Three Skender-built projects honored at AIA Chicago Design Excellence Awards

Three Skender Construction projects were recently honored at Designight 2017, the annual design excellence awards event of the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). At the event, AIA Chicago recognized outstanding work from Chicago architecture firms for projects designed and built throughout the world. The three Skender-built projects that earned recognition were:

• Morningstar: The 26,000-square-foot build-out of Morningstar’s global headquarters in Chicago was awarded a Citation of Merit in the Interior Architecture Awards category. Selected from nearly 100 entries, the project was designed by Perkins+Will and built by Skender for Morningstar’s technology employees. The space includes open concept space and a custom-built stage area called “The Drum,” which serves as an auditorium with bleacher-style seating shaped like Morningstar’s signature logo.

• Safe Haven Veteran Village: The 55,000-square foot affordable veterans housing development received a Citation of Merit award in the Distinguished Building Awards category. Serving as general contractor, Skender collaborated with architect UrbanWorks to successfully complete the Melrose Park, Illinois project, which includes 12 buildings and 35 residences on five nearby but separate sites. All of the buildings are wood construction with cement board, brick and a cedar veneer.
• Echo Global Logistics, ECHO Wall: Designed by CannonDesign and built by Skender, the ECHO wall received Special Recognition for Architectural Branding within the Divine Detail Awards category. Located at the entrance of the transportation logistics firm’s new office, the ECHO wall is constructed from raw Cor-Ten steel and resembles a scalar representation of the box trailers that are the hub of Echo Global’s business.

The 62nd annual Designight celebration was held at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom on October 13.