Oktoberfest-themed event combines camaraderie and creativity to raise $5,200 for Waukegan nonprofit community center [Gurnee, IL] – On October 5, the Oktoberfest spirit took over Legat Architects’ Gurnee, Illinois studio for ShareFest 2017. Over 100 people gathered amid the sounds of German Oompah and the aroma of grilled brats. Catenary lighting, craft beer, pumpkin pie, […]
Marquardt School District 15 Dedicates Performing Arts Center
One campus, many talents: “wondrous” new multifunctional facility unites disciplines, connects campus, and gives every student a leg up with new opportunities and experiences [Glendale Heights, IL] – Yesterday evening, Marquardt School District 15 hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Performing Arts Center at Marquardt Middle School. Construction started in September of last […]
North Scott High School Lancer Athletic Building Brings Much Needed Fitness and Recreation Space
Gymnasium and fitness/weight room to benefit high school athletic and physical education programs, feeder schools, youth and adult community programs [Eldridge, IA] – For North Scott High School, lack of fitness and gym space was a real headache. Athletes and physical education classes crowded into a weight room. The converted band room had poor ventilation, […]
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital Neuro-ICU Renovations Support Caregiver Efficiency, Patient Comfort
Access, observation, and efficiency drive design of revived Neurological Intensive Care Unit [Winfield, IL] – In the intensive care unit (ICU), every moment counts. That’s why when Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital (CDH) set out to renovate its Neurological ICU, it wanted to create the most efficient setting possible. CDH also wanted to go beyond the […]
Generations at Neighbors Additions and Renovations Inspired by Regional Culture
“Country cottage” style impresses residents, family members, and staff at rehabilitation and skilled nursing community [Byron, IL] – Every year, the Byron High School Homecoming Parade stops at Generations at Neighbors. Students break ranks to greet residents, who also happen to be their family members, friends, and neighbors. Generations at Neighbors rehabilitation and skilled nursing […]
Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Hotels in East Moline Bring Upscale Lodging to The Bend on the Mighty Mississippi
233-room combined Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels strengthen urban renewal with regionally-inspired design and spectacular views The Quad Cities region in northwest Illinois and southeastern Iowa is in the midst of a shift from manufacturing community to tourist destination. The latest sign of that is The Bend on the Mighty Mississippi, a premier mixed-use […]
Oakton Community College Student Center: an Investment in Interaction
Students, staff influence design of new campus “living room” with best views on campus [Des Plaines, IL] – The stipulation from the Office of Student Life came early in the planning of Oakton Community College’s new Student Center: “We do not want this to be a space where students sit by themselves with their technology […]
College of Lake County Upgrades Put Student Services Center Stage
“Wow factor” drives design of additions and renovations to 45-year-old campus [Grayslake, IL] – Dr. Patrick Peyer, dean of enrollment services at College of Lake County (CLC), recently walked a former student through the college’s renovated and expanded campus. It was the ultimate test: the student hadn’t been there in two years, so she was […]
Lake County’s Largest Architect Models Next-gen Office with New Gurnee Studio
Contemporary . . . with a splash of shag: Legat Architects’ new digs designed to demonstrate strong design, enhance performance, and entice talent [Gurnee, IL] – Ted Haug, who has devoted his career to design, spent over 30 years at Legat Architects’ oldest studio. Early last year, the shag carpeting that still showed in that […]
Glenbard West High School Additions/Renovations Demonstrate Community’s Focus on Education
Community-supported projects relieve overcrowding, modernize science department, and preserve style of 94-year-old high school Visitors to Glenbard West High School’s classroom addition might be surprised at something they see outside: sitting amid the self-sustaining vegetation on one rooftop garden is a metal construction beam. Closer inspection reveals teacher and student signatures on that beam. Typically, […]
Public Works/Maintenance Facility Design Essentials – Part 3 (One Roof to Shelter Them All)
Heated indoor storage makes sense financially and functionally. Besides employees, one of public works/campus maintenance providers’ most valuable assets is its fleet of vehicles. We understand the importance of treating employees well, but what about those vehicles? Previous posts in this series offer strategies for saving costs without sacrificing design, and for screening resources from […]
College of DuPage Homeland Security Training Center Achieves LEED Certification from US Green Building Council
Airtightness, optimized energy performance prove critical in first responder training facility’s sustainable accomplishment [Glen Ellyn, IL] – The College of DuPage’s Homeland Security Training Center (HTC) has several spaces that you are unlikely to encounter at any other college or university. One of them is an interior firing range. Even though law enforcement personnel use […]
