Forge Projects is serving as owner's project manager on behalf of the University of Chicago for a new world-class engineering and science building on the Hyde Park Campus. The building will house laboratory and research space and will be home to the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME), and a brand new collaborative space for the Chicago Quantum Exhange, a partnership between quantum researchers at UChicago and University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign. 

The $175M grant-funded project will sit on the southwest corner of Ellis Avenue and 56th St, next to the William Eckhardt Research Center. The NESB project is currently in schematic design, with main construction expected to commence in 2025 and completion expected in 2028.  In addition to serving the University of Chicago on this project, Forge will work closely with HRD Architecture and Allison Grace Design, and Mortenson Construction Company.

The Korean Cultural Center of Chicago, located in Wheeling IL, is undertaking the design and construction of a new theater and event space on their existing campus.  Forge is serving as Project Manager for the design and construction of the new building, which will replace a current structure that is not suited for the programming and aesthetics that will support the organization's mission.  The new theater and event space will seat up to 400 guests and will allow for traditional theater, dance, and multimedia events, along with banquets and conferences.  The project will break ground in March 2023 and is expected to open in early 2024.

In partnership with Madison-based Huffman-Keel Partners, Forge Projects is aiding the Downers Grove Grade School District 58 in their $179 million referendum school improvement project by providing Owners Project Management Services.  The project is comprised of expansion and renovation to two middle schools over two years, and eleven elementary schools receiving renovations and repairs phased over three summers. Huffman Keel and Forge joined the District, Wight & Company, and Bulley & Andrews in planning and design in 2023, with the kick-off to construction beginning in spring 2024.  

The Narrow Bridge Arts Center project envisions the transformation of a 100-year old building in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago to a net-zero energy Arts Center and residence.  The building, originally built as a synagogue in 1921, was used most recently by Chicago's Cosmoplitan Church of Prayer.  Upon completion, the building will be home to visual and performing arts studios, a woodshop, communal space, and an artist's residence.  Through the deployment of ground source heat pumps, solar panels, and extensive upgrades to the building's envelope, the project expects to successfully function as a true carbon neutral facility.  Forge provided project planning and estimating services, and is now serving as Owner's Representative on the project during construction.  The center is expected to open in early 2024.

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, the proposed hotel is designed to blend in effortlessly with the charm of historic Wells Street, and enjoys easy access to downtown. The 203- key boutique hotel will feature 4.5 star amenities including a rooftop lounge with 360 views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Amenities include a spa, a fitness center, a world-class restaurant. The project is being led by CEO, Sol Barket the development team at Condor Partners.

Condor Partners has engaged Forge Projects to provide project management services to assist Condo in the delivery of their project. Designed by the award-winning architecture firm Pappageorge Haymes the Duke’s classic masonry, 8’ high windows, many balconies and terraces will connect the guests to the vibrant street scene below. Interiors are being designed by Studio 11 and preconstruction services are being provided by McHugh Construction.

The project is currently in the design/procurement phase with a target to start construction in 2023.

Embry West Loop is a sixteen-story condominium tower with 58 units, including Duplexes, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units, and two penthouse units.   The building is located at 21 N May Street in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Embry was designed from the inside out, with attention given to column-free unit layouts, large private terraces, and views.  The lower-level units engage the tree-lined street and vibrant West Loop neighborhood, while upper-level units have oversized terraces with east views of the city skyline.  The building features private elevator access, and amenities including an outdoor terrace, chef’s kitchen, gym, and dog walk, spa and indoor parking.

Forge is serving as Owner’s representative, supporting Sulo Development for the entire duration of the project including entitlement, design, permitting procurement and construction.  In addition to Sulo Development and Forge, the project team includes Lamar Johnson Collaborative as the designer/AOR, interior design KARA MANN, and McHugh Construction as the Construction Manager.

Construction began in early 2022 and will be delivered in the Fall of 2023.

Clark University is in the process of designing and building its new Media Arts, Computing and Design building.  The building is expected to be approximately 80,000 GSF and will open in Fall 2023.  Forge has been retained to provide planning and project management services, which include guiding the recent site selection and space programming process.  Forge will also manage architect selection, budget development, and ultimately the entire design and construction process in concert with Clark's Facilities Management team.  The building will be home to the new Becker School of Design & Technology, and will feature classroom, computer lab, virtual reality/alternate reality spaces, video production laboratories, collaboration spaces, along with other Arts and Computer Science spaces to complement the Becker School program.

448 N LaSalle is a 14-story new construction class A office building developed by Midwest Property Groups, Ltd., with financing by National Real Estate Advisors (NREA).  The building, located in Chicago, consist of 14 levels and 174,590 sf.  The architect was Lamar Johnson Collaborative and general contractor was Lendlease.  The project started construction in early 2020 and the core shell was completed for turnover to tenants in early 2021.

Chip Weir represented NREA, acting as the lender representative to perform upfront due diligence and monitor the project from the start of construction through turnover of the core and shell office space for tenant construction.  NREA extended Mr. Weir’s involvement to also monitor the tenant improvement phase for multiple tenants.  There were two main anchor tenants, WeWork and CA Ventures. The tenant improvements work began in mid-2021 and continued through 2023.

1500 Sheridan Road is an existing 10 story multi-family residential condominium building, with below grade parking, and located in Wilmette, IL. The building consists of 110 residential units with the eastern facing units having exterior balconies with lake Michigan views.  The building was constructed in the late 1960’s of cast-in-place concrete. 

Forge was engaged by the Homeowner Association to provide Project Management services, assisting the Board and Property Manager with several capital improvement projects.  The projects include the restoration/repair of existing resident balconies and upgrades to the existing Life Safety system to meet current code requirements.

The balcony project was on going prior to Forges engagement and is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2023.  The Life Safety project began with the feasibility phase in early 2023 and is scheduled to be completed in Mid-2024.  

Following up to the renovation project completed in 2021, Forge has been asked to lead a comprehensive assessment of the Caledonia Senior Living campus and buildings as the organization seeks to update its strategic plan and understand how it can be supported by the modernization and potential expansion of its facilities.  Forge is leading a team that also includes architecture and engineering firms in the development of multiple facilities strategies for Caledonia's consideration.  Forge is also guiding the cost estimation process for the various options.

Forge was retained to provide planning and project management services for Clark University in Worcester, MA as the University updated its campus master plan for the first time under a new administration. Working in conjunction with the President's Office and Facilities Management, Forge guided the overall design process and analyzed opportunities for project phasing as the University prepares to embark upon an ambitious 10-year capital plan.  Ayers Saint Gross was retained as planning consultant, with Forge collaborating in an integrated manner to deliver high quality and viable campus development options for the University's consideration.

Caledonia Senior Living engaged Forge Projects in March of 2021 to lead an effort to plan current and future work based on the most pressing facility needs and most potentially impactful cosmetic enhancements to the living environment.  After a two month planning and budgeting period, Forge oversaw a roof replacement, IT network enhancement and Wifi expansion, complete update of the facility's nurse call and fire alarm systems, and the renovation of two residential corridors to begin the modernization of the facility.  We expect in 2022 to assist Caledonia in planning the next round of building updates and planning for larger scale replacement of building systems in the next 5-10 years.

Studio Gang Architects transformed the 7,000 SF garden level of their headquarters in Chicago, formerly an inward-facing storage space, to serve as an archive and gallery for display of their many interesting works.  Forge provided project management and Design-Build services for the project, which was completed in September 2020.

Woodlawn Residential Commons is the newest residence hall at the University of Chicago, built in a partnership between the University of Chicago and Capstone Development Partners.  The P3 project featuring 1200 beds and a new Dining Hall, opened in Fall 2020. Forge was engaged with Capstone as the project's Scheduling Consultant, tasked with visiting the project site on a regular basis to assess the progress of construction against the project schedule, and provided recommendations for schedule improvements to ensure the facility was completed on time for student move-in.

Forge served as Owner's Representative for the renovation and modernization of the North Park Elementary School in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago.  Between 2018 and 2021, Forge led the planning, design, and construction processes for multiple summer projects including the conversion of 4,000 SF of garage space to new K-2 and Music classrooms, a new early education program, reconfiguration and expansion of administrative space, and a full overhaul of the school's HVAC system.

The Near North Montessori School (NNMS) in Wicker Park, in collaboration with Ross Barney Architects, opened a new Innovation Building in fall 2019 that includes a new Innovation Lab to support the school's STEAM program, a community gathering space, classrooms, office and conference space, commercial kitchen, and a new rooftop urban garden to support the school's thriving "Farmessori" program.  Forge served as Owner's Representative, working with the school and design team to develop comprehensive project budgets and schedules to support the planning effort, and ultimately managed the project through the completion of construction.

Hayden West Loop is a nine-story luxury condominium tower with 28 units, including 4 penthouse units.   The building is located at 1109 W Washington Street in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago.  The building features private elevator access,  outdoor terraces, and indoor parking.

After the start of construction, the developer (Sulo Development) decided to engage a project manager to assist with the oversight and delivery of the project. Chip Weir served as Owner’s representative, supporting Sulo Development for the balance of the construction phase, through unit deliveries and close out.  The project team included Booth Hansen as the designer/AOR and Macon Construction as the Construction Manager.

Construction began in 2017 and was completed in 2019.

Developed by Loukas Development and designed by BKL Architects, the Van Buren is a new 12-story apartment building in Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood. The Grecian-inspired building is comprised of white metal panels, and a deep blue retail base creating a dynamic presence and gateway to the historic neighborhood. The 184,000 sf transit-oriented project is comprised of 148 residential units, ground floor retail, 65 interior parking stalls, landscaped terraces, and a green roof. Tenant amenities include a roof top pool, outdoor kitchens, landscaped areas, fitness center, amenity room, and dog run.

Chip Weir provided owner’s representation services, supporting Loukas Development for the duration of the project including permitting, procurement, and construction.

Construction began in 2017 and was completed in 2018.

The Campus North Residential Commons is an 800-bed, 400,000 square foot residence hall and dining facility designed by Studio Gang Architects.  Eric Eichler served as Senior Project Manager, guiding the project from planning through completion.  The project was the University of Chicago's first large scale Design Build project.  Eric led all aspects of the project from start to finish, which began with a Programming study and budget development covering a wide range of project scenarios. During the Programming phase, Eric performed extensive benchmarking studies to establish the project budget and evaluated various project delivery methods, which included assessing that the facility could open a year earlier than expected if the University agreed to proceed with the Design Build approach.   

The  Reva  and  David  Logan  Center  for  the  Arts is a 184,000 GSF creative and performing arts center situated on the University of Chicago's Midway Plaisance.   Eric Eichler served as senior project manager, leading the project from concept design through completion.  The building design features an iconic tower and a podium with sawtooth roof featuring 260 photovoltaic solar panels.  The landmark facility brought a majority of the University's undergraduate Arts programs together under one roof.  The development footprint of the building and site covered four acres, resulting in a significant new campus landscape in addition to the new building.

Developed in partnership with the University of Chicago and the City of Chicago, Harper Court included 150,000 sf of office space, 75,775 sf of retail space, a 131-key hotel, and a 518-bay shared parking facility. Acting in an Owner’s Representative role Chip Weir assisted the mixed-use development team, a venture of Vermillion Development and JFJ Development, in managing procurement, construction administration, and design management for the project.

Separately, as part of the overall development, Mr. Weir assisted the hotel development team of Olympia Companies & Smart Hotels with the construction phase oversight of the Hyatt Place hotel. Construction began in 2011 and was completed in 2013

Eric Eichler served as the University of Chicago’s project manager for this enabling project that preceded the Logan Center.  Its first phase was a $2.6 Million replacement of building roof, including thirty-four replacement skylights, at the nationally landmarked building in Chicago, IL.  The project’s second phase included the interior renovation that created the Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, faculty art studios, and new HVAC systems.  It also provided a new accessible entrance for the facility.

The University of Chicago recently opened a new 97,000, 10-story conference center designed by Diller Scofidio and Renfro.  Forge provided project management services to support the University's facilities team, focusing on implementation of owner-installed systems (audio-visual, security, phone/data, furniture) and MEP systems commissioning.  Forge also managed the design and construction of a high-end wine bar and restaurant within the conference center.

Nichols College is undergoing the process of updating its campus master plan for the first time in nearly two decades.  Forge was retained to conduct an RFP for Master Plan Consulting Services, culminating with the selection of Sasaki Associates to execute the project.  Forge has subsequently been retained to advise on design proposals and assist with planning for future phasing of projects identfied in the plan.

The Hockaday School, a renowned K-12 all girls independent school in Dalls, TX, retained Forge Projects to manage an ambitious master planning process for its Athletics program.  Forge led the selection process for the Planning team, which yielded the retention of HOK as planning consultant.  Subsequently, Forge assisted Hockaday in the management of the design process and in analyzing costs and phasing options for the campus land use splan.  Hockaday is expected to execute the envisioned projects in sequence over the coming decade.

Forge assisted the Capital Project Delivery group within Facilities Services with the development of a Project Delivery Guide to standardize and document best project management practices. Forge worked with University IT Services to convert the completed Guide to a web-based format, allowing it to be used as a reference for project managers within the department and as a tool for communicating policies to external University stakeholders and leadership.

Forge was selected to oversee a multi-year, multi-phase renovation of the Beth Emet synagogue, a historic structure built in 1963.  Improvements included modernization of worship, learning, and community spaces as well as infrastructure, seating, sound systems, technology, and bathrooms. The improvements provide a more modern experience and increase safety, security, and accessibility. Forge served as Owner's Representative for Phase One and subsequently served as Construction Manager At-Risk for Phase Two.