Challenge Design-Build Project Delivery Addressed

Utilizing design-build allowed the design-builder to customize the prototypical design to meet the uniqueness of the community, and provide single point of responsibility for design and construction. This approach facilitates cost and schedule efficiencies, streamlining execution of the work and keeping the project within a prototypical cost range.

Summary

The Public Building Commission of Chicago selected Wight & Company, in collaboration with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, to provide design-build services for the Chinatown Branch Library, a new civic, educational and social hub for the neighborhood.

The Library features high-performance glass curtain walls, maximizing visibility, and allowing the exterior to present the image of a glowing lantern at night. The building features numerous sustainable elements and was designed and constructed to achieve LEED Gold status.

Design-Build Team

Client/Owner: Client: Chicago Public Library; Developer: Public Building Commission of Chicago
Design-Builder: Wight & Company
General Contractor: Wight & Company
Architects: Wight & Company, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Engineers: Drucker Zajdel Structural Engineers, Inc., Terra Engineering
Specialty Contractors: Reflection Window & Wall, LLC, Jade Mechanical
Specialty Consultants: Shen Milsom & Wilke LLC, John Lyle & Associates, Inc.
Other Team Members: Landscape Architect, Site Design Group, LTD., Pioneer EES, dbHMS, Foundation Services Corp., Suarez Electric, Brongiel Plumbing, Inc.
Duration of Construction: 15 months
Project Cost: $10,700,000