Chicago

Global Quantum Forum in the Windy City

Chicago's Quantum Shore is transforming the former U.S. Steel South Works into a global quantum hub, with Clayco and LJC helping bring this visionary project to life.

Construction progress at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on the former South Works site in Chicago, with Lake Michigan and the city skyline visible in the background.

The Future Is Taking Shape on the South Side

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is transforming a historic South Side steel mill into a global center for quantum computing, innovation, and economic growth.

220 N. Ada Progress

The skyline of Chicago is changing—and Clayco is right at the heart of it. 220 N. Ada is nearing completion at 29 stories and 314 feet, standing tall in the Fulton Market District as a new landmark for what’s possible when design, construction, and community come together.

Clayco team gathered in Chicago for the Q3 meeting, discussing upcoming construction projects and celebrating ongoing achievements.

Building Momentum in Chicago

Clayco’s Q3 meeting in Chicago highlighted major projects and future growth — from One Fulton Market to Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center and PsiQuantum.

Group of smiling volunteers from LJC, Clayco, and CRG wearing hard hats and neon green Women Build 2025 shirts during Habitat for Humanity Chicago’s Women Build Day.

GO GIRL: Women Build 2025

Clayco, LJC, and CRG joined Habitat for Humanity Chicago for Women Build Day 2025, working alongside future homeowners to help construct affordable housing for women-led households in Greater Grand Crossing.

Architectural rendering of the Humboldt Park Passive Living building in Chicago, featuring modern design, large windows, public plaza, ground-floor retail spaces, and community artwork on the facade.

Building More Than Walls in Humboldt Park

Humboldt Park Passive Living brings 60 affordable apartments, sustainable design, and community-focused spaces to Chicago’s West Side—built to Passive House standards for comfort, efficiency, and connection.

Building What’s Next at O’Hare

At Clayco, building means more than construction. It’s about people, ideas, and innovation coming together to create places that matter. Concourse D at Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of those places.

O'Hare Airport Work Receives Award of Merit

ENR Midwest's 2025 Best Projects were announced, and our partnership AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa made the list for the O’Hare 21 Terminal 5 landside parking project.

Chicago’s Quantum Moment: Building a Global Hub at the South Side

Chicago is staking its claim as a global leader in quantum innovation—and last week’s Global Quantum Forum (July 23–24, 2025) was proof of that momentum.

Arcadia Cold Storage

Cold storage is no-frills, but it’s one of the trickiest and most important things we build, and we love the challenge. Clayco, alongside our design partners at Lamar Johnson Collaborative, is proud to be delivering a 294,000-square-foot cold storage facility in Joliet for Saxum Development. This one’s going to be a game-changer.

Not Just Talking Shop: Real Conversations with ULI Chicago

I had a terrific chat with the CEO of The McShane Companies, Molly McShane, at an event for the Urban Land Institute of Chicago (ULI).

Building More Than a Campus: The Art & Science of the Illinois Quantum Park

Art inspires, connects, and brings meaning to the spaces we share. At Clayco, great design and development go beyond function and speak to the heart of a community.

Clayco wins “Deal of the Year” for Jewelers Building Acquisition!

Our purchase of the famous Jewelers Building in Chicago has been named “Deal of the Year” in the Capital Markets category—a milestone that reflects the dedication, collaboration, and strategic vision of many.

EXPO CHICAGO 2025 is at Navy Pier!

Another amazing EXPO CHICAGO with the grand Tony Karman! The exhibition runs at Navy Pier until April 27th, bringing together over 170 leading galleries from 36 countries and 93 cities to showcase a diverse exhibit of contemporary works.

The Latest Drone Shots of Progress at 220 N. Ada

Clayco is making a bold statement in Chicago’s incredible Fulton Market with 220 N. Ada, a 29-story mixed-use residential development designed to elevate urban living.

Enhancing Chicago Transit Authority’s Operations

Clayco and our integrated partners are helping the CTA strengthen its operations in Chicago’s West Garfield Park with a new 150,000-square-foot facility.

Extraordinary Women Shaping Chicago: Crain’s 2025 Women of Influence

Congratulations to all those who made Crain’s 2025 Women of Influence list, showcasing their extraordinary talent and ability to lead Chicagoans with passion and purpose.

The Obama Presidential Center is Taking Shape!

The Obama Presidential Center is taking shape in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, and the progress has been incredible to watch!

Ribbon-Cutting O’Hare Airport’s International Terminal

A Milestone for O’Hare: Ribbon-Cutting at the New International Terminal Parking Garage

Clayco was honored to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the state-of-the-art parking garage at O’Hare Airport’s International Terminal

Proud to be Named Among Changemakers at Amplification 2024

City Club of Chicago hosted an extraordinary evening for legendary leaders of today and tomorrow at Amplification 2024!

Celebrating Progress & Purpose: The Topping Out of 220 N. Ada

We’re topped out at 220 N. Ada! Clayco recently celebrated a major milestone with a topping-out ceremony for our 29-story residential building project in Chicago.

Honoring the Extraordinary Philanthropy of Susan and Bob Wislow

Susan and Bob Wislow, who recently received the Distinguished Philanthropists Award at the 48th Annual Philanthropy Awards!

220 N. Ada: Building the Future of Fulton Market

This is a COMMUNITY project and is important in more ways than one. 220 N. Ada plays a vital role in advancing investment and economic growth in Fulton Market and the greater Chicagoland area.

Preserving Our Shared Legacy: Clayco Supports the DuSable Black History Museum

Clayco is honored to sponsor the Margaret T. Burroughs Gallery at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center!

LJC Wins Big at Lerch Bates People’s Choice Awards

Clayco’s partner company, LJC, won three 2024 Lerch Bates People’s Choice Awards for Fulton East, Triangle Square Apartments, and 4300 E Camelback.

PsiQuantum Chicago Campus is Building the Future of Tech

PsiQuantum, Quantum Campus on the former USX site on the South Side of Chicago. This project is a tremendous milestone in ensuring the city’s future as a global hub for Quantum Computing, and our Clayco team will deliver the facility at scale and high speed.

A New Era for Chicago: The Rise of the Quantum Computing Hub

Clayco is part of a team redeveloping a 400+ acre site that was once the country’s leading steel producer into a future-forward project that will establish the city as a global quantum computing hub. The Quantum Campus at 8080 South Lakeshore is set to lead the nation in quantum research.

Elevating Literacy with the Inspirational Jurema Gorham

Looking at her accomplishments, it seems that there is little Jurema Gorham can’t do, from being a mompreneur and educator to a non-profit founder, Ph.D candidate, holder of a couple fellowships, and beyond.

Clayco Wins Prestigious Addams-Palmer Award at 2024 Civic Awards Luncheon

I’m proud to share that Clayco was awarded the prestigious Addams-Palmer Award for Exemplary Civic Involvement at the 2024 Civic Awards Luncheon!

A Glimpse into Chicago’s Next Great Adventure: New O’Hare Concourse!

Exciting news for Chicagoans and everyone who travels from, to, or through our amazing city—we finally can take a peek at renderings for the first new concourse at O’Hare International Airport!

Connecting Chicago to the World with the O’Hare Expansion Initiative

Clayco is part of an incredible joint venture with AECOM HUNT and Bowa Construction to transform Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport! The O’Hare 21 initiative is the most significant expansion in the airport’s history

Crain’s Chicago Real Estate Breakfast with Ciere Boatright

I’m always proud to see extended members of our Clayco family continue to succeed in their career paths! Ciere Boatright, a Chicago native and a nationally recognized real estate professional with over a decade of experience, has been appointed as Chicago's Commissioner of Planning and Development by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Richie Hands: Leading the Next Generation of Architects

When I think about who would be an incredible person to lead the construction industry to the next level of innovation, Richie Hands is one of the first that comes to mind!

Reaching a Groundbreaking Milestone with 220 N Ada

Clayco is proud of our partnerships with the Founder of KMW Communities, Bill Williams, Shapack Partners, SOM, Gensler, and IMEG – and we are celebrating the groundbreaking of 220 North Ada!

Michael Fassnacht Named Clayco’s New Chief Growth Officer

I am THRILLED to announce Michael Fassnacht is championing the new role of Chief Growth Officer and President of Chicagoland at Clayco. Michael will oversee the area’s business, civic, and community efforts, including business development, marketing, and sales, while serving as a mentor and coach to the team working alongside him.

Building 220 N. Ada in Fulton Market

Another pivotal collaboration in the books! In partnership with Shapack Partners, our Clayco team looks forward to working with CRG, Ventana, SOM as the architect-of-record, and Bill Williams, founder and principal of KMW Communities, on the residential project at 220 N. Ada in Chicago. We are channeling our integrated approach into creating the 29-story, mixed-use tower, which will offer 308 apartments (with 62 affordable units) and 12,000+ square feet of ground-floor retail. This collaboration with affordable housing developer Bill Williams is also an extension of CRG’s PILLAR program and our overall goals to address the lack of diversity in the real estate community.

Ferrero’s Innovation Center and R&D Labs

America just got more delicious! Willy Wonka might be jealous because we have something irresistibly sweet to share from Chicago - Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) designed Ferrero’s first United States Innovation Center!

Receiving the 32nd Annual Burnham Award for Distinguished Leadership

Last night’s 32nd anniversary of the Burnham Award Dinner was a massive success! The award honors Chicago leaders for making the city a better place to work and live – and I am humbled to be among them. I made Chicago my home back in 2010 and moved Clayco’s Headquarters to this great city because of its amazing business community, which the Chicago Chamber of Commerce helps support.

Ciere Boatright appointed as the City of Chicago’s commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development

October has been filled with so many incredible moments and people to celebrate that I’ve doubled down on my Inspiration of the Month and added Ciere Boatright to the list! Ciere is the perfect example of how when you invest in your community, the rewards return to you tenfold. She is currently the Vice President of Real Estate and Community Development at CRG but takes on the role of the City of Chicago’s commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development next month! Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Ciere’s appointment yesterday, and I could not support his decision more.

LJC’s PopCourts! Project Earns Urban Design Award

Constructing spaces that foster community growth and connection is crucial to creating a sense of belonging that leads to stronger, more resilient communities. Clayco’s partner company, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, has done an excellent job building beyond these walls into the neighborhoods where we operate to deliver PopCourts! – a “small plaza that turned into a movement” – which won an Honor Award in Urban Design from the 2023 ASLA Professional Awards.

Roosevelt & Kostner

It takes dedication to transform neighborhoods into places where people, regardless of race, gender, or background, feel safe and seen – and Lamar Johnson Collaborative is a shining example of everything we want to see in the design-build industry, a team that aspires to build healthy spaces through active engagement in civic and community initiatives. One of LJC’s latest projects, Roosevelt & Kostner, is a great step toward bridging the resource gap for underserved Chicago neighborhoods. Roosevelt & Kostner is a $38.4 million project with four new buildings totaling 302,140 square feet. LJC is designing the two innovation and community center buildings to maximize opportunities for neighborhood community groups with events, workforce development programs, and more. These developments are a part of the INVEST South/West program, an initiative to reverse decades of disinvestment across the city’s South and West Sides.

Vivid Seats Chicago HQ Designed by LJC

Vivid Seats has a new headquarters in Chicago! The 40,600-square-foot corporate HQ for the leading online ticket marketplace was designed by Clayco’s partner company Lamar Johnson Collaborative. The facility enables a hybrid work model with collaborative workspaces and an area for live events, a gym, coffee shop, bar, rooftop, and a food court in the historic Marshall Field Building downtown. All excellent reasons for people to get back to the office! Like how our work in design and building connects people through the development of spaces, Vivid Seats operates on the belief that “Life Happens Live” and unites people through one of the widest selections of events and tickets in North America. This facility helped the company construct a new identity, celebrate the brand, and prove to its team that there is no replacement for the creativity, cooperation, and innovation that comes from working together in person.

Artists Find Home in Chicago’s Innovative Art World

Some of my great friends and favorite artists are featured in an article by Harper’s Bazaar about Chicago’s transformative art scene. Chicago is widely known as a “laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation” for its architecture and art. Living in the city, it’s clear that its unparalleled designs translate to various unique projects, artwork, and influences. Harper’s Bazaar takes us into the creative minds of Chicago’s artists, gallerists, curators, community builders, and beyond. The feature analyzes how Chicago became an art-world capital without falling victim to cliches. Many of the incredible people mentioned are my personal friends or colleagues from whom I have procured artwork for the Clark Collection. Working in construction, I highly value the “Art and Science of Building,” and our team collaborates with local artists to incorporate community values in every development and form deeper connections between residents and the spaces we create for them to enjoy.

December Architect of the Month: Krueck Sexton Partners

The Architecture and Planning firm, Krueck Sexton Partners, is the featured December architect of the month on Bob Clark Beyond, and for a good reason. Since founding the company, Ron Krueck and Mark Sexton have made it their mission to contribute to Chicago’s architectural legacy. They make their mark on the city through transformative structures and by inspiring the next generation of young architects to learn and contribute to innovative discoveries. The company’s first project in 1981, A Steel and Glass House, was the first sign of how it operates with a different people-centric mindset. The firm works to uncover a project's potential by creating value and impact for the client and beyond.

Taylor Excavating & Wrecking Inc.

Taylor Excavating is a family-run business that has served Chicago and its surrounding suburbs since 2002. Its team is highly specialized in heavy equipment and works hard to provide clients with safe and cost-effective demolition and excavation services.

POPCourts! Project Transforms Chicago West Side

Lamar Johnson Collaborative created the transformative POPCourts! project on Chicago’s West Side. The 7,000-square-foot development is versatile and works as both basketball courts and an outdoor community plaza in the Austin Neighborhood. The project was developed in collaboration with Mayor Lightfoot’s INVEST South/West initiative, which brings together groups to invest in neighborhoods and drive inclusive growth throughout the city. The space hosts food trucks, farmers’ markets, and impactful murals by local artists that feature influential leaders like Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, and Maya Angelou.

Shambaugh & Son

Clayco enjoys working with Shambaugh & Son as our subcontractor on Crossroads 55 and the Cubes at Country Club Hills. Shambaugh specializes in a range of construction engineering for industrial, food processing, commercial, institutional, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biofuel projects. Shambaugh & Son collaborated with Clayco on CrossRoads 55, a 1 million-square-foot speculative warehouse for Venture One and USAA in Channahon, Illinois. The building was completed in under six months despite delays with municipality processes and weather issues – which is a testament to our strong partnerships with determined developers.

Supporting UChicago Obama Foundation Scholars

The Clayco family is humbled to continue our support to The University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars program with $200,000 on behalf of The Clayco Foundation. Our donation began in 2021 and will benefit the amazing scholars participating in the program until 2024. The program brings together an interdisciplinary group of students and empowers them with the knowledge, skills, networks, and perspectives they need to tackle obstacles and challenges in their communities. Clayco always strives to provide equal opportunity to people from all walks of life. Our foundation is happy to assist this incredible joint initiative of the Obama Foundation and three schools at the University of Chicago – the Booth School of Business, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, and the Harris School of Public Policy. The UChicago Obama Scholars will supplement their studies with innovative co-curricular programming, engaging with partners on Chicago’s South Side, and using their experiences to advance social change.

ABCO Electrical Construction & Design, LLC

It was great to collaborate with ABCO Electrical Construction & Design LLC as a subcontractor for Clayco. The company has serviced the Chicagoland area for more than 15 years and provides full-service electrical contracting from design and engineering to the complete installation of electrical systems. They specialize in various residential, commercial, and industrial projects and partnered with Clayco on our Central Steel & Wire and The Cubes at Country Club Hills projects. Central Steel & Wire is an 894,300-square-foot industrial warehouse and distribution center in University Park, Illinois. It includes 38,000 square feet of total office space and the warehouse consists of 100 ft x 30 ft internal column bases and twenty 20-ton bridge cranes. Clayco worked as the design-builder for the center and has constructed over a half-dozen facilities in the University Park area overall.

$100 Million Donation to Loyola University Chicago

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in 2020, corporate America promised to become more inclusive. Faced with public demands for social justice reforms, companies vowed to improve racial and ethnic diversity within their workforces, among their leadership ranks, and on their boards. While there has been some movement during the last two years, progress overall has been slower than expected. Corporate America is still trying to figure out how to reach equitable diversity levels and make their companies more reflective of the nation’s changing demographics.

170 N. Green Street - Fulton Market Acquisition

Clayco’s development arm, CRG, and Shapack Partners recently acquired the former Bridgford Foods site in Fulton Market. I am excited to see how this partnership will redevelop the property into one of Chicago’s most iconic projects – featuring 350,000 square feet of office, 250 apartment units, 150 hotel rooms, and 40,000 square feet of retail. Clayco, CRG, and Shapack Partners collaborated with stakeholders, Alderman Walter Burnett, and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development to make this vision a reality. Construction could begin as early as fall 2022.

Willis Tower Transformation

One of the reasons I love Chicago so much is its magnificent architecture. There are few buildings as iconic as the revamped Willis (formerly Sears) Tower. When it was completed in 1974, it was the world’s tallest building – standing at 1,450 feet and 110 stories. Willis Tower remains the highest point against the beautiful Chicago skyline. The one problem with the spectacular modernist tower was its disconnectedness from the city. In 2015, EQ Office, a realty company owned by Blackstone, bought the property. The company hired Gensler, the largest architecture firm in the world, in collaboration with SKB Architects and OLIN, to inject new life into the tower and weave it into the urban fabric.

Theaster Gates’ Arts Incubator Breaks Ground in Grand Crossing

Theaster Gates’ Arts Incubator broke ground in its largest project to date at the former St. Laurence Elementary School on May 3rd. This is the start of the process to convert it into an arts and creative incubator on Chicago’s South Side. I am extremely proud that the Clayco Foundation has committed $1 million to help develop this state-of-the-art 40,000-square-foot innovation hub for local artists and entrepreneurs.

The Cubes at Country Club Hills

With all of the recent increase in demand for warehouse developments along with the rise of e-commerce, we’ve been hard at work on a lot of projects like The Cubes at Country Club Hills. It’s currently being developed by CRG and it’s our first industrial development in the Chicago market, but it’s also pushing the boundaries on another front. We’re putting a lot of emphasis on hiring minority and women-owned firms to help us build it and opening opportunities for historically underrepresented groups to participate. It directly relates to our efforts as part of Clayco Rising to recruit more diverse candidates onto our teams and further strengthen our partnerships with minority and women-owned subcontractors and suppliers. The model behind this project is one that we’re going to continue to implement and build on, and it’s another big step we’re taking to help increase inclusion and equality in the construction industry.

July’s Architect of the Month: Carlos Martinez

When I think of an architect who has made an impact on my life in a personal way, I’d say that Carols Martinez definitely holds that title. He’s a genuine and talented person who is deeply dedicated to his craft, and his passion for innovation is evident in the projects he has designed throughout his career as an architect. Carlos Martinez attended The Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1982. He then went on to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he graduated with a Master’s of Architecture in 1984. His professional career took off at Holabird & Root, and today, he’s been with the renowned architectural firm Gensler for over twenty years. Among his many accomplishments, he’s been inducted into the International Interior Design Association’s College of Fellows and he’s also a recipient of Gensler’s prestigious Don Brinkmann Award for design excellence.

Chicago Committee on Design

It was great to be selected as a member of the Chicago Committee on Design. We recently had our inaugural meeting, and I’m glad that I was a part of it. The Chicago Committee on Design is made up of 24 local leaders and urban design professionals hand selected by Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development to work with Commissioner Maurice Cox on important development projects and urban design initiatives. Its main purpose is to offer expertise, guidance, and suggestions for DPD as well as the members of the project’s development team, and meetings are also open to the public for feedback and testimony. The Committee will advise the city and developers about innovative, attractive, and cost-effective elements with members who are leading architects, artists, academics, and real estate professionals.

June's Featured Architect: Ralph Johnson

Ralph Johnson is an award-winning architect who has a deep understanding and appreciation of his hometown of Chicago. His work is instantly recognizable by many who know the city well, and he has added to a long and proud tradition of the Windy City setting new standards with its innovative architectural landscape. Born on the South Side of Chicago, Ralph Johnson was destined for a bright future in architecture, since he grew up right down the street from Frank Lloyd Wright’s infamous R.W. Evans House. He received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1971 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and he went on to receive his Master of Architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design in 1973. Johnson found that by entering numerous architectural competitions in the years after graduating, he began to develop his own personal approach to design and forge his own path. It would eventually take him back to Chicago to work for a firm he dreamed of being a part of. He joined Perkins&Will after coming back to his hometown, where he has worked ever since.

LGC’s Building an Inclusive Chicago Event

On Friday, I had the opportunity to join with Chicago’s Deputy Mayor for Economic and Neighborhood Development Samir Mayekar in an important conversation organized by Leadership Greater Chicago for its 2021 Daniel Burnham Fellows cohort. “Building an Inclusive Chicago Part 1: Race, Equity and Economic Development” focused on how we can all pitch in to make our city a more level playing field for every Chicagoan, and I was happy to be a part of it. During our conversation moderated by Maria Wynne, the CEO of LGC, we spoke in-depth about the ways that we can work together to help ensure an equitable reopening of Chicago and its core business district. As more and more people return to downtown offices after working remotely during most of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we help build our city back stronger and more inclusive than before.

Supporting Alderman Burnett at Fulton East

As the first next-generation office building in the nation, Fulton East is built for the future. In addition to 85,000 square feet of floor-to-ceiling glass skyspace, this groundbreaking project includes health protection measures, like a hands-free elevator system, plasma disinfection technology, and touch-free secure access systems. My favorite feature of Fulton East is its amenity deck that includes 2,925 square feet of vegetated space and reflective roofing that earned the building LEED certification for reducing the project’s urban heat island effect. There was no better place to host a fundraising event for Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. who currently represents Chicago’s 27th ward. For 26 years, Alderman Burnett, Jr. has been a great advocate for the communities he serves, and he’s a leader who has shaped Chicago in many ways.

In Memory of Helmut Jahn

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend, Helmut Jahn, who passed away in a tragic bicycle accident. He was truly one of the great architects of the world, and also one of my greatest inspirations. By designing iconic buildings like Terminal 1 at O’Hare International Airport and the James R. Thompson Center, Helmut played an important role in shaping Chicago’s architectural landscape, as well as its continued growth and future. Helmut also designed one of my all-time favorite projects, The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library at The University of Chicago. He had a personality as big as the scope of his buildings, and he was definitely a “star-chitect” who brought so much joy and light into the lives of all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Mapping a Path Back Downtown - Crain's Chicago

In spite of all the uncertainty that came with the past year, there is one thing I know to be true: working from home sucks. And it’s now time to get everyone back into the office as quickly and safely as possible. We have the tools to make this happen, and Clayco is proud to be setting an example for other companies as we begin to welcome our employees back to work on May 10th. My announcement was just featured in Crain’s Chicago Business’ “Chicago Comes Back” series that is focusing on how leading businesses in Chicago are planning and preparing for a new normal, as well as the return to the downtown corridor. You can read more here.

March’s Featured Architect: Lamar Johnson Collaborative

Clayco added the discipline of architecture and engineering to the enterprise back in 1999 with the founding of Forum Studio. The idea from the start was to be a creative force with extraordinary technical strength to cultivate a culture of design-build within the Clayco brand. Three years ago, we merged Forum Studio with the Lamar Johnson Collaborative to expand into a full-service design and architecture firm. This move provided innovative designs that stimulated positive change and further expanded our brand nationwide. The united companies have given a boost to the “integrated” platform we have and also bring the true meaning of Art and Science to the purposeful projects we work on.

March’s Featured Artist: Candida Alvarez

March’s featured artist of the month is Brooklyn-born, Candida Alvarez. She is well-known for her bold and colorful creations such as the piece featured above. I became acquainted with her work through her involvement within Chicago and the Art Institute of Chicago. The painting featured in the Clark Collection, titled “No Chickens,” is particularly special because we added it while it was still being made. Since 1998, Alvarez has been a tenured professor of Painting and Drawing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Alvarez works in a range of diverse mediums, including but not limited to sculpture, collage, and painting. Her work is often highly complex. It is full of pop, historical, and modern art references, while also incorporating world news and personal memories.

February's Featured Artist: Theaster Gates

My great friend, Theaster Gates, is a visual artist and urban planner who describes himself as “equal parts artist, bureaucrat, and hustler.” As an artist, Gates creates multimedia projects, installations, and performance art that confront issues of social justice, racial inequality, and poverty in the United States.

Titan Electric

For over 12 years, Titan Electric has been a strong partner for many of Clayco’s projects in the Chicago market. Successfully performing design-build electrical work, they’ve helped us quickly complete complicated projects such as the Zurich North American Headquarters parking garage, Cook County Hospital, Berner Foods in Cherry Valley, IL, Project Tarpon (Amazon traditional non-sort), and Crossroads building “A” in Channahon, IL, among many others. Titan Electric consistently works to find cost-effective ways to adhere to budget constraints on projects, all while delivering top quality work, with the utmost attention paid to safety. Led by Vice President Derek Olenek, the communication, planning, coordination, and overall leadership have led to projects being finished on time and achieving excellence in terms of client satisfaction. Olenek is always the first to say “How can I help?” or “What can I do?” when a hurdle presents itself in the midst of a project. Titan Electric is a partner that I never have to worry about on a project team. They help lead the way and get it done, time and again.

December's Featured Architect: Jeanne Gang

Architect Jeanne Gang, who was named Time Magazine’s most influential architect in 2019, deserves recognition for both her incredible designs and her work in raising awareness about ecological issues in the industry. Gang hails from Belvedere, Illinois, and went on to study architecture at the University of Illinois followed by studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Like some of the most talented architects in the world, she worked with Rem Koolhaas at OMA in Rotterdam and then founded her own firm in Chicago—Studio Gang—in 1997. Gang has been designing award-winning cultural centers, public projects, and other buildings since she founded her firm. Some of her most unique works are Aqua Tower in Chicago, the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, Mira in San Francisco, and The Writer’s Theater in Glencoe, Illinois. She is also designing the prestigious Global Terminal at Chicago O’Hare International Airport that Clayco, in partnership with AECOM, is helping to build; it is truly a thing to behold. It is important to Gang to design places that connect people with their environment and she is inspired by ecological systems, both in her design as well as her building techniques. She is also active in research and exhibitions that raise public awareness about ecologically-friendly practices and closing the gender wage gap in architecture and design. Gang believes that cities and buildings can coexist with nature in sustainable and sensitive ways. Her activism, as it relates to architecture, stems from her belief that architecture is not just a “wondrous object,” but a “catalyst for change.” She calls this “actionable idealism.”

Employee Perspectives: Kori Jamison

I have always had a major role in recruiting because I believe the key to business success is in hiring the best and the brightest. Serendipity often plays a role in discovering truly remarkable people and Kori Jamison’s story of coming to work at Clayco is one of my favorite examples of happening upon a talented young woman who has joined Clayco and made a big impact in our company and for many other young people. Kori shares her story here:

Fulton East - Chicago, Illinois

The Fulton East project in Chicago’s West Loop is the first post-COVID era workplace in the city to be designed with new health and safety protocols in mind. I love this project because we have implemented really cool changes to make sure the building is up-to-date with design and technology that accounts for the pandemic. The building is next to the Fulton Market restaurant scene and will include ground-floor retail space and a green roof outdoor space. Fulton East will be a 12-story office building with three floors of parking and eight floors of white core space for lease. The floor-to-ceiling vision glass will provide unobstructed views of the city while allowing optimal amounts of daylight into the building’s interior.

The Job Is The Boss 2020 Tour Final Week

Harbor Freight Tools Project in Joliet, Illinois Condor Project in Monee, Illinois

1353 W. Fulton Street

Fantastic developments are coming to Fulton Street! A new residential tower is coming to 1353 W. Fulton Street, with Clayco as the builder, Shapack Partners as the developer, and architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). We are aligning as a collective with a shared purpose to bring this 29-story development to life and revolutionize this Chicago community.

Mauricio Ramirez

Mauricio Ramirez is the muralist behind the stunning artwork that adorns the exterior wall of the A.M. 1980 Residences in the urban Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago. Located less than 500 feet from the Western CTA mass transit station, the artwork not only is widely-seen by thousands of commuters each day, but also reflects the distinct character and history of the surrounding community. Ramirez’s goal with the design was to foster a dialogue with people in the community by connecting them with a local cultural icon of the Logan Square Eagle. By taking this symbol of the neighborhood and including it in the mural, Ramirez reflected its vibrancy and meaning while showing it in a new and modern light.

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