastructure with new uses involving food production, employment, and recreation. With a new trail as its centerpiece, the district will also address issues involving racial equity and repair, public health, climate resiliency, and other local needs.

 

This Master Plan deserves recognition for its holistic and innovative approach to urban redevelopment. It addresses environmental and public health challenges while promoting social equity and economic empowerment. Reflecting the principles of the Framework for Design Excellence, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban design and community engagement. This transformative project serves as a model for other urban areas, showcasing the power of community-driven planning and sustainable development.

FOR EXCELLENCE IN INTERIORS Projects 5,000 SF and Above
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Architect of Record: Krueck Sexton Partners

 

The CME Center, project is a transformative repositioning of an existing commercial lobby that had been in continuous use for the last 40 years.

 

Completed in 1987, CME Center has been the home of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The 40-story twin towers are joined by a massive trading floor podium that encompasses an entire city block. Several thousands of people use the building complex daily. However, by the inception of the project in 2016, the 2.5 million square feet property was struggling to compete in the Class A Chicago office building market.

 

At minimum the customary lobby typology required a drastic repositioning to attract the next generation of users. With over 6,000 inhabitants and tens of thousands of commuter foot traffic, the project created a new urban communal realm in response to the market’s need for livable urban spaces to attract young talents, who seek authenticity and places of comfort for their work and social interactions.

FOR EXCELLENCE IN INTERIORS Projects Under 5,000 SF
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Architect of Record: Krueck Sexton Partners

 

Mindworks is a new, public-facing education and outreach hub for The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Roman Family Center for Decision Research (RF-CDR). The new space, both an exhibition venue and a behavioral science lab, resides in a former retail space on Michigan Avenue. The storefront offers a distinct advantage - the high accessibility to a diverse group of research subjects that walk along the avenue daily. Located in the landmarked Railway Exchange Building, the storefront faces Michigan Avenue and a shared historic, internal atrium allowing for visibility on both sides.

 

A limited material palette of wood panels and polished concrete floors supports the program’s need for simplicity and durability. The architectural space-planning and infrastructure is designed to allow re-configuration of the exhibits as needed to continually engage with the public. Designed with longevity in mind, a custom peg-board inspired underlayment is used at the cubes to enable future reconfiguration of modular exhibits. The perforated pattern of the panels presents a branding opportunity and serves to create visual cohesion among the distinct exhibition elements distributed throughout the storefront space.

PREVIOUS AIA ILLINOIS DESIGN AWARD RECIPIENTS

THE CAPITOL AWARD

2023   Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 East Extension 

2022   UIUC Campus Instructional Facility

2021    Tierra Linda

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FOR EXCELLENCE IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS

For Projects 5,000 SF & Over

2022    UIUC Campus Instructional Facility

2021    Rolling Knolls

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FOR EXCELLENCE IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS

For Projects Under 5,000 SF

2022    Yannell PHIUS+ Residence

2021    Carroll Center Renovation Addition

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GREATEST IMPACT AWARD

Project Construction Value $5 Million and Above

2023    Joliet Inpatient Treatment Center

2022    Navy Pier Flyover

2021    CTA Garfield Gateway Station

 

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GREATEST IMPACT AWARD

Project Construction Value Below $5 Million 

2023    Farm on Ogden

2022    North Lawndale Employment Network

2021    Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch Library

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EXCELLENCE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD

Project Construction Value Below $5 Million

2023    Midtown Faust

2021    Fire Restoration of 1890's Orland P. Bassett House

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EXCELLENCE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD

Project Construction Value $5 Million and Above

2023    Tribune Tower Conversion

2022    Chicago Cultural Center Grand Army of the Republic Rooms Restoration

2022    CTA Quincy Station Restoration + Renovation

2021    Cook County Hospital

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EXCELLENCE IN MASTER PLANNING AWARD

2023     Clark Street Crossroads Corridor Study

2022     Illinois Capitol 2050 Master Plan

2021    Twin Embraces: An Integrated and Community-Focused

             Approach for the Obama Presidential Center

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EXCELLENCE IN INTERIORS AWARD

For Projects 5,000 SF and Above

2023   Elgin Math + Science Academy Campus

2022    Steppenwolf Theatre Campus Expansion

2021    The Night Ministry

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EXCELLENCE IN INTERIORS AWARD

For Projects Under 5,000 SF

2023    State Street Apartment

2021    Ardmore House

LOUIS SULLIVAN PRIZE

2020    University of Chicago Keller Center

2019    Unity Temple Restoration

2017    Chicago Public Library Chinatown Branch

2016    Harper Court by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
2015    Northerly Island Framework Plan by SmithGroupJJR
2014    Great Lakes Vision Plan by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
2013    Randolph Tower by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
2012    Lambert - St. Louis International Airport Main Terminal Vault Renovation &

            Restoration by exp. 
2010    Contemporaine by Perkins + Will
2009    Yannell Net Zero Energy Residence by Farr Associates
2008    Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies by Krueck & Sexton Architects
2007    Springfield Union Station Rehabilitation by White & Borgognoni Architects, P.C.
2006    Hardrock Hotel Chicago by White & Borgognoni Architects, P.C.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT AWARD For Connection to Environment

2020    Carter Woodson Regional Chicago Public Library Restoration

2019    Chicago Public Library, West Loop Branch

2017    Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center by TBDArchitects

2016    University of Chicago Saieh Hall by Ann Beha Architects
2015    Intrinsic School by Wheeler Kearns Architects
2014    City of Aurora, John C. Dunham Pavillion at RiverEdge Park by Muller & Muller, Ltd.
2013    Dallas City Performance Hall by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
2012    Hidden Oaks Nature Center by Wight & Company
2010    Hyde Park Bank Investment Real Estate Loan Processing Center by Florian Architects
2009    Champaign Public Library by Ross Barney Architects
2008    Grayslake North High School by FGM Architects
2007    Levy Senior Center by Ross Barney Architects
2006    Millenium Park Bicycle Station by Muller & Muller, Ltd. 

MIES VAN DER ROHE AWARD For Innovation

2020    95th / Dan Ryan CTA Station

2019    Washington / Wabash CTA Station

2017    DeKalb's Haish Memorial Public Library

2016    CTA Cermak McCormick Place Station by Carol Ross Barney
2015    William Jones College Preparatory High School by Perkins+Will
2014    The Genevieve and Wayne Gratz Center at Fourth Presbyterian Church

            by Gensler Chicago
2013    Chicago Law Firm by 4240 Architecture, Inc.
2012    North Central College, Wentz Concert Hall & Fine Arts Center

            by Loebl Schlossman & Hackl
2010    College of DuPage Technology Education Center by DeStefano Partners
2009    SOS Children's Village Community Center by Studio Gang Architects
2008    Museum of Science and Industry Conservation and Relocation of the U-505

            Submarine by Goettsch Partners
2007    Evelyn Pease Tyner Interpretive Center by Wight & Company
2006    Heart Hospital at Swedish American by PERKINS + WILL

CROMBIE TAYLOR AWARD For Preservation

2020    Chicago Union Station Hall Restoration

2019    The Newberry Library

2017    Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative

2016    Chicago Athletic Association renovation by Hartshorne Plunkard Architects
2015    Grove Apartments by Weese Langley Weese
2014    Harvest Commons Apartments by Landon Bone Baker Architects

2013    Hairpin Lofts and The Arts Center - Logan Square, Avondale

            by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture

2012    Sullivan Center by Harboe Architects
2010    The Palmer House Restoration by Loebl Schlossman & Hackl

2009    Chicago Cultural Center Preston Bradley Hall Restoration by Holabird & Root LLC

2008    Krause Music Store and Studio V by Wheeler Kearns Architects
2007    The Illinois State Capitol: Renovation of the House & Senate Chambers

            by Vinci | Hamp Architects, Inc.

2006    Metropolitan Capital Bank by OWP/P

DANIEL BURNHAM AWARD For Master Planning

2020    Chicago Park District, South Lakefront Framework Plan

2019    Planned Agricultural District (PAD): A Vision for West Garfield

2017    Master Plan for Woodlawn Park

2016    Positioning Pullman by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
2015    Bloomingdale Trail Framework Plan by Ross Barney Architects    
2014    Sustainable Chicago 2015 Action Agenda by Shaw Environmental Design

            Solutions of Illinois, LLC
2013    Chicago Central Area DeCarbonization Plan by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill

            Architecture
2012    Navy Pier Centennial Plan by Gensler Chicago
2010    Lakeshore East by Loewenberg Architects / SOM
2009    Holy Family Ministries Center by FGM Architects
2008    Mexicantown Master Plan, Mercado, Plaza + Retail/Office Block

            by Teng & Associates, Inc.
2007    Wabash Memorial Plaza by Ross Barney Architects
2006    The University Villiage at UIC by Wight & Company

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