Looking back on 2024
2024 PH Anniversaries
2024 anniversaries
Letters to Santa Gift Wrapping Party!
Letters to Santa Gift Wrapping Party!
65 E. Wacker residential development approved
2024 Pumpkin Carving Contest
2024 Pumpkin Carving Contest
🥇 Place Winner
👻👻 : Kathryn Katz and Chris Woodfin
🥈 Place Winner
👻👻 : Scott Schultz and Elliot Schwarz
🥉 Place Winner
👻 : David Mata
👻: Michael Henning
👻👻 : Olivia Cox and Donald Mouch
👻👻 : Peter Evanich and Luke Marczewski
👻 : Parham Nourikoupaei
👻👻 : Sebastian Andreica-Ghiran and Javier Ortiz
👻 : Chris Chiu
👻👻 : Greg Klosowski and Ovi Olariu
Paseo 80 Rainey Project Progress
PROJECT PROGRESS AT PASEO: A 48-STORY MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL TOWER IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
The Paseo is designed with Austin's Rainey Street neighborhood character in mind, known for its bars, eateries, and nightlife. The project reimagines an infill site along Rainey Street, previously used as a food truck lot, into a high-rise mixed-use tower designed in such a way as to invite and engage the public. Ground-floor retail and alcoves planned into the building’s street frontage create social space and allow for a sidewalk cafe culture. Two historic bungalows are preserved and incorporated into the site plan with a landscaped walkway that acts as a connection point for pedestrians to safely traverse from Rainey Street to the riverfront trails and park to the west.
A contextual planning approach, and a sensitive yet bold architectural vocabulary, shape this project into the heart of Austin's growing community. Masonry brickwork encapsulating the building podium engages local masons to further connect the building to its setting and reaffirm its sense of place in the neighborhood. The residential tower above the garage podium extends the project’s themes with mixed aesthetics that echo the dynamic collection of commercial activities on Rainey Street. Residential amenity levels atop the podium are arranged in staggered tiers that seem to organically erode into the building mass.
Project Team: David A. Haymes, Jeff Renterghem, Greg Klosowski (PM), Javier Ortiz, Cesar Chavez, Peter Evanich
August 2024 - Paseo Officially Celebrates Topping Out
July 2024 - Construction Approaches Topping-Out Milestone
March 2024 - Construction Progress Update
After a year of progress, the tower has risen to 28 stories above Rainey Street. We’re excited to see the development of the 9th-story amenity deck, which offers captivating views of Lady Bird Lake. Visible through the construction fence, the ground-level retail spaces are set to enhance the vibrant streetscape of Austin's popular Rainey district, with the preserved bungalows seamlessly integrated into the commercial experience at Paseo.
January 2024 - Construction Site Visit
Check out the behind-the-scenes photos of the PH project team standing on what will soon become the building's amenity deck above the building podium. The team got a sneak peek at what this dramatic outdoor space will look like once completed! The multi-tiered space will feature a pool deck and bar on the 12th floor, an outdoor circular seating area on the 13th floor, and outdoor seating with grilling stations on the 14th floor - all with views of Ladybird Lake to the west and Rainey Street below to the east.
September 2023 - Building podium starts to fill out at Paseo!
February 2023 - Groundbreaking Event
The much-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for Paseo, a 48-story mixed-use tower rising over Rainey Street in Austin, Texas, took place on February 28th. LV Collective, the developer of this exciting project, is bringing 557 apartments and two levels of retail to the popular Austin neighborhood. The project also includes an above-ground parking garage, an impressive 34,000 sq ft of building amenities, and the preservation of two existing bungalows on the site. The event was a festive occasion with live music and barbecue that bespeaks the vibrant culture of the Rainey district.
The project was carefully thought out to complement and enrich the neighborhood's character while providing a new residential and social hub for the community. The building’s overall design emphasizes vibrance and openness throughout. Renderings show a dynamic ground floor façade with lush landscaping that beckons passersby into the space while maintaining energy along the street. Tenants enter the building along Rainey Street through an inviting lobby, which serves as the first glimpse into the building's remarkable living experience.
Above, the parking garage boasts a sleek and minimal appearance with a plant-lined masonry facade. The residential tower features patterned glass and protruding balconies that echo the dynamic atmosphere of Rainey Street. A series of staggered setbacks atop the parking podium open up to an amenity deck that offers more vertical clear space and incredible panoramic views of the city and Lady Bird Lake.
The Paseo is set to complete in 2025.
January 2023 - Construction Commences at Paseo on Rainey Street
November 2021 - Design Coordination at PH with Landscape Architect, TBG Partners!
2021 - Project Reveal
Project Goals
- Adhere to the current Rainey district feel and story by providing community spaces for pedestrians
- Provide 10% on-site affordable housing
- Preserve two existing bungalow homes and incorporate them into the new site plan
- Activate the entire Rainey Street frontage
- Connect Rainey Street to the Alley and be a catalyst for future connection of Rainey district to the riverfront trails and the future expansion of the Mexican American cultural center
- Reduce vehicle traffic loads on Rainey Street by moving vehicular access, loading, and pick-up away from the street
- Preserve most of the existing trees on site
- Improve pedestrian experience by providing additional shading, planting oversized trees in front of the property
City Context
Austin’s Rainey District is defined by a series of bungalows that have been converted into restaurants and bars over time. The street as a result has become a dynamic nightlife hotspot for dining and entertainment. Rainey Street has recently started attracting urban dwellers due to its proximity to the city center as well as the Colorado River and the riverfront green space.
Existing Site Conditions
The site currently operates as a food truck lot and is occupied by two bungalows which currently operate as bars.
Site Plan
Facing the street will be various retail and restaurants while the preserved bungalows will provide additional use as commercial space. Between the main building and the bungalows will be a landscaped garden and walkway connecting Rainey Street to the riverfront park and trails.
Human Experience Vignette - Public Realm
Kenneth DeMuth 40th Anniversary
Kenneth DeMuth, AIA, Partner
Ken DeMuth is celebrating an impressive four decades with PH, having joined the firm in 1984 as its 7th employee. This pivotal position earned him the affectionate nickname “007” among his colleagues. Ken’s architectural passion centers on adaptive reuse and historic renovation, particularly focusing on transforming downtown office buildings into residential and mixed-use functions. He has been involved in over 80 such projects in Chicago and the surrounding areas.
Beyond his exceptional work at PH, Ken serves as an advisory panel member to the City of Chicago on ongoing building code matters and as an advisor to the American Institute of Architects. He played a key role in Chicago’s recent Building Code modernization, helping to shape the future of the city’s architectural landscape.
Ken’s exceptional contributions to the architecture profession have not gone unnoticed. His accolades include the AIA Chicago Distinguished Service Award, City of Chicago Preservation Excellence Award, Landmarks Illinois Driehaus Award, and ULI Chicago Vision Award. His peers affectionately refer to him as "Professor" for his wealth of knowledge and commitment to mentoring others.
Ken is a staunch advocate for sustainability through the transformation and revitalization of existing buildings. He dedicates himself to promoting environmentally friendly practices and preserving our architectural legacy through lectures and presentations at various professional organizations.
Outside of his professional commitments, Ken channels his passion for conservation by volunteering with the Cook County Forest Preserve, restoring native vegetative habitats of the Midwest. His enduring commitment to adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and environmental stewardship exemplifies his profound impact on the built environment and the community.
2024 Illinoise RE Journal Real Estate Award
Two PH projects were recognized at the 2024 Illinois RE Journals Real Estate Awards Event on June 5th. Onni Fulton Market was awarded in the “Multifamily - Fulton Market/West Loop” category and Peabody School Apartments received recognition in the Redevelopment / Reuse / Historic - Multifamily” category!
Onni Fulton Market is a 32-story apartment tower situated at the convergence of the Kennedy Expressway, Metra rail lines, and the Halsted Street overpass leading to Fulton Market. The tower's design reflects the urban essence of its surroundings through a sophisticated interplay of geometries and dynamic planes. Overcoming complex site challenges, the project delivers 373 apartments, including 56 recently converted hotel rooms, catering to residents and visitors alike.
The Elizabeth Peabody Public School, designed by architect W. August Fiedler in 1894, is a prominent example of late 19th-century Chicago public school architecture. Built during a time of rapidly growing population in Chicago, the structure embodies hallmark traits of schoolhouse design from the era, featuring intricate ornamentation using stone, brick, terracotta, and decorative metal in the Romanesque/Classical Revival styles. Following the school’s closure in 2013, the building was redeveloped for residential use in 2023. The completed project masterfully blends modern upgrades with the school's original features, preserving its vintage charm while providing attractive living spaces for contemporary residents.
To see the full list of 2024 award winners click on the following link: https://rejournals.com/realestateawards/reawards2024-il/#
Pedro Albizu Campos Apartments Ribbon Cutting
Timothy Kent 30th Anniversary
Timothy Kent, AIA, Partner
Timothy Kent is marking an extraordinary 30-year tenure at PH. As a partner in the firm, his work showcases his dedication to urbanist principles across a range of project scales that include complex masterplans and high-rise mixed-use developments. His versatility in architectural vocabularies and sensitivity to context have contributed to award-winning projects nationwide, significantly broadening the complexity and geographical scope of the firm’s work.
Tim is an advocate for limiting urban sprawl through the creation of walkable, mixed-use communities and he continues to actively explore opportunities to create connected experiences in both urban and suburban settings. A frequent participant in design charrettes, Tim’s recent projects include mixed-use towers in Baltimore and Nashville, affordable housing in Chicago and South Bend, and masterplans across the US and also in Portugal. He has been a guest design critic at several universities and also serves on the Executive Advisory Board of Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning.
2024 Staff Promotions
We are pleased to announce our Associate and Senior Associate promotions for 2024! These new appointments recognize the exceptional work, dedication, and leadership that each individual has exhibited over the years. Please join us in congratulating all members on their well-deserved promotions!
In the Architectural Associates Group:
Christopher Chiu has been promoted to Associate I
Todd Depukat has been promoted to Associate I
Donald Mouch has been promoted to Associate II
Michael Henning has been promoted to Senior Associate
In the Administrative Associates Group:
Carissa Davis has been promoted to Associate I
Kathryn Katz has been promoted to Associate II
Chris Chiu, Associate I
Chris Chiu, with 15 years in the architecture industry and 9 years at PH this year, has been promoted to Associate for his exceptional work in understanding accessibility standards and his role as a project manager. He leads the firm's Accessibility Committee and plays a vital role in ensuring all projects comply with local and national standards, significantly contributing to the firm's success. Chris's approachable nature and architectural expertise make him a highly valued team member, enhancing the quality of our projects.
Todd Depukat, Associate I
Todd Depukat, with 25 years of experience and 19 years at PH, is now an Associate and a leading Technical Architect at the firm. His keen eye for detail ensures that projects are executed with precision and excellence. Todd's expertise greatly contributes to the firm's reputation for delivering high-quality architectural solutions.
Donald Mouch, Associate II
Donald Mouch, with almost 10 years at PH and 17 years in the industry, is now an Associate II. While he has developed a speciality in designing mid-rise residential and financial institutions, his versatility has allowed him to make significant contributions across all project types. Donald remains instrumental in expanding PH's portfolio and delivering innovative architectural solutions within this sector.
Michael Henning, Senior Associate
Michael Henning, with 11 years at PH and 33 years in the industry, has been promoted to Senior Associate for his multifaceted talent in design, project management, and client relations. He excels in diverse project types, adding to PH's impressive portfolio. Michael's attention to detail and his expressive architectural vision only enhances the firm's reputation for delivering outstanding design. A great leader at PH, he guides and mentors staff with his wealth of experience and professional insight.
Carissa Davis, Associate I
Carissa Davis, a dedicated member of PH for 20 years, has been promoted to Associate. As the firm's Controller, she showcases her exceptional skills in accuracy, diligence, and numbers, contributing significantly to the firm's success. Her excellent communication skills further enhance her ability to collaborate across departments and maintain strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
Kathryn Katz, Associate II
Kathryn Katz has been promoted to Associate II, having joined PH in 2019 as the firm’s Human Resources Generalist. Since then she has far exceeded the limits of that role to become an indispensable component of the firm’s daily operations and leadership structure. Her energy and initiative has fostered better communication, improved staffing strategy, and streamlined administrative protocols. Additionally, Kathryn’s steadfast dedication to excellence is manifested across her multiple roles directing office celebrations, coordinating employee benefits and managing the firm’s 401k and ESOP programs, among many others.
2024 PH Chili Cook Off: The Winning Chili Recipe
Steven Rezabek, AIA, Retires From Position as Partner After 37 Years at PH
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is with great honor and pride that we announce the retirement of Steven Rezabek, AIA, from his position as Partner at Pappageorge Haymes Partners (PH) after an impressive 37 years with the firm and a remarkable 40-year career as an architect.
Steve has left an enduring mark on PH, having been an integral part of the firm's growth. His leadership is reflected in the transformation and revitalization of many urban neighborhoods in Chicago and across the country. From publicly funded in-fill housing to expansive high-rise and mixed-use planned developments, Steve has managed a diverse range of projects. He has also been a driving force behind affordable housing, taking on the majority of such initiatives since PH’s early involvement in the project type. Steve’s contributions have been vital to PH's success, leading to the recognition of several award-winning projects, including Embassy Club, Buckhead Atlanta, Oakley Square Apartments, Rainbow Village, and Emerson Square, among others.
Rooted in his early education in environmental studies, Steve has developed a distinctive approach to residential architecture. His designs revolve around prioritizing human experience and well-being while simultaneously considering the broader impact of buildings within urban and suburban contexts. Steve’s legacy is one of sensible and appropriate architecture that aligns with the needs of residents, developers’ visions, and environmental responsibility. His expertise and dedication to high-performance design have led to the successful realization of numerous projects and enduring partnerships with clients.
Beyond his architectural contributions, Steve has served the firm in matters of finances and as the head of human resources. Through his leadership, he has helped steer the firm’s financial and administrative operations, maintain staff levels, and monitor fiscal and contractual performance. In recent years, he played a crucial role in navigating the firm toward an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and fostering an environment for emerging professionals to gain meaningful experience. As a mentor, Steve has empowered a new generation of architects to achieve new heights and advance their careers.
As Steve bids farewell, he leaves behind not only a legacy of achievements but a lasting imprint that will continue to shape PH's future endeavors. We are grateful for the privilege of working with and getting to know Steve throughout the years. His unwavering presence and dry humor will be dearly missed. We extend our heartfelt congratulations as Steve embarks on his retirement, where he plans to tackle long-postponed home improvement projects. Please join us in celebrating Steven Rezabek’s career and well-deserved retirement!
2023 Year in Review
2023 Pumpkin Carving Contest
1st Place Winner
Team Members: David Mata and his girlfriend, Samantha Blanc!
2nd Place Winner
Team Members: Parham Nourikoupaei, Scott Schultz
3rd Place Winner
Team Members: Olivia Cox, Luke Marczewski
Team Members: Greg Klosowski, Chris Woodfin
Team Member: Kathryn Katz
Team Members: Cesar Chavez, Shahryar Beyzavi
Team Members: Mike Henning, Ethan Tsai
Team Member: Elliot Schwarz, Justin Palmer, Kathryn Katz
Presenting "Sheriff Pumpkin" from Texas!
Team Members: Peter Evanich, Sofia Ramos
Schools to Residential: Motley School Apartments
HISTORIC LANDMARK
Built in 1884 for the Chicago Board of Education, the Motley School is a historic four-story brick and wood building whose former classrooms, offices, and gymnasium have been converted to 34 residential apartments. Originally designed by architect John Flanders, the school’s ornate masonry facade, metal cornice, wood floors, millwork cabinets, chalkboards, and trimwork have been meticulously repaired and refinished. Together with the high ceilings and oversized windows, these fully renovated apartments retain the vintage schoolhouse charm while providing energy efficiency, security, and comforts of a state-of-the-art apartment. A dramatic skyline roof deck, private outdoor yards, independently controlled HVAC, available indoor parking, accessory storage, package valet, and pet-friendly apartments are among the available amenities of the Motley School Apartments.
CHALLENGES
In 2013, the City of Chicago sold to the highest bidder the closed Motley School after hosting a community review process to determine an acceptable new use. A multi-family use coupled to historic preservation of the building generates substantial income for the City in the form of purchase price, jobs to minority and Chicago resident workers and suppliers, contributes to the City’s Open Space fund for public parks and provides ongoing tax revenue. Rejuvenation of a neighborhood icon, landscaping of the street and returning of an abandoned building to productive use are among the many benefits to the public.
EXEMPLARY PRESERVATION
The project salvaged and reused a substantial amount of the building components and historic fabric in order to maintain its original identity. The development team salvaged cabinets, doors, slate chalkboards, principals office files, windows and even the maintenance shop’s original maple workbench. Re-purposed discarded elements from other period schools was sought incorporated for period authenticity and material matches.
BEFORE
AFTER
Schools to Residential: Peabody School Apartments
HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Elizabeth Peabody Public School was designed by the Chicago Board of Education architect W. August Fiedler and constructed in 1894. The 15-room, three-story building raised over a basement stands out for its intricate details utilizing stone, brick, terra cotta, and decorative metal in the Romanesque Revival / Classical Revival style and is a noteworthy example of Chicago’s public school architecture in the late 1800s.
EXEMPLARY PRESERVATION
Following the closure of several Chicago Public Schools in 2013, Peabody School was sold through a public auction with a redevelopment plan to transform the historic structure into 23 apartments with a rooftop deck. The renovation encompassed the preservation and repair of the building’s facade, cornice, interior trim, and built-ins, including the refurbishment of various school furniture, chalkboards, and cabinets. Apartments are enhanced with a multitude of recycled materials sourced from the school to retain the historic character of the original use. Infrastructure modernization included the complete replacement of the mechanical systems and components to ensure energy efficiency. Additionally, a new deck was added at the roof level to be used as an amenity space for the residents. The existing stairs were repaired and extended to reach the roof, and a new elevator was installed to provide access to all levels of the building.
BEFORE
AFTER
Sofia Ramos Joins PH’s Austin Office in Texas
Sofia Ramos has relocated to Austin, Texas, to join PH's Austin Office. Having been an integral member of the Paseo (80 Rainey) project team since its inception, Sofia will now provide on-site support for the project as it undergoes construction. She will be collaborating with Peter Evanich, the current Austin Office Manager, in driving business development activities in the region, while also taking on a supportive role in all ongoing projects across Texas. We are thrilled about her new journey in the Lone Star State and extend our best wishes for her success in her new role!
2023 PH Chili Cook Off: The Winning Chili Recipe
2023 Staff Promotions
We are pleased to announce the promotion of several staff members in recognition of their hard work, dedication, and exceptional contributions to the firm.
In the Architectural Associates Group:
E. Peter Evanich and Donald L. Mouch have been promoted to Associate I.
Cesar Chavez and Scott Schultz have been promoted to Associate II.
Luke Marczewski and Christopher D. Woodfin have been promoted to Senior Associate.
In the Administrative Associates Group:
Elizabeth Becker and Kathryn Katz have been promoted to Associate I.
Additionally, we are proud to announce the promotion of Gregory L. Klosowski to Partner.
These promotions reflect the firm's commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent from within the organization and building a diverse team dedicated to delivering the best design solutions to our clients. These individuals bring tremendous value to our firm, and we are confident they will continue to contribute to our collective success in their new roles.
Please join us in congratulating all members on their well-deserved promotions!
E. Peter Evanich, Associate I
Peter Evanich, who has been with PH for 10 years now, is the new representative at PH's second office in Austin, Texas. Having recently relocated to Austin, Peter has taken the lead in establishing the new office and is actively contributing to the firm's business development efforts in Texas. Additionally, he is responsible for managing the firm's AIA 2030 Commitment, driving the firm toward sustainable practices and ensuring that PH stays at the forefront of innovative and environmentally conscious architectural solutions.
Donald L. Mouch, Associate I
Donald Mouch is an accomplished and skilled architect with extensive experience working on numerous project types, including banks, retail, single-family homes, master planning, and multifamily residential projects. His expertise has contributed to developing many vibrant and sustainable communities that cater to the needs of diverse groups of people. With his ability to take charge of projects across a wide range of size and scope to clients’ satisfaction, he is an invaluable member of the PH team. Donald is currently leading a number of developments as Project Manager, including Congress Lofts at St. Elmo, a 5-story 149-unit condominium development in Austin, Texas.
Scott Schultz, Associate II
With over 15 years of professional experience, Scott Schultz has demonstrated exceptional design skills in both building design and master planning, working on projects of varying sizes and scopes across the country. Scott has been instrumental in some of the firm's most high-profile projects outside of the Chicago area, bringing his expertise to diverse clients and projects. His contributions have been particularly noteworthy in designing the award-winning residential tower at Fifth + Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee, which has garnered industry recognition for its striking design and exceptional contribution to downtown Nashville.
Cesar Chavez, Associate II
Cesar Chavez is a seasoned architect with a proven track record of leading successful projects, particularly in the high-rise multifamily sector. During his 18-year tenure at PH, Cesar has amassed an impressive collection of projects in the Chicago area. He is a highly skilled professional who expertly navigates client and consultant relationships. His approach relies on consistent communication to build a mutual understanding with clients and teams to manage expectations, foster a collaborative team spirit, and deliver successful results on every project he undertakes.
Luke Marczewski, Senior Associate
Luke Marczewski's comprehensive knowledge of design and construction, combined with his exceptional leadership skills, has enabled him to oversee a diverse portfolio of projects, including new construction and adaptive reuse projects of varying scales. He is equally capable of taking charge of small-scale projects single-handedly, as well as leading a team to complete large-scale developments. Luke’s dedication to seamless project delivery, attention to detail, and design acumen have earned him a reputation as a skilled architect and a trusted advisor to clients.
Christopher D. Woodfin, Senior Associate
Chris Woodfin leads his design team with 30 years of multi-national architectural and design experience. He has managed projects from conception through construction supervision in a diverse range of project typologies, including mixed-use, institutional, hospitality, commercial, retail, and multi-family residential. Chris has consistently demonstrated his ability to manage complex projects with high professionalism, working collaboratively with clients to bring their vision to life and delivering exceptional solutions that exceed expectations.
Elizabeth Becker, Associate I
Elizabeth Becker is an accomplished and thoughtful professional, who has played a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of PH. As a skilled negotiator, Elizabeth is capable of effectively coordinating multiple project proposals and navigating complex contractual agreements. She is highly valued for her strong interpersonal skills and ability to foster trust and collaboration with clients and colleagues alike. Elizabeth’s exceptional communication skills and ability to cultivate key client relationships have been crucial to PH’s recent efforts in opening the new Austin office in Texas and ongoing leadership in business development in the Austin area.
Kathryn Katz, Associate I
As the Human Resource Manager, Kathryn Katz has been an unwavering advocate for the firm's success, especially during the challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. She has effectively led the firm's human resource team in navigating the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of employment laws and regulations while ensuring the well-being of the staff. With her confident and reassuring presence, Kathryn has been a pillar of strength for the team and has provided invaluable support to the firm's leadership.
Beyond her outstanding work during the pandemic, Kathryn has also been a driving force in the firm's efforts to foster a positive and inclusive workplace. She has spearheaded initiatives to improve office culture and implement best practices that promote equity and diversity. Her exceptional leadership in these areas has been instrumental in helping the firm attract and retain top talent.
Gregory L. Klosowski, Partner
A gifted sketcher and creative leader, Greg Klosowski enjoys the design process, viewing it as an opportunity for exploration and evolution. His ability to balance creative vision with practical execution has yielded exceptional outcomes for his clients, with many of his projects earning industry recognition for their modern design and functionality. Greg has emerged as a trusted advisor to clients, developers, consultants, and cities, delivering dynamic mixed-use developments nationwide. Greg is currently leading the Paseo, a 48-story, 557-unit mixed-use residential tower at 80 Rainey in Austin, Texas.
Additionally, as a Fitwel Ambassador, Greg is committed to designing human-scaled spaces that promote walkability and public health. He recognizes the importance of pedestrian-friendly designs, especially in urban settings, and works with his team to incorporate these principles into his projects.
Greg's experience prior to joining PH includes founding his own architecture and design practice in Oakland, California, in 2001, where he received local recognition for his work. His entrepreneurial background allows him to bring a unique perspective to PH, which he leverages to enhance his business development strategies at the firm.
In addition to his design expertise, Greg is also a member of the HR committee and works closely with the next generation of PH talent to elevate design and redefine office culture. He brings a strong work ethic to each project, fostering creativity and a growth mindset among his team members. In his new position as Partner, Greg will continue to set office standards, leading by example and mentoring junior architects to ensure the highest quality and dedication to design innovation.
First Met Groundbreaking Event
2022 Year in Review
2022 YEAR IN REVIEW
Austin Office Announcement
We are expanding our national reach to a very exciting location - Austin, Texas! With over 15 projects in Texas to date, this second location will enable us to respond more quickly and efficiently to the growing needs of our projects in the region. We are excited about this new opportunity to better support our clients in Texas while expanding our presence nationwide.
Our new office is conveniently located at 600 Congress Avenue. Peter Evanich, who recently relocated to Austin, will serve as the primary point of contact and permanent local presence. He is supported by the firm's leadership, who will continue to split their time between Chicago and Austin to promote the unified growth and integration of both studios.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to our clients and partners for their continuous support and cooperation with our firm. We look forward to meeting the residents, businesses, and organizations that make Austin a great place to live and work!
Peter Evanich has over a decade of experience in multifamily, single-family, mixed-use, affordable, and educational facilities. He joined PH in 2013 and has since broadened his portfolio to include projects across the country, with work on several high-profile projects, such as Wolf Point East, The Collection, and Christopher House. His most recent project involvement includes work on 80 Rainey in Austin.
Peter is a licensed architect and a natural leader who has earned the respect of his peers. He has been involved in the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) as a member of the Future Leaders Committee (FLC), where he served as its Communications Manager for four years. Peter is also managing the firm’s AIA 2030 Commitment, driving the firm toward sustainable practices.
In Austin, Peter will be providing technical and professional services for projects in Texas and serving as the primary point of contact for local support.
America By Design: NEXT Apartments
2022 Pumpkin Carving Contest
1st Place Winner - Swamp Creature
Team Members: Luke Marczewski, Richard Higgins
2nd Place Winner - Sweet Treat 3.14
Team Members: Chris Woodfin, Justin Palmer, Michael Henning
3rd Place Winner - Confused Pumpkin
Team Members: Javier Ortiz, Scott Schultz
Team Members: Brittany Hardaway, David Mata
Team Member: Chris Chiu
Team Members: David Zielinski, Kristin Ridge, Ovi Olariu
Team Members: Elliot Schwarz, Shahryar Beyzavi
Team Members: Ethan Tsai, Sofia Ramos
Team Member: Greg Klosowski
Team Members: Kathryn Katz, Tim Kent
The Place at Fifth + Broadway Receives AIA Chicago’s Design Excellence Honor Award
PH Projects Along the Chicago River
2022 Shareholders
2022 Staff Promotions
2022 SENIOR ASSOCIATE AND ASSOCIATES PROMOTIONS
We are proud to announce the promotion of the following staff members who have performed consistent and exceptional service to our clients, our projects, and the development of our internal capabilities.
Cesar Chavez has been promoted to Associate I. Heather Faircloth, Michael Henning, and Luke Marczewski have all been raised to the Associate II level. Robert Harris has been elevated to the position of Senior Associate.
Cesar Chavez, Associate I
Cesar is an experienced architect who excels in programming and developing design concepts. With his experience, Cesar has resolved architectural and construction challenges on some of the firm’s most important high-rise projects, particularly 465 N. Park and K2 Apartments. Cesar has dedicated himself to the architecture profession and enjoys collaboration with clients and colleagues, evident through his recent work on 354 N. Union, a 32-story apartment tower currently under construction in Chicago’s Fulton River District.
Heather Faircloth, Associate II
Since joining the practice in 1996, Heather has made substantial contributions to design excellence within the firm. Her creative energies have been applied to several iconic projects in Chicago, from the multiple Museum Park developments in Chicago’s South Loop to 465 N. Park in Streeterville, and to high-rise residential towers in Honolulu. Heather now manages several key projects in Texas, her home state, where she graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.
Luke Marczewski, Associate II
Over his 15 years with the firm, Luke has evolved from architectural assistant, to project coordinator, to a very effective project manager responsible for managing many of our important clients. He seeks to provide thoughtful and straightforward designs for projects of all types and scale resulting in memorable modern spaces evident in projects such as the award-winning adaptive reuse project at 3228 W. Palmer, Coeval - a two-tower apartment building, and 1400 S. Wabash - a currently under construction mixed-use high-rise building in Chicago’s South Loop.
Michael Henning, Associate II
Michael joined PH with an extensive background in large and small-scale projects at various notable Chicago architecture and design firms. He excels at developing appropriate design concepts and strategies, embracing complex issues as opportunities. During his time with PH, Michael has played invaluable roles in the success of various projects such as Clybourn 1200, a mixed-use mixed-income development in Chicago’s Near North Side honored with multiple national awards. Mike is also a talented artist and his drawings and sketches have been recognized in a number of publications and exhibitions.
Robert Harris, Senior Associate
Robert is a dynamic leader who effectively manages projects while fostering a positive client experience throughout the entire process. He successfully merges design excellence with complex program details found in many of the firm’s historic renovation and adaptive reuse projects. He communicates with clients through 3D visualization and other traditional design techniques to create architecture that is sensitive and responsive to context. In addition, Robert is a strong mentor who leads the firm’s technical initiatives, systems research, and QAQC practices.
The 2021 Recap
THE 2021 RECAP
PH Turns 40 Years Old!
40 years ago, PH was a 2-person design firm started by George Pappageorge and David A. Haymes. Today, we are a team of 40 talented individuals united in our spirit of curiosity, creativity, and the belief that we can make a difference in the world.To all our clients who have trusted us throughout the years, it has been an honor and a privilege to work with you – we could not have attained this milestone without you. As we begin our next 40 years, we look forward to sharing our journey of continued growth and success.
LA Lowrise Design Competition
Earlier this year, several PHamily members entered in the Low-Rise: Housing Ideas for Los Angeles Design Challenge, proposing urban residential design and planning solutions for various Los Angeles neighborhood contexts. Four PH teams took on this challenge to engage in imaginative thinking and derive targeted solutions for affordability, quality of life, and community enhancement. Georgi Todorov’s ABC (Affordable Back Cottage) proposal was recognized with an Honorable Mention in the Subdivision category!
354 N. Union Under Construction
The 32-story, 373-unit apartment tower at 354 N. Union broke ground in April, and structural work is currently underway. An overpass bridge off of North Halsted Street is now fully formed and connected to the building’s third level.The development replaces a formerly vacant lot in Fulton River at the northeast corner of Chicago’s popular Fulton Market district. The tower will join three other PH-designed buildings in the area and share borders with K2 Apartments – a PH-designed residential building completed in 2013.
Wolf Point East Challenge Coin
When Wolf Point East completed construction in 2020, Ron Weber, a Project Manager for Wolf Point East and a US veteran, introduced us to the idea of “challenge coins” used to honor accomplishments during his service in the military. Ron commissioned a special challenge coin to commemorate the completion of the project and celebrate the collective efforts of the clients, architects, contractors, and consultants who contributed to Wolf Point East’s making. For many of us at PH, this coin is not only a reminder of the successful completion of an iconic building in Chicago, but also of Ron’s mentorship and legacy at PH.
4601 N. Broadway Under Construction
A 9-story masonry building is planned on a corner site at 4601 N. Broadway in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. The mixed-use building consists of ground-floor retail and 200 rental apartments in studios and 1 to 3-bedroom units. Building amenities on the ninth floor include a fitness room, lounge, business center, and a rooftop terrace with views of the Downtown and Lake Michigan.The project is currently under construction with first occupancy scheduled for fall of 2022.
Reside on Green Becomes Fitwel Certified
Reside on Green is the first PH project to achieve a Fitwel Rating by the Center for Active Design! This achievement showcases our commitment to advancing wellness for residents of the building by implementing health-promoting design and operational strategies that support the health of the building occupants. This marks an important milestone in the firm’s focus on promoting human health through architectural design.The Fitwel certification program is being headed by Greg Klosowski, who became a certified Fitwel Ambassador earlier this year.
One Oak Under Development in Austin, TX
Currently under development in Texas is a 4-story condominium building nestled alongside Bouldin Creek in the heart of booming South Austin, just minutes from downtown. The project embraces the site’s natural beauty by orienting the central courtyard east toward the lush tree-lined creek. The exterior design uses timeless natural materials, thoughtfully subdivided massing, and a setback penthouse level that corresponds to the neighborhood scale.On December 16th, the One Oak Sales Center celebrated its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting event.
Chicago Plan Commission Approves 1203 N. California Development
A new 9-story residential building is under development at the vacant corner of California Ave & Division Street in Chicago’s #HumboldtPark neighborhood. The site anchors the western gateway to the #PaseoBoricua, the vibrant art district and commercial corridor extending to Western Avenue. . The program also includes a large multi-story mural by local artist Antonio Beniquez celebrating Humboldt Park’s multicultural heritage, ground-floor retail, indoor parking spaces, a multi-purpose outdoor recreation terrace, and space for sidewalk markets and cafes. Occupancy is scheduled for 2023.
Two Lakeside Banks Now Complete
Two Lakeside Bank branches completed in Oakbrook Terrace and Bridgeport over the summer. As seen in PH’s portfolio of work with Lakeside Bank, each branch is unique and designed to relate directly to its site and context.Situated in the vicinity of numerous corporate office campuses, the design concept at Oakbrook Terrace focused on modern aesthetics and the interplay of the building’s volumetric massing. The Lakeside Bank at Bridgeport features historic design elements in a nod to the former Union Stock Yards just south of the bank location.
Architizer One Drawing Challenge
Greg Klosowski’s hand sketch submitted to the Architizer One Drawing Challenge has been selected a finalist, three years in a row! This year, Greg submitted his ink on paper hand drawing, “Chicago : Drifted”, which playfully reinterprets Chicago’s Michigan Avenue that “defy[s] not only gravity but economic and ownership conventions, creating waves of assemblies that blur the historic blocks and obscure the metropolitan grid while accentuating important corridors such as this urban canyon”. Similar sketches depicting different parts of Chicago have been submitted in the previous years, which have all been selected as finalists.
1400 S. Wabash Under Development
Following approval from the Chicago Plan Commission in August, 1400 S. Wabash acquired its foundation permit last month. The mixed-use residential tower located in Chicago’s South Loop will rise 30 stories with 299 apartment units ranging from studio to 1- and 2-bedroom configurations. The development will also include a landscaped pocket park accessible for public use on its grounds.The project is being headed by CMK Companies, who was also behind the development of Coeval – a PH-designed residential building completed in 2019 – which sits across the street from the new project site.
Nevel22 Under Construction
Chicago’s West Town neighborhood is getting a new apartment building called Nevele22, and the photos show it’s nearing completion! The blue and yellow exterior panels are mostly installed, and interior finishes have wrapped on the first few levels. The wedged-shaped 7-story building at 1122 W. Chicago will provide 97 rental apartments ranging from studio to 3-bedroom floor plans. A rooftop deck with grilling stations, dog run, and lounging area with panoramic city views are among the lifestyle amenities offered at the building. Retail spaces at the street level are set to join the vibrant commercial corridor at West Chicago Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue.
Moments in Nature
As a member of the Spring Creek Stewards, Ken DeMuth often spends his time out of the office volunteering at the 7,000 acres of Spring Lake Forest Preserve to keep invasive species away and help restore the land to its “pre-settlement” condition. While Ken has been working to restore the natural landscapes of Illinois, he has managed to capture on camera some extraordinary moments in nature. Ken was invited to display his collection of photographs at the Citizens of Conservation Art Show.
Letters to Santa
It’s the season of sharing joy and giving back to the community! Once again, we participated in the “Letters to Santa” program, where handwritten letters by students from Chicago Public Schools located in disadvantaged neighborhoods were collected. Each PHamily member sponsored a child to buy the Christmas present requested in the letter.A big thank you to everyone for taking part in the event!
1400 S. Wabash Under Development
The annual PH Pumpkin Carving Contest is arguably the most anticipated event of the year. A time when PH architects get to reminisce on the long grueling hours in architecture school making models with an X-Acto knife in hand, realizing that architecture school DID, in fact, prepare us for the real world – carving the best pumpkin on the block!
AIA 2030 Commitment 3-Year Badge
This year we reached our 3-year milestone since signing the AIA 2030 Commitment. PH made the pledge to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, and work toward carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030. We are committed to reinforcing our sustainable design practices to benefit our clients, building occupants, and communities.Peter Evanich has been leading the effort in project submissions to the AIA 2030 Design Data Exchange. We look forward to receiving our 4-year badge in 2022!
Cold Brook Crossing Under Construction in Sudbury, MA
Construction is underway at 36 North, a new 4-story residential development in Sudbury, Massachusetts. The contemporary craftsman-style buildings are designed with large windows to capture the surrounding woods and mountain views. The community offers 101 apartments distributed over two buildings, featuring light-filled interiors and boutique amenities including cafe-style lounges, a fitness center, and landscaped green spaces for the residents.
808 N. Cleveland Under Construction
Sited directly across from a PH-designed Hudson Tower, completed in 2017, a new 200-unit mixed-use apartment building is set to rise 22 stories at 808 N. Cleveland Ave, Chicago.The project features various high-end amenities, including lounges, fitness rooms, and a co-working space. Atop the 5-story building podium is a landscaped roof deck with a pool, grilling stations, and dog runs. The units at the upper levels will have access to a large outdoor terrace with an impressive skyline view.
Three Awards for Grand Palmer Lodge
The Grand Palmer Lodge was the big winner this year, receiving three design awards! The adaptive reuse project at 3228 W. Palmer transforms a historic synagogue building into modern apartments with a corner park for community use. The project preserves a neighborhood icon that has served the Logan Square community for nearly a century and has given it a new purpose, this time as a residential building.
Christmas Ornament Decorating Competition
If there is one thing we’ve learned during the pandemic it’s that PHamily gatherings have become more precious and meaningful and should not be taken for granted. So, before we headed home for the holidays, we had our last hurrah for the year with a Christmas ornament decorating competition!? Greg Klosowki
? Sofia Ramos
? Justin Palmer
Fifth + Broadway Grand Opening
The new Fifth + Broadway development in Nashville, Tennessee includes a residential tower, an office building, retail, restaurants, and entertainment components. The project celebrated its Grand Opening in March to mark its official completion. The PH-designed residential highrise at the west end of the development offers 387 apartments and a range of lifestyle amenities.The building’s podium is stylishly articulated to complement its historic urban context – its brick-clad exterior conveying a sense of permanence and age. In contrast, the apartment tower’s modern, grey glass volume is designed to stand out as a recognizable feature in the city’s skyline.
1847 N. Humboldt Project Complete
Located mid-block along Humboldt Boulevard, the Grand Logan Lodge transforms a century-old church into modern apartments. This adaptive reuse conversion incorporates six custom units within the church building characterized by the original exposed roof structure and pieces of the building history to create a unique experience for its residents.The development also includes a new construction annex building with nine dwelling units connected via a set-back, glass-enclosed volume that acts as the building’s central circulation and lobby.
The project was completed in April and leased to full occupancy by June.
Shahryar’s Lunch Club
Since the pandemic, PH has been running a hybrid schedule, with some working at the office and others working remotely from home. With fewer people in the office, it had become harder to coordinate lunch with colleagues with different meeting schedules and deadlines, often resulting in eating alone at the desk.When Shahryar Beyzavi joined PH in May, he was determined to eradicate the “sad desk lunch” phenomenon and introduced #LunchClub! Since then, the club has organized escapades to discover new local restaurants and spin the wheel to decide on lunch spots at random on busy days. All in all, this has been a great way to bring new staff into the fold, foster camaraderie, and most importantly, unwind and reset before getting back to work!
Staff Appreciation
PH comprises a unique group of creative individuals with diverse areas of expertise within the architecture industry, and this year, we welcomed seven such talented individuals to the PHamily! Each new staff made a positive impact on the firm, and we are lucky and thankful to have them join our team.We’ve also had some exciting new promotions earlier this year, with Georgi Todorov and Scott Schultz being promoted to Associate, Carrisa Davis being promoted to Controller, and Adam Lavey, Greg Klosowski, and Robert Harris becoming shareholders of the firm.
Our amazing staff was at the heart of our incredibly busy and successful year, and we want to thank everyone for being an integral part of our growth in 2021!
Illinois Forest Preservation Photo Exhibit
Ken DeMuth, AIA, is a recognized expert in adaptive reuse and historic preservation of buildings. Still, his passion for conservation extends beyond architecture to Illinois's natural forests and prairies. Ken is a member of the Spring Creek Stewards that volunteers in the 7,000 acre Spring Lake Forest Preserve and often spends his time out of the office to keep invasive species away and help restore the land to its “pre-settlement” condition. His efforts include historic settlement research, landscape documentation, and botany-related fieldwork coordinated with Forest Preserve naturalists to reverse engineer the original prairie state.
While Ken has been actively working to restore the natural landscapes of Illinois, he has managed to capture on camera some extraordinary moments in nature. Ken was invited to display his collection of photographs at the Citizens of Conservation Art Show. Below are Ken’s photos from the art show and a few others from his private collection!
Carissa Davis Promoted to Controller
CARISSA DAVIS PROMOTED TO CONTROLLER
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Carissa Davis to the position of Controller. Carissa joined PH in 2003 and has served in the roles of Project Accountant, Staff Accountant, and most recently served in the position of Assistant Controller. This promotion recognizes the contributions Carissa has made to PH during her tenure with the firm. Please join us in congratulating Carissa as she takes on this new responsibility!
2021 PH Pumpkin Carving Contest
2021 PH PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST
The annual PH pumpkin carving contest is here!
A time when PH architects get to reminisce on the long grueling hours in architecture school making models with an X-Acto knife in hand, realizing that architecture school did in fact prepare us for the real world: carving the best pumpkin on the block!
Check out the winning pumpkins from this year and all other honorable mentions!
Happy Halloween!
1st Place Winner - Baby Yoda
Team Members: Michael Henning, Justin Palmer
2nd Place Winner - Mummy
Team Members: Greg Klosowski, Robert Harris, Chris Chiu
3rd Place Winner - Puffer Fish
Team Members: David A. Haymes, Kathryn Katz
Honorable Mentions! (All Others)
40 Years in 40 Seconds
40 YEARS IN 40 SECONDS
An Urban Project: 465 North Park
AN URBAN PROJECT: 465 NORTH PARK
Three key factors needed to be addressed at the site of 465 North Park: the built environment, the natural environment, and the social context. The project is sited in the city’s prestigious Streeterville neighborhood at the gateway to one of Chicago’s most famous tourist destinations, Navy Pier. The city block that the building is located borders the Chicago River to the South, Lake Michigan and the Ogden Slip to the East, and North Columbus Drive, one of nine routes that link the northern and southern halves of the city, flanks the block to the West. Surrounding the site is historic architecture and commercial buildings, including the modern Loews Tower and the Chicago Tribune Tower whose view corridor restricted the height of construction on the southern portion of the site.
“The elegantly curved facades of the elliptical towers provide visual relief (as opposed to harsh corners) by opening up sightlines past the building in all directions towards iconic buildings (built environment) and towards the lake (natural environment).” - Christopher Chiu
The chosen plan was one derived from an overlay of three ellipses. Christopher Chiu, who was an integral part of the CD and CA stages of the project, remarks, “the elegantly curved facades of the elliptical towers provide visual relief (as opposed to harsh corners) by opening up sightlines past the building in all directions towards iconic buildings (built environment) and towards the lake (natural environment).” This approach engaged the rectangular Loews Tower as a more organic counterpart. Its slender profile pushed to the corner made 465 North Park seem the taller of the pair from some angles. The elliptical plans were overlaid and canted in a way that conserves the Tribune Tower’s sightlines, allows for sweeping panoramic views in all directions, and admits natural light across the entire depth of the floor plates. The full-height window walls reflect the immediate context, thereby further reducing the appearance of a visual obstruction when viewed from the exterior.
At a social level, 465 North Park receives heavy foot traffic from those who work in the city as well as tourists. With the north facade of the building base making up a part of the street wall that leads to Navy Pier, there was an opportunity for visual as well as physical interaction between the building and the pedestrians. The elliptical form of the tower flows down to the front, southwest corner of the site, allowing the tower to engage the street and bring focus to the first floor retail spaces. The tower masses are thoughtfully pulled back from the property lines above the 4-story podium to divert its imposing height from the street level. An internal parking lot rising five stories inside the core is screened from view by residential units wrapping the lower floors along the two primary street fronts. Heather Faircloth designed the laminated dwellings on the face of the garage podium which both hides the parking garage and creates active space above the retail that further strengthens the urban connection. The 2-story loft-style townhome units just under the 6th-floor amenity deck are high enough off the ground to reduce noise from the city and still enjoy people watching on the street below. These units at the base of the building are some of the most expensive and sought-after rentals in the development.
Exchanges within the building mass are also treated as an extension of the social context. Interaction is encouraged through the open floor plans of the nearly one acre of interior and exterior amenity spaces spread over three different levels. The amenity spaces include lounges in both expansive and intimate settings, a business center, conference room, demonstration kitchen and dining room, swimming pool, and lushly landscaped gardens. Replete with high-end finishes and details, Christopher Chiu notes how "the amenity draws residents to linger, socialize or explore while soaking up the views on all sides.” Despite the sprawling size of the main amenity deck on the 6th floor, residents get a sense of being cradled inside the urban context with a direct connection to the city. The niche dining and grilling stations, fire pits and planters scattered throughout the amenity decks also provide semi-confined spaces for smaller-scale interactions without giving up the views.
PH Projects Along Chicago’s Popular 606 Trail
Georgi Todorov Recognized at International Design Competition – Low-Rise LA
GEORGI TODOROV RECOGNIZED AT INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION - LOW-RISE LA
Earlier this year, several PH staff members entered in the Low-Rise: Housing Ideas for Los Angeles Design Challenge, proposing urban residential design and planning solutions for various Los Angeles neighborhood contexts. Four PH teams took on this challenge to engage in imaginative thinking and derive targeted solutions for affordability, quality of life, and community enhancement.
Georgi Todorov and Petya Petrova's ABC (Affordable Back Cottage) proposal was recognized with an Honorable Mention in the Subdivision category with the jury stating their proposal “...has the potential to produce housing solutions for Los Angeles with wide impact”.
Georgi’s active engagement in creative, thoughtful solutions for our diverse urban environments are at the heart of his body of work - both in his work at PH and in his engagement through outlets such as Low-Rise LA. We are thrilled Georgi has received this well-deserved recognition and proud of the great work by all of the teams from PH.
Click on the links below to see all PH submissions!
The ABC (Affordable Back Cottage)
Team Members: Georgi Todorov, Petya Petrova
Honorable Mention, Subdivision Category
Despite being the smallest structure, we believe the subdivision category will have the biggest impact globally on LA while keeping existing buildings intact. Property owners would have the opportunity to sell land and generate savings, while lower-income individuals would have the opportunity to get significantly more affordable homes by investing in a small piece of land with existing infrastructure. Following the recommendations from the community engagement listening sessions, our proposal strays from too modern of a look in order to avoid the sense of gentrification and displacement in the community. Without focusing on a particular site, our design merges seamlessly in the wide variety of sub-characteristics of the different LA lower-income neighborhoods.
Go to Georgi's design submission >
Daybreak
Team Members: Peter Evanich
Fourplex Category
DAYBREAK seeks to reintroduce nature into low-income developments by providing a communal courtyard that can be programmed by the residents. This outdoor space can be arranged in a multitude of ways including a barbecue and lounge or shared micro-farm. Three of the four units look directly onto this shared space, while the fourth unit gets a direct view of the street and front yard. The plantings in the front yard soften the street facade and provide shade along the sidewalk, contributing to a cooler local climate.
Go to Peter's design submission >
Modern Bungalow Courtyard
Team Members: Greg Klosowski
Corners Category
This proposal is a modern reinterpretation of a classic southern California typology, the bungalow courtyard. The approach takes a classic layout with a shared circulation and community space and adapts it to provide a variety of unit types and sizes. This permits a broader cross-section of neighbors, from affordable to missing-middle, to market rate, who would make this development their homes. This also places great importance on the central landscaped circulation, fostering greater resident interaction and connectivity through shared areas for exercise, outdoor dining, and gardening.
Go to Greg's design submission >
The Common
Team Members: David Mata, Adam Lavey, Georgi Todorov
Fourplex Category
The COMMON is a contextual courtyard development that introduces a higher density model that can be utilized in many different neighborhoods. It strives to address affordable housing needs by empowering an aspect of communal living within its own milieux. The intent is to connect to city infrastructure in a flexible and social manner.
Flats on Federal Project Progress
ARMOUR INSTITUTE ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECT PROGRESS
Armour Institute is the iconic red brick building that can be seen from the I-90 Expressway just before entering downtown Chicago from the south. Opened in 1893, the historic building would eventually become a part of the renowned Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT, Illinois Tech) campus where it continued to serve administrative duties until being closed in 2007. The Armour Institute of Technology began as a manual training school teaching under one roof architecture, engineering, industrial arts, physical ed, and the nation's first fire protection engineering courses, resulting in a structure as varied as its curriculum. In 2017, private developers purchased the building with a plan to convert the building for residential use. New fire protection systems, masonry repairs, and structural reinforcing are a part of the program for building wide repairs and upgrades. Upon completion, Armour Institute will adopt a new name, the Flats on Federal, and will include 102 market-rate and affordable units as wel as resident amenities. The Chicago Landmark building will continue to serve local residents and the IIT neighborhood as a viable housing option available to students and non-students alike.
Project Team: Kenneth DeMuth, Christopher Woodfin, Elliot Schwarz
May 6, 2021 - The Plan Review Committee of the Landmarks Division of the Department of Planning for the City of Chicago approves proposed plans for adaptive reuse of the former Armour Institute building.
January 15, 2021 - "Before" images
December 3, 2020 - Masonry repair work begins at Armour Institute
Drone photography courtesy of Klein & Hoffman
Ask an Architect: Urban Architect
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN URBAN ARCHITECT?
In 1981 George Pappageorge, FAIA, and David A. Haymes, AIA, founded what is now Pappagoerge Haymes Partners (PH) on an ambition to re-activate the underutilized buildings and declining areas of Chicago, focusing on renovation and restoration projects. PH has since earned its national reputation as an innovator in contextual, site-appropriate urban architecture, boasting an imprint that spans from small renovation and infill projects to multifamily high-rise and mixed-use developments. We take pride in our ability to understand projects in their urban habitat and approach projects with aesthetically coherent and context-aware solutions. So we asked our architects, what does it mean to be an urban architect?
David A. Haymes, AIA, Founding Partner - "As an urban architect, one must address contemporary programmatic concerns yet have keen sensitivity to context (which, by definition is comprised of the built environment more so than the natural environment), recognizing and enhancing functional and aesthetic connectivity to neighbors, the street, the neighborhood, and the urban core through appropriate purpose, scale, mass, and architectural character.
The urban architect is also tasked with careful management of open space to enhance the urban experience, differentiating between, but threading together, defensible private, semi-private, and pubic spaces in the act of placemaking, to the benefit of the individual as well as the community as a whole."
Sofia Ramos, Architectural Associate - "Being an urban architect means juggling multiple different scales simultaneously. Of course, this is true of all architects but becomes particularly important at the urban scale because of its broader impact. What is built must respond to the scale of the existing context, the site itself, and the human scale, all of which tie back and contribute to the image of the city. Understanding the relationships of the different scales at play creates design opportunities for the urban architect to use the dynamic relationships between the scales to promote interaction & engagement- which is at the core of an urban landscape. Because of this, urban architects are responsible for building a reflection of society."
Jon Young, AIA, Associate - Being an urban architect to me is about promise.
Promise as an opportunity - the promise to create something worthwhile, something good, that will be experienced by many. Promise as a pledge - the promise extending beyond the client, to the neighborhood, to the community, to the greater urban environment - a pledge to enhance the human experience.
When at its best, it is about the collective promise of the past, the present, and the future.
Architecture in an urban environment affords us the privilege to have a meaningful and lasting influence not only on the quality of life of the individuals who occupy the work, but also on the countless others who will - now, and in the future - experience the connections, the scale, and the community our work helps to create and encourage.
Michael Henning, AIA, Associate - "Urban, specifically infill sites often come with constraints that appear at odds with the goals and dreams for the project, and the creative challenge is to negotiate the apparent obstacles and celebrate the opportunities. Not unlike any project but a bit more intense are factors like the program area and components versus what is entitled for the often encumbered site, requirements for use, access and location services to engage, environment, connection, history, being just a few. It should always be understood that the building will be in a provided environment/context, and this needs to be thoroughly understood for its given and potential qualities to improve or enhance its environment. These are often larger scale/taller projects and should be aesthetically understood at different scales, looking at and out from the project. Understanding how the project relates to its urban context should be like a "powers of ten” type exercise with the broad view, seeing how the building lives in the urban environment and then scaling down to how it lives with the street."
Greg Klosowski, AIA, Senior Associate - "An urban architect takes a wide range of scales into account and needs to be adept at moving fluidly between them as a project takes shape. For example, there are a number of scales we consider when designing large residential towers. At the largest scale, the project needs to be considered globally relative to its sustainability and its impact on the environment, both in its construction materials and techniques, as well as its performance for decades after its opening.
These projects also have regional impacts, the most notable is when the project is tall enough to add to the narrative of a skyline, in which case its form as an object needs to be considered. Views may be lost or altered. There are potentially long-reaching impacts to solar access for neighboring sites as a tower’s shadow can extend for a block or more. On a more prosaic level, these big projects bringing potential changes to traffic patterns or may impact the density of users for local public transportation options. Introduction of retail and amenities might impact patterns of pedestrian circulation.
Urban architects also need to appreciate the very local, project-centric social scale. Amenity decks provide opportunities for larger-scale socialization spaces such as a common swimming pool to more intimate opportunities, individual outdoor dining rooms, and fire pits. Understanding the programming and arranging successful spaces requires consideration for how people may organize themselves communally within a much larger framework.
Even finer in detail are the gradients of the personal scale to consider. At a semi-public level, lobby spaces and their finishes need to be considered. The drama of a tall lobby or the intentional intimacy of a smaller setting drives a project’s tone. The feel of Venetian plaster on a carefully designed spiral staircase is one of many opportunities to make architecture a more tactile experience. At a private level, we consider how individuals live and use spaces, working out enjoyable and comfortable homes within some very efficient spaces.
Concepts for urban architecture need to be strong enough to have a certain resiliency as the design often needs to work its way through a myriad of influences - not only the developer-client - but city leaders and planners, hyper-localized neighborhood groups, and the larger public. This strength requires a certain simplicity of the parti, one that can be woven into the project’s narrative. This story-telling compliments the visual allure of a project and gives the project a sense of added architectural depth, but it also simply gives the stakeholders - all of them - something to relate to and connect with in a positive way. Good urban architects are good negotiators, communicators, and consensus builders. Positive support and belief in the design and its idea will be essential to overcome the inevitable detractors and allow to be broadly accepted and embraced."
Two PH Projects Recognized at NAHB Best in American Living Award
2021 Staff Promotions
New PH Shareholders Announced
1425 N. Milwaukee Receives City Of Chicago 2020 Preservation Excellence Award
4400 Grove: New Mixed-Use, Mixed Income Housing Development Complete In Bronzeville
4400 GROVE: NEW MIXED-USE, MIXED INCOME HOUSING DEVELOPMENT COMPLETE IN BRONZEVILLE
The Grand Opening Ceremony was held on Thursday, October 1st, to celebrate the opening of 4400 Grove. The redevelopment at the corner of 45th and Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood encompasses a phased transformation of an entire city block, which was left vacant since the demolition of the former Washington Park Homes public housing project in 2002. Almost 18 years later, this new development along Cottage Grove Avenue breathes vibrancy into the neighborhood. The first phase of the project, 4400 Grove, consists of two four-story mixed-use residential buildings that run along the length of South Cottage Grove Avenue with a public plaza mid-length. The pair of mixed-income apartment buildings provide 21 units reserved for Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) residents, 34 affordable units for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income, and 29 market-rate units, ranging from one to three bedrooms. The buildings also include a combined 15,000 square feet of retail space on the first floor as well as a community plaza and a landscaped park extending to the west half of the parcel, which will include the second phase of the development with sixteen single-family townhomes surrounding the park.
Cottage Grove has long been an important north-south route of the south side, connecting Hyde Park and the University of Chicago to the Chicago Loop, and the project aimed to reflect the historical character of the brick buildings in the area while still exuding contemporary curb appeal. This is accomplished by breaking down the building facades into modular segments that suggest individual buildings. Each segment alternates between modern aesthetics, which uses darker grey brick and metal panels with minimal detailing for a sleeker look, and a more historically influenced appearance with classic red and yellow brick. These segments also utilize traditional brick techniques, such as rusticated columns and cast stone detailing similar to traditional limestone detailing. Entire sections push in and out from the building plane to further define each facade and add visual interest to the building. Different window sizes allow for different sill heights, and varied window operations and colors amplify the unique look of each segment. The resulting design gives the impression that the buildings have been built over time and organically evolved into a street wall along Cottage Grove Avenue.
In addition to providing attractive and affordable housing for the community’s growing residential population, the project spurs commercial and social activity in the neighborhood. The centrally located plaza and park not only act as amenity space for the residents but also serves as a physical link to the community by lending its space for public gatherings, events, and an extension of retail activities. The twelve street-level retail spaces are outfitted with finishes, bathrooms, drinking fountains, and lighting, which is atypical as more often, developers will leave these spaces raw. The spaces are move-in-ready on a basic level, allowing tenants to set up shop with a limited budget.
Project Team: David A. Haymes, Greg Klowsowski, Chris Chiu
Christopher House Joanne L. Cicchelli Middle School Dedication Ceremony
The Old Colony Building: Pushing The Limits Of Design
