AIA Illinois Names 150 Great Places

The Illinois Chapter American Institute of Architects has announced its 150 Illinois Great Places-places identified by leading architects as contributing to their communities' quality of life.

The Great Places commemorate AIA chapter's 150th anniversary. The recognition was designed broadly and includes civil, landscape and engineering places, as well as architecture.

Each place will receive a plaque commemorating its impact on the community experience, and can be viewed on the Internet at www.illinoisgreatplaces.com.

The list includes schools, churches, offices, court houses, museums and planned communities. Though half of the places are historically designated, many others were built in the late 20th century. Renowned architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe are recognized, as are urban planners, landscape architects, urban designers and local builders.

The program also includes a thematic portion, acknowledging a highly recognizable type of building created by more than one designer. The Chicago Bungalow was among this group, with more than 70,000 built in the city.

Nominations came from all parts of the state and were open to anyone who wished to submit, including members of the public. A selection committee comprised of architects, local officials and other organizations determined the winners. Nominations were weighed against criteria including the AIA's "10 Principles of Livable Communities." They must be publicly accessible, pedestrian friendly, designed on a human scale and provide vibrant, public spaces.

"Illinois holds a unique place in the history of American architecture and has a strong tradition of design innovation that is recognized worldwide," said AIA Illinois President Leonard Koroski. "For 150 years, the work of AIA members has impacted our communities in countless ways. We honor that legacy by celebrating the past while looking forward to designing the future."

Architecture Index Remains Positive Despite Dropping Five Points

After three consecutive months of high scores, the Architecture Billings Index, a leading economic indicator of construction activity, dropped more than five points in February.

The American Institute of Architects reported the February ABI rating was 52.5 (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings), compared to a score of 57.9 in January.

The Midwest score was 50.8-the lowest in the country. The other regional averages were 65.7 in the Northeast, 57.3 in the South and 51.0 in the West.

Sectors broke down as follows: mixed practice (59.9), residential (55.6), institutional (53.5) and commercial / industrial (51.8).

Jacoby Arts Center Targeted for Renovation

The Jacoby Arts Center in Alton will soon be renovated, and the project will address the flow, function and visual impact of the 44,000-sq-ft facility.

The Jacoby Arts Center, a project of the Madison County Arts Council, houses a gallery, classrooms, ceramic studio, offices and other space.

St. Louis-based Trivers Associates was named the master planner.

Atlanta Firm Named Best Chicago Architect

Atlanta-based Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates was recently honored evening as Architect of the Year at the 19th Annual Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards Dinner.

TVS was also honored for its design of the Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America Headquarters in north suburban Deerfield. The project was chosen as the build-to-suit project of the year. TVS shared this honor with their partners on the development, Houston-based Hines Interests L.P. and Bethesda, Md.-based Clark Construction.

Phase one of the Takeda project is approximately 360,000 sq ft. The overarching concept includes a sweeping arc of office buildings embracing the site's naturally landscaped front yard.

TVS designers also completed the design of the Kimball Office and National Office Furniture Chicago Showrooms in late 2005. The firm is also responsible for the McCormick Place West expansion and the renovation of the Hyatt O'Hare hotel, both under construction.