CISCO announces its 2025 Project of the Year Winners
December 19, 2025
BURR RIDGE – The Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) announced its Project of the Year award winners today as part of its annual Pride in Construction Award Program. The program recognizes the top quality, Union construction projects in six (6) categories, as well as three (3) individual awards: Educator of the Year, Public Body of the Year and Construction Advocate of the Year.
“This year’s Project of the Year honorees showcase the strength, skill, and purpose of Union construction. From exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design to outstanding safety performance and meaningful community impact, these projects represent the values that define our industry,” said CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen. “CISCO is proud to recognize the teams whose work continues to shape and strengthen Chicagoland. The excellence shown in these projects not only raises the bar for our industry, but leaves a lasting, positive impact on the communities they serve. CISCO is honored to celebrate the signatory contractors and tradespeople whose work will stand as a benchmark for years to come,” Allen added.
The top project in the New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M) went to Wind Creek Southland Casino and Hotel
The Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino and Hotel showcases exceptional quality of construction, achieved through precise coordination, rigorous QC inspections, and strategic phasing that allowed early turnover of key areas while maintaining momentum on the hotel tower.
High-end finishes, custom ceiling systems, intricate lighting, and the self-performed 16-story concrete structure reflect craftsmanship and attention to detail. The design integrates advanced technology, including VDC modeling, drone verification, and 360° imaging, ensuring accuracy and seamless execution of complex architectural and MEP systems.
The project delivered substantial community impact by exceeding its 30 percent DBE participation goal with 34.71 percent, creating hundreds of Union construction jobs, and supporting more than 1,000 permanent positions across hospitality, technology, food service, and operations.
A comprehensive, site-specific safety program — with daily safety talks, employee orientations, subcontractor plan reviews, strict fall-protection requirements, and ongoing inspections — ensured a strong safety record while managing hundreds of workers on site throughout this complex, multi-phase project.
The general contractor was O’Neil-BOWA Construction; the client was the Wind Creek Illinois LLC.
The top choice in the category for New Construction – Suburbs (Above $20M) was Replacement Power Plant at Elgin Mental Health Center
The Replacement Power Plant at Elgin Mental Health Center delivers high-quality construction and reliable design to serve the 53-building campus with cost-effective heating and power. The project included three 500-horsepower dual-fuel steam boilers, relocation of a 1,200-horsepower boiler, three 1,500-watt diesel generators, maintenance workspace, vehicle storage, and decommissioning of the existing plant.
Complex site conditions, including active and undocumented underground utilities, were carefully managed through hand excavation, spotters, and innovative rerouting solutions to ensure uninterrupted utility service. Temporary power feeds were strategically implemented to allow testing and commissioning of the new MEP systems despite transformer delivery delays, enabling on-time project turnover.
Constructed by local Union trade contractors, the project achieved an exemplary safety record with no lost-time or recordable injuries, supported by project-specific training, Safe Start meetings, and continuous site inspections. Beyond operational improvements, the project enables demolition of the existing plant and future development of athletic fields, playgrounds, trails, and community amenities for Elgin residents, providing lasting social and recreational impact alongside advanced campus infrastructure.
The general contractor was Clark Construction; the client was Capital Development Board.
The top choice of New Construction – Chicago Or Suburbs (Below $20M) went to House of Glass
The House of Glass training facility, developed by Ironworkers Local 63, demonstrates exceptional quality of construction and innovative design, providing a high-tech space for Apprentices to master the precise installation of glass curtain walls.
The project’s complex hourglass-shaped curtainwall required advanced layout techniques, careful problem solving, and meticulous craftsmanship to ensure structural integrity, energy efficiency, and weather resistance. Through collaborative planning, communication, and innovative construction methods, the team maintained high standards while completing the facility.
The building serves as a training hub for union ironworkers locally, across the U.S., and Canada, creating a pipeline of skilled workers to address industry labor shortages. Local community members were employed during construction, and the striking design aims to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the trades.
Safety was a top priority throughout the project, with job hazard analyses, crane and installation planning, PPE enforcement, equipment inspections, and strict workspace organization. These efforts contributed to zero accidents and a culture of safety. The facility also emphasizes sustainability through energy-efficient design and waste reduction, combining training, quality, and environmental stewardship in a single landmark building.
The general contractor was Skyline Construction; the client was Ironworkers Local 63.
The top choice of Infrastructure projects went to the Red and Purple Modernization Phase One Project
The Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project transformed Chicago’s busiest rail corridor, replacing aging 1920s infrastructure with modern, high-capacity track and stations. Walsh-Fluor Design-Build delivered innovative construction solutions, including a 0.6-mile Red-Purple Bypass flyover, temporary track systems, 1,555 precast box girders, and the relocation of a historic residence to straighten curves.
Six miles of reconstructed track and four fully ADA-accessible stations, featuring glazed terracotta, distinctive lighting, and neighborhood-inspired architectural elements, enhance functionality while complementing surrounding communities. Noise mitigation and aesthetically designed concrete columns softened the urban environment.
The project provided substantial community benefits, including 2,979 Union construction jobs, $167 million in wages for disadvantaged workers, $294 million awarded to small DBE contractors, and scholarships for students from underserved communities. A small business support program and public engagement initiatives further strengthened local impact.
Safety performance exceeded industry standards, with incident rates well below national averages, supported by careful staging, coordination, and innovative construction methods. RPM Phase One demonstrates excellence in construction quality, design innovation, community impact, and a robust safety culture, setting a benchmark for urban transit modernization.
The general contractor was Walsh-Fluor Design Team; the client was Chicago Transit Authority
Among Rehab projects, LaGrange Public Library was the top vote-getter
The La Grange Park Public Library Renovation transformed an aging library into a vibrant community hub, showcasing innovative design and functionality. This the project addressed structural issues stemming from a failed exterior envelope – including water breaches and rusting supports and evolved into a comprehensive renovation of the 30,000 SF facility.
This design incorporates a towering atrium, playful colors, for a welcoming environment illuminated by natural light. The project was completed on time and under budget, leveraging $4 million in bonds and a $575,000 Public Library Construction Grant, with Leopardo Construction – ensuring timely procurement.
They also utilized advanced (VDC) technology to streamline the renovation process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. The renovation prioritized sustainability with upgraded HVAC systems, ADA-compliant ramps, and improved building controls.
A QR code-based safety system, and weekly interactive safety training fostered a zero-incident construction environment. The project maximized funding, completing renovations under budget and securing grants that covered 80 percent of the costs. These savings enabled the library to invest in additional community support initiatives.
The general contractor was Leopardo Construction; the client was La Grange Park Public Library District.
The top Residential project chosen was Sheffield of Lincoln Park
Sheffield of Lincoln Park transformed a 1/2-acre parking lot in Chicago’s Lincoln Square into an 86,500-SF, 6-story, mixed-use building. This project includes 63 affordable housing units, 1st floor retail, 2nd floor public parking, and sustainable design elements. The project was completed on time and within budget.
Key achievements included:
• Leopardo employed 3D modeling to resolve structural and mechanical conflicts before construction began, enhancing precision and efficiency.
• It met stringent energy efficiency and waste diversion goals, utilizing low-carbon concrete and LED lighting to align with Chicago’s environmental standards.
• Traffic was re-routed and there was minimal disruption while meeting minority and women-owned business participation goals.
• A customized, innovative tech-enabled safety plan led to zero incidents during construction.
This project is a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design, meticulous planning, and community-focused construction.
General contractor was Leopardo Construction; the client was Chicago Housing Authority.
A Board Excellence honor was given to BOTH DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center and Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center with CISCO’s Community Impact Award
For the fourth time, the Executive Board decided to use its discretionary authority and award a Board Excellence honor. This year – The DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center is recognized with the Community Impact honor. This project was unique, and the Executive Board felt it deserved to be recognized.
The DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center (CRC) exemplifies high-quality construction and thoughtful, trauma-informed design in a facility built to transform behavioral health care in the region. Designed and constructed by Wight & Company, the CRC integrates mental health and substance-use services for youth and adults in a calming, therapeutic environment shaped by biophilic principles, natural materials, and abundant daylight.
Its H-shaped layout, durable steel structure, resilient façade, and WELL Building–aligned systems reflect a commitment to long-term performance, safety, and healing. Construction was tightly sequenced to maintain operations across the active Health Department campus, including early installation of a stormwater system and careful coordination of behavioral-health-grade finishes within an accelerated 15-month schedule.
The CRC significantly strengthens community wellbeing by diverting individuals in crisis from emergency rooms and law enforcement, providing rapid stabilization, and ensuring warm handoffs to ongoing support. Stakeholder collaboration and strong local backing helped shape the project into a regional behavioral health hub.
Safety remained paramount, with all contractors meeting 30-hour OSHA standards, rigorous onsite oversight, and partnership with Sheffield Safety. The project achieved zero lost-time incidents over more than 60,000 work hours.
The general contractor was Wight Construction; the client was DuPage County Health Department.
The Final Board Excellence honor was given to Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center
CISCO’s final recipient of its Community Impact award is Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center.
The Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center demonstrates exceptional construction quality and design innovation, delivered by ALL Construction Group (ACG) within budget and with meticulous coordination.
The 47,000 SF facility features a structural steel superstructure, load-bearing masonry, two stormwater detention tanks, and a complex envelope incorporating trapezoidal curtainwall. ACG self-performed key trades — including masonry, framing, drywall, and carpentry — ensuring precision and consistency,
As design/build partner, ACG led MEP-FP coordination, value engineering, constructability reviews, and phased permitting strategies, maintaining cost alignment while upholding high-performance standards.
Architecturally, the building integrates culturally responsive design, local artwork, and diverse wellness amenities such as therapy and lap pools, an indoor track, fitness studios, physical therapy spaces, childcare — creating an inclusive, community-centered environment. The center provides accessible, affordable wellness services that elevate health, recreation, and social connections for Humboldt Park and nearby neighborhoods.
The project achieved an excellent safety record, with no major accidents and only one minor, no–work-loss injury, reflecting strong safety culture throughout construction
The general contractor was ALL Construction Group; the client was Humboldt Park Health.
Individual award winners are:
Educator of the Year – Bari Schwartz – Waukegan High School College and Career Counselor
Public Body of the Year – Village of La Grange/President Mark Kuchler
Construction Advocate of the Year – Robert Parrilli – IL Dept. of Labor
