
Projects




University of Chicago - Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
Chicago, IL, USA
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.




Clark University - Media Arts, Computing and Design Building
Worcester, MA, USA
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.




Fine Arts Building of Chicago - Carriage Hall
The Fine Arts Building (FAB), a Chicago historic landmark, is located at 410 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago, IL. Chicago’s artist haven since 1898, the Fine Arts Building is a home for art in all forms, including painters, musicians, sculptors, yoga studios, puppeteers, therapists, coaches, craftspeople and more. The building is also home to two performance spaces, the recently renovated Studebaker Theater and the future Carriage Hall, a new multidisciplinary theatrical event space.
Forge is serving as Owner's Representative for the Carriage Hall project, which will be constructed within the shell of a former theatrical space, most recently known as the Playhouse Theater. The project envisions a gut renovation of the existing space, with the reconstruction anticipated to include replacement of primary structural, mechanical, and electrical elements. The scope of work will include demolition of existing finishes, balcony structure, and a portion of the existing stage. New construction will include a full architectural buildout of the main theater along with a mezzanine level that includes a tech booth and may also include rear and side seating galleries. Construction will also include theatrical rigging and lighting systems, robust audio-visual and technological infrastructure, and a reconfigurable floor system
The project is currently in the conceptual design phase and is expected to open in late 2024.



Korean Cultural Center of Chicago Bisco Hall Project
Wheeling, IL, USA
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.




Narrow Bridge Arts Center
Chicago, IL, USA
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.


University of Chicago - Midway Studios Restoration
Chicago, IL, USA
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.



Studio Gang Architects - Gallery and Archive
Chicago, IL, USA
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.




Beth Emet The Free Synagogue
Evanston, IL, USA
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.