T Andrews Construction is proud to announce the historic renovation of the Conway Mansion that we anticipate to complete in early spring 2010. The new building will function as the Sacred Heart Schools’ home for its Institutional Advancement Department, offices of Admissions, Communications, Development, and Parent and Alumni Relations. Constructed in 1906 in a Tudor Revival style, the Conway Mansion posed several challenges in its restoration, requiring that certain architectural and decorative features be preserved while still serving the modern needs of the Sacred Heart Schools.
Our efforts to adapt this architecturally and historically significant building to today’s use had many contributors—each of whom played an essential role in the project. We would like to recognize project architect, Jeff Zelisko of Antunovich Associates for his expertise in balancing of the building’s modern needs and its historical past. Additionally, Nat Wilburn—Head of the Sacred Heart Schools— Arona Puttrich, Facilities Manager John Ptak and the entire construction committee collaborated in helping us realize a facility that met the Schools’ needs, and we thank them for their help and guidance. Lastly, we would like to thank Ray Prokop of Wight Construction for his contributions and input acting as Owner’s Representative. It is a thrill to see the Conway Mansion being restored to take its place in the architectural, educational, and cultural fabric of Chicago. Enjoy a few historic photos for now and stay tuned for the “new and improved” photos that we will be posting very soon!
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November 18, 2009 will be remembered by T Andrews Construction as the day our company achieved a significant milestone. The Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago (HBAGC) awarded our company two prestigious Golden Key Awards and for the first time honored us with the coveted Crystal Key Award for the home we built for Mario and Julie Greco in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood. For those that are not aware, The HBAGC is the local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) which is the largest home building association in the United States. In fact, NAHB’s builder members construct about 80 percent of the new homes built each year. Needless to say, the project’s success would not have been possible without the contributions of our dedicated subcontractors and material suppliers who truly went above and beyond on this and honestly all of the residential and commercial projects we build. We also would like to recognize the imagination and creativity provided by the interior design firm of Suzanne Lovell, Inc from beginning to end. The commitment of Jeffrey Kebschull, Amy Cassell and the vigilant oversight of Suzanne Lovell, were key factors in making this project a success. Finally, we would like to thank Mario and Julie Greco for giving us the opportunity to build their new home. Most importantly however, this project gave us the chance to forge a key friendship that we consider a valued asset. This may have been the first Crystal Key but definitely won’t be last. . . STAY TUNED!!!
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Lincoln Park West & River North Landscaped Buildout Projects
In dealing with the challenging economic reality of our time, commercial and residential building owners are looking for cost effective ways to improve their properties. Dollar for dollar, few improvements match the impact than upgrading a building’s appeal through a dramatic landscaping buildout. Through a collaborative effort with the Landscape Architect Jacobs Ryan, we are happy to announce the completion of the landscaped pool deck buildout at 1960 Lincoln Park West and a residential roof deck in Chicago’s River North with the team at Hoerr Schaudt. By expanding the living experience to the outside, owners significantly increase not only a property’s aesthetic beauty but also its value. Below are a few economic and environmental benefits that upgraded landscaped exteriors provide.
Economic Benefits
- A study by Joel Goldsteen of the School of Urban and Public Affairs at the University of Texas, Arlington showed that of all the architectural and urban design variables evaluated, landscape amenities had the highest correlation with the occupancy of rental properties.
- According to Judith Guido, Director of Marketing for Land Care USA, landscaping can add as much as 14% resale value to a building .
Environmental Benefits
- According to Joan Wagner of the International Society of Arboriculture Arborist News, trees and plants combat global warming by absorbing the carbon emitted by vehicles, lowering carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning plants, and reducing the energy used for climate control in buildings.
- University of Wisconsin Madison, Department of Urban and Regional Planning states that Green Space helps regulate air quality and climate… reducing energy consumption by countering the warming effects of paved surfaces, recharging groundwater supplies and protecting lakes and streams from polluted runoff.
Please contact us on your next exterior buildout or roof deck project. The relationships we have established with some of Chicago’s best landscaped Architects as well as our vast construction management experience required for these projects, will ensure your project will not only be spectacular but will also be completed on time and on budget. Please check under our commercial and residential tabs for additional photos of our just completed projects and stay tuned for photos of two more roof deck projects we have just started in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.
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10 Things to Consider When Hiring a General Contractor
When facing the challenges inherent in every construction project, it is critical that the General Contractor or Construction Manager you hire properly qualified to perform their job effectively. Click onto the link above for a list of 10 practical things people should keep in mind during the hiring process. We hope this provides you with a few ideas that may benefit you on your next project.
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After a little over a year of construction work, T Andrews Construction is proud to announce the completion of a stunning new single family home for our clients and friends Mario & Julie Greco. The Grecos are good friends of ours since we started working with Mario and Rubloff Residential Properties on many residential projects over the last 4 years. The traditionally designed 6200 square foot home is located in Chicago’s “Old Irving Park” neighborhood. Many “Green Building” methods were utilized including Geothermal HVAC System, Engineered Panelized Construction, Sprayed Foam Icynene Insulation and preparing for a future installation of Photovoltaic Solar Panels. Another notable accomplishment is the home’s 5 star score that we received with ”Energy Star” certified testing. Impressive finishes include Marvin Windows and Doors, Crown Point Cabinetry, Ann Sachs Tile, California Closets and Waterworks Plumbing Fixtures. The home’s Architectural Plans were completed by our Partner Chris Walsh of Archidesiacs, Inc. The Interior Design work was performed by Jeffrey Kebschull, Amy Cassell and the talented team at Suzanne Lovell. We are excited to see how the final exterior will turn out based on the plans that were completed by Hoerr – Schaudt Landscaping Architects. Again many thanks to both Mario and Julie for placing their trust in us, as everyone worked really hard and in the end, the home is simply spectacular! Stay tuned for new photos that we will post on our website as soon as everyone (including the Greco’s dogs) have had a chance to settle in.
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Greek Circle Magazine Article “Going Green”
Happy Springtime Greetings Everyone!!!
With the “Green” of springtime finally in the air. . .we are proud to share an article that talks about how we are working on being a “Green” company and jumping into such Eco-Friendly building practices such as Geothermal Heating & Cooling, using Pre Engineered Panalized Constrution and “Energy Star” Certification. We believe that “Green” Construction is the new building standard. The sooner the market embraces these and other sustainable technonlogies the better of we’ll be in the years to come. We thank our friends Aris Dravillas and Amalia Deligiannis for all their time and effort in making this article possible.
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Wanted to let everyone know about an exciting collaboration we had with our friends at Suzanne Lovell, Inc. They were one of 2 Interior Designers who were selected by Architectural Digest to put together an actual room for AD’s Annual Trade Show in New York City in March. T Andrews Construction provided the millwork, painting and tile work for the room which was titled “Portrait of a Lady”. The room was very well received by everyone. We were very excited to play a role in the success of this project and look forward to participating in other such ventures in the future!
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