To help expand PCS’s integral services across Chicago, Skender converted and expanded a former Soft Sheen building to create a new South Lafayette Campus. The campus now serves 900 low-income middle and high school youth with its proven values-based academic curriculum. The project included interior and exterior alterations to an existing two-story steel framed structure with a masonry exterior. The new charter school provides STEM-forward classrooms, an athletic field and track, flexible outdoor space, two large gymnasiums and a monumental stair that also serves as auditorium seating.
Architect: Perkins+Will
Hazel Technologies
Hazel Technologies’ global HQ is one of Chicago’s first office-to-lab conversions and the largest private chemical lab in the city of Chicago. Skender converted brand-new office space into a two-story lab and office for the USDA-funded tech company, which is developing solutions to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. The finished space features open research and lab support, as well as 10,000 SF of administrative and office space and 5,000 SF of collaboration space, including several sizes of meeting rooms, huddle rooms, and prep and tasting rooms. Watch the video tour >>>
Sarah’s Circle Supportive Housing Facility
Skender built this six-story supportive housing facility in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood for Sarah’s Circle, a nonprofit organization that serves women who are homeless or in need of a safe space. Following groundbreaking in September 2019, the project stayed on schedule with delivery in 15 months. The new facility, known as Sarah’s on Sheridan, has 38 units of permanent supportive housing, as well as 50 beds for the interim housing program.
Options Clearing Corporation
A buildout of Option Clearing Corporation’s Chicago headquarters spanning the 12th and 13th floors at Franklin Center.
Project included MEP commissioning and build-outs of new IDF/ MDF room, conference rooms, private offices and a large common area.
SRAM
74,000-square-foot interior buildout including a paint booth, lab, and machine shop. Architectural features include a useable bike track throughout the space, exposed concrete floors, and a stacked-wood wall feature. Project was awarded two Green Globes under the Sustainable Interiors certification system.
Water Street Healthcare Partners
20,000-square-foot interior build-out for a healthcare investment firm in a new high-rise building at 444 W. Lake. Featured high-end finishes, custom millwork throughout, all private offices and a custom golf simulator room.
Morningstar
26,000-square-foot interior office build-out for a financial firm. Open concept space with custom-built stage area and circular stadium seating. Project included demolition of existing space.
ConAgra
168,000-square-foot headquarter relocation from Omaha, NE to the Merchandise Mart. Includes 20,000-square-foot test kitchen with full A/V integration to allow live telepresent meetings and cooking demonstrations, open office space, conference rooms, cafeteria and locker rooms.