Construction Company F.H. Paschen Receives Fairfax County “Excellence Award” for County Courthouse & Hybla Valley Community Center Projects

Fairfax County, VA – F.H. Paschen, a 115-year-old national leader in large-scale construction and infrastructure development was recently awarded the “Award for Excellence in Building Design and Construction” by the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES). The recognition highlights the firm’s outstanding work on two cornerstone projects: Courtroom Renovations Phase III and the Hybla Valley Community Center.

This is the second Fairfax County Department of Public Works “Award for Excellence” given to F.H. Paschen, with their Fairfax County Salt Dome construction project similarly awarded in 2021.

“We are honored to receive this award from Fairfax County, which speaks to the collaborative spirit, technical excellence, and community focus that define every project we take on,” said Charles Lawler, Vice President, F.H. Paschen. “Our teams are committed to delivering spaces that are both functional and inspiring, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the civic infrastructure of Fairfax County and the greater Mid-Atlantic region.”

Since opening in 2010, F.H. Paschen’s Mid-Atlantic office has delivered more than $300 million in completed work, with a dedicated local team now exceeding 50 employees. The office’s geographic focus spans Loudoun and Fairfax counties and beyond, where it has earned a reputation for quality execution and long-term client relationships.

F.H. Paschen has topped off the first phase of the Bellwood Gateway Development, a $43 million workforce housing project in the Chicago suburbs. The four-story, 71-unit community at 2711 and 2712 St. Charles Road will also include 6,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and is set to open in Spring 2026.

Serving as the developer and general contractor, F.H. Paschen now moves towards the enclosure of the structures. Once enclosed, work will move on to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection installations, followed by drywall, windows, and façade work in the final phase.

“Through the dedication of our team and partners, F.H. Paschen has delivered the Bellwood workforce apartments to this construction milestone on time and within budget,” said Tom Cross, head of the firm’s housing unit. “This workforce housing development will directly address the growing affordability crisis impacting middle-income families in Cook County.”

A Transformative Project
The Bellwood Gateway Development broke ground in July 2024, repurposing the sites of the former Village Hall, police and fire stations, and emergency management office. Designed by Chicago-based DesignBridge, the community will feature a modern aesthetic with light-filled spaces.

Financed through a combination of TIF financing, a State of Illinois grant secured by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, and the first-of-its-kind use of workforce housing bonds in Illinois.

“This project is a testament to what vision and collaboration can achieve,” said Peter Tsiolis of Strategic Project Management, Inc., which serves as the village’s Economic Development Department. “Bellwood is creating a new standard for workforce housing development in Cook County.”

Meeting a Community Need
Workforce housing, as defined by the Brookings Institute, serves households earning too much for traditional affordable housing subsidies but still struggling with high housing costs. Bellwood Mayor André Harvey sees the development as a way to attract working professionals back to the community.

“We want to build housing that keeps professionals—doctors, lawyers, first responders—here in Bellwood,” Harvey said. “This project is a key part of our vision for a thriving downtown.”

Located a mile from Interstate 290 and public transportation, the development offers easy access to greater Chicago.

Expanding Paschen’s Housing Portfolio
F.H. Paschen, a 115-year-old national leader in large-scale construction and infrastructure development has recently seen growth in public-private housing work. The Bellwood Gateway Apartments are the most recent addition to F.H. Paschen’s growing public-private housing portfolio, which includes the nearby $31 million.

Bellwood Senior Apartments and the $46 million Leyden Township Senior Apartments and Senior Center in Franklin Park. The company has quickly become a preferred partner for municipalities and local governments in Illinois and nationwide, delivering workforce, affordable and senior housing solutions from design to financing and execution.

“In markets across the U.S., F.H. Paschen is beginning to build transformative housing developments that serve communities and meet critical housing needs,” Cross added. “Our integrated approach, in partnership with partners like Mesirow Financial can make local government housing investments a reality.”

The Paschen Scholars Program, an innovative educational partnership between F.H. Paschen (FHP) and George Westinghouse College Prep (GWCP), organized a student worksite visit to the historic Garfield Park Conservatory where a renovation of the existing children’s garden within the southwest atrium conservatory is taking place. Once complete, the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden will feature a tropical environment for children and families to explore the wonders of tropical plants.

This visit represents another milestone in the Paschen Scholars program’s mission to provide hands-on technical education and real-world construction industry experience to Chicago’s next generation of builders and engineers. Launched in 2015, the Paschen Scholars Program is a three-year initiative that combines classroom learning with practical construction industry experience, helping students develop crucial technical skills while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The program exemplifies F.H. Paschen’s commitment to building not just structures, but also future industry leaders.

“The Garfield Park Conservatory visit offers our scholars a unique opportunity to witness construction principles in action within one of Chicago’s most beloved landmarks,” said Joe Scarpelli, Executive VP, F.H. Paschen. “This kind of experiential learning is fundamental to our program’s success in preparing students for careers in construction and engineering.”

During the site visit, Paschen Scholars:

• Engaged with industry professionals and learned about ongoing conservation efforts
• Observed real-world applications of construction and engineering principles
• Gained insights into sustainable building practices and historical preservation
• Connected classroom concepts with practical applications

The Paschen Scholars Program continues to demonstrate the positive impact of private-public educational partnerships in creating meaningful career pathways for Chicago students. This site visit showcases the program’s commitment to providing scholars with diverse learning experiences that bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice.

Franklin Park, IL — With shovels in hand, Leyden Township Supervisor Rocco D. Biscaglio, representatives of general contractor F.H. Paschen, Evergreen Real Estate group, and other partners marked the groundbreaking of a transformative new senior housing development and community center in Franklin Park, Illinois today. The event, attended by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, Illinois State Representative Brad Stephens, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar and other community leaders, signals the first significant step forward in addressing the critical housing needs of West Suburban Cook County seniors while transforming a vacant stretch of Mannheim Road.

The Leyden Township Apartments, a highlight of the Moving Mannheim Forward initiative, will feature an 80-unit, four-story residential building specifically designed to provide safe and comfortable housing for local seniors. The new Carl Fiorito Senior Center, a one-story community center will complement the apartments, offering programs, activities, and services tailored to the needs of older residents of Leyden Township.

“Leyden Township is committed to addressing the challenges faced by our senior population,” said Rocco D. Biscaglio, Leyden Township Supervisor. “This community is a testament to our dedication to providing all of the seniors in Leyden Township with accessible housing and the resources they need to sustain and improve their quality of life within our community.”

Designed by Weese Langley Klein Architects and scheduled to open in Summer 2026, this new planned-unit development is a collaborative effort between Leyden Township, developer Evergreen Real Estate Group, property manager Evergreen Real Estate Services, owner Leyden Apartments LP and general contractor F.H. Paschen.

Serving as the general contractor, Chicago-based F.H. Paschen has fast become a leader in the public-private housing partnerships that aim to bridge the gap in the need for senior, workforce and market-rate housing that is emerging across the Chicago suburbs.

“This senior center and housing community represents a profound moment for Leyden Township and its residents,” said Jim Blair, CEO of F.H. Paschen. “It is also another important milestone that demonstrates how F.H. Paschen is partnering with local governments to build critical public-private housing that allows seniors to age-in-place in their local communities.”

The redevelopment site is approximately 2.8 acres of vacant land located at the intersection of Mannheim Road and Nevada Avenue in Franklin Park. In addition to supporting the housing needs of the community, the development adds a new amenity for taxpayers. This re-development is also part of a land use improvement plan that is in keeping with Leyden Township’s efforts to revitalize the Mannheim Road corridor.

The combined development is financed through multiple sources, including the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Bank of America, Hudson Housing, Leyden Township, and the Cook County Department of Planning and Development. Mesirow Financial participated in the underwriting syndicate for the IHDA financing and served as the lead underwriter for Leyden Township’s General Obligation bond offering, which secured the remaining funds needed to complete the funding stack.

“Leyden Senior Apartments will be a meaningful development for Leyden Township, not only for the delivery of critical affordable housing and an adjacent senior center, but also for the significant investments being made within the community and along Mannheim Road”, said Chris Nash, Senior Relationship Manager at Bank of America. “These investments will be catalytic for additional jobs, tax revenue and investments, the result of which should ease budgets and free up competitive resources. Bank of America is grateful for the ability to partner with Evergreen Development, IHDA, Leyden Township and so many others to help bring this bold vision to life”.Also in attendance at the groundbreaking was Illinois State Representative Camille Y. Lilly and the Honorable Barrett Pedersen, Franklin Park Mayor.

The Significance of the Senior Community
Today’s ceremony highlighted the urgency of addressing the housing crisis for seniors in Cook County. According to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the number of seniors aged 65 to 84 in the Chicago metropolitan area, including its suburbs, is expected to double by 2040. Furthermore, the number of residents in the region who are over 85 years old is projected to triple.

The suburbs around Chicago, traditionally viewed as havens for young families, are now becoming critical in accommodating the needs of an aging population.

According to census estimates, Leyden Township has a greater percentage (18.1% of population) of seniors compared with all of Cook County (16.1% of population) and that number is expected to grow.

“These apartments and the new senior citizen community center will provide seniors an opportunity to stay in the community they love while maintaining their independence and providing entertainment and recreation at their doorstep,” added Biscaglio. “This is more than a construction job; it’s a commitment to our residents.”

Community Highlights

• Leyden Senior Apartments: An 80-unit (72 one-bedrooms and 8 two-bedrooms), four-story building offering secure and comfortable housing for seniors. Expected occupancy date is “Summer 2026”.
• The new one-story senior center, known as the Carl Fiorito Senior Center will be built on a separate lot of the property. The center will be host to activities, programs, and services tailored to older residents.

Referendums can be challenging and burdensome on district resources. That’s why hiring a Construction Manager with successful referendum experience is critical to maximizing school budgets while providing valuable insight throughout the process.

F.H. Paschen is proud to have been part of a successful March 2024 referendum with Union Ridge School District 86 and ARCON Associates. Union Ridge 86 had not ever gone to referendum with the last significant school addition coming more than 50 years ago. The school was at max capacity with district administrators moving into trailers on-site to create more classroom space for students.

Our team worked hand-in-hand with ARCON to develop ten scenarios and options for the School Board to review. We provided cost validation and alternative solutions to ensure the maximization of the potential referendum funds. We presented those options to the community at several meetings to offer transparency and understanding of the taxpayer investment.

Union Ridge 86 chose the option that provided security and classroom expansion and enchantments for the value and best use of space. Our preconstruction team was working in collaboration with ARCON to provide real market pricing throughout the several months of community engagement to ensure that the ask on ballot would reflect in real and meaningful upgrades to the student learning environment.

On March 19th, voters voted in favor of the referendum and our preconstruction team met with ARCON within the week to develop a program schedule. The schedule includes three key milestone cost validation dates during the design and construction document phase to ensure the project stays within the referendum budget. Construction is due to start February 2025, less than a year after the successful passage of the referendum.

F.H. Paschen is proud to announce that we have received the Best Project Award in the K-12 Education category from ENR Midwest for our work on the Niles Township High School District 219 addition and renovation project.

Responding to growing concerns from students and the community about school safety and security, District 219 undertook a transformative project that not only addressed these concerns but also significantly enhanced the visitor experience. The project evolved into a comprehensive solution, encompassing a three-story, 43,000 square-foot addition and a 16,000 square-foot renovation. Key features include a secure vestibule, collaborative learning studios, student commons, and wellness lounges. The design also introduced a new tertiary security zone, ensuring the safety of students while providing necessary access to visitors.

Beyond security enhancements, the project focused on creating flexible, collaborative spaces that were previously lacking. The building’s design includes agile learning studios, student gathering spaces, and a unique biophilic environment that fosters both education and well-being. The first floor, with its double-story volume and natural daylighting, serves as a welcoming space that transitions from student entry to an auditorium pre-function area.

F.H. Paschen’s dedication to sustainability is evident throughout the project. The building’s energy-efficient systems, abundant natural light, and low-embodied carbon materials contribute to the district’s goal of reducing its environmental footprint.

Our commitment to the community was integral to this project. We engaged local students by providing them with hands-on experience through construction site tours, allowing them to witness the project’s development firsthand. Additionally, our Scholarship Program, supported by fundraising and employee donations, awarded two students $1,000 scholarships to pursue careers in the trades.

F.H. Paschen’s focus on diversity and inclusion was also reflected in this project, with M/W/DBE subcontractors making up approximately 8% of the contract value, further strengthening our ties to the community.

This award from ENR Midwest recognizes not only the technical excellence and innovation of the project but also the positive impact it has had on the Niles Township community. We are honored to have been a part of this transformative project and look forward to continuing our mission of building strong, safe, and inclusive communities.

The newly constructed Damen station on the Green Line opened for service Monday morning, marking a significant milestone for Chicago’s public transportation network. The opening ceremony was attended by Mayor Johnson, project leaders, and city officials, celebrating the culmination of a project designed to enhance connectivity and serve the community.

Located at the intersection of North Damen Avenue and West Lake Street, the Damen ‘L’ station addresses a 1.5-mile gap in service that previously existed between the California and Ashland stations on the Green Line. This new addition, constructed by F.H. Paschen, will not only benefit the Near West Side of Chicago but also provide convenient access to the United Center, which hosts over 200 events annually.

The site of the new Damen station has a historical significance; it was once home to a station from 1893 until its closure in 1948. The vacant lot has now been transformed into a modern, multimodal transit hub. Designed by the architectural firm Perkins&Will, the station features a double-height main entrance, an artistic mural, a stone-clad elevator core, and an elevated bridge with green trusses and a lit tower, making it a visually striking addition to the area. The project also included over a mile of track reconstruction to seamlessly integrate the station into the existing network.

The opening of the Damen station represents a major improvement in the city’s transit infrastructure, providing enhanced accessibility and connectivity for residents and visitors alike

Village of Bellwood, State of Illinois, F.H. Paschen and Mesirow Public Finance Collaborate On Transformative Housing Development Utilizing Workforce Housing Bonds in Illinois

Community leaders, developers, and residents gathered to mark the groundbreaking of a transformative new workforce housing project today in Bellwood that signals the start of a first-of-its-kind project in the State of Illinois.

Located at 2711 St. Charles Road, this new development is a collaborative project between the Village of Bellwood, construction manager and developer F.H. Paschen, the State of Illinois and Mesirow Public Finance and promises to meet the growing demand for workforce housing in West Suburban Cook County.

Scheduled for completion in Spring 2026, this new workforce housing project has been made possible by financing secured through a combination of private investment, a State of Illinois grant – secured by Speaker Emauel “Chris” Welch – and the innovative use of workforce housing bonds, marking a milestone in community development financing in Suburban Cook County.

“Every great village has a great downtown, and I am so honored to break ground on a longtime dream come true for myself and more importantly for the residents,” said Bellwood Mayor André F. Harvey.   “The Bellwood Gateway Project is a gateway to Bellwood’s future. This wouldn’t be possible without this amazing team including Speaker Welch who shares our vision.  I am blessed with a great village board of trustees and staff. Peter Tsiolis and Aric Swaney that head up economic development for the village never say ‘no,’ but rather always say ‘let’s go.’  A special thanks to everyone at FH Paschen, Mesirow Financial and DesignBridge that played pivotal roles.”

The Bellwood project marks the first-ever workforce housing development to utilize workforce housing bonds anywhere in Illinois.

“Growing up in the ‘Woods – Bellwood and Maywood – made me the man I am today; it will always be home,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “I’m so proud that this first phase of the Bellwood Gateway Project will help dozens of families call this vibrant, diverse community their home, too. I want to thank Mayor Harvey, village staff, and residents for their shared vision in revitalizing our downtown spaces.”

As outlined by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) in their “On To 2050 Plan”, communities like Bellwood need to match local housing supply with types that residents want – and increasingly today that means workforce housing.

The developer is F.H Paschen – an Illinois-based construction company with more than 100 years of experience across Chicago and the suburbs including the development of workforce housing projects.

“At F.H. Paschen, we know first hand how communities like Bellwood are adapting to meet the demands of their changing population. We’ve been working in Chicago and the suburbs for almost a century to help build the places we live and learn and age-in-place,” said James Blair, CEO of F.H. Paschen.  “This transformative workforce housing project in Bellwood stands as a repeatable initiative that other suburban communities can emulate. This project exemplifies the successful collaboration between public and private entities to provide housing options for a changing workforce.”

“Today, we celebrate more than the start of construction. This project represents F.H. Paschen’s commitment to building better communities through the creation of workforce housing in Bellwood,” said James Blair, President and CEO of F.H. Paschen.  “This project is a testament to what a community can achieve through collaboration and vision.  In particular, the work of Speaker Chris Welch – who provided the initial grant to make workforce housing possible in the Village of Bellwood.”

Joining Village of Bellwood Mayor Andre F. Harvey at the groundbreaking was State of Illinois General Assembly Speaker Emanual “Chris” Welch, F.H. Paschen President and CEO James Blair and Peter Tsiolis, Strategic Project Management.

“This project is an example of a mayor and village that aren’t myopic or limited in their vision.” said Peter Tsiolis.  “It is a testament to Mayor Harvey’s leadership and ability to bring together this stellar team to create the Bellwood of the future.”

In a testament to his unwavering commitment to the surrounding communities, F.H. Paschen is proud to announce that its Executive Vice President, Joe Scarpelli, has been awarded the March of Dimes Lifetime Legacy Award.

The March of Dimes Lifetime Legacy Award is a distinguished honor presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to their community. Joe’s tireless efforts and long-standing commitment to various communities have made him a standout choice for this recognition.

Throughout his career, Joe has consistently proven himself as a pillar of the community, actively participating in initiatives aimed at developing and improving student’s career paths in the construction industry. His work with high school students, higher educational institutions, and community outreach programs has left an enduring mark, creating positive change for communities.

Under his guidance, F.H. Paschen has also been able create a robust internship program where students from high school through their senior year of college have been able to find their Paschen.

F.H. Paschen congratulates Joe Scarpelli on this well-deserved honor.

The ENR Midwest Awards recognizes the mastery of construction and engineering and celebrates the positive impact these projects have on local communities. One such standout is the new Chicago Park District Administrative Headquarters and Fieldhouse acknowledged for its pivotal role in transforming an underserved community. Led by the Paschen ALL team, this award-winning joint venture brings together innovative construction, collaborative teamwork, and a profound commitment to community engagement. From the administration building to the meticulously planned outdoor recreational spaces, the project serves as an example of transformative development in the Brighton Park community.

In the heart of Chicago’s underserved Brighton Park community, the Chicago Park District Administrative Headquarters and Fieldhouse is a place for growth and vitality. What was once a vacant 17-acre is now a thriving community hub.  This 79,000SF design includes a grand lawn, children’s playground, nature play areas, and a splash pad. This intentional design seamlessly integrates workplace and recreation, offering not just physical spaces but fostering a vibrant environment that encourages interaction and propels community growth.

F.H. Paschen is honored to be awarded the Best Project Office/Retail/Mixed Use Award.

On Thursday, May 25th, four Paschen Engineering Scholars celebrated their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  It was the fifth group of CPS George Westinghouse College Prep students to graduate from the program. In addition to the senior class graduation, six freshmen from Westinghouse College Prep will be introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars.

The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program curriculum includes hands-on activities to develop technical skills, building problem-solving abilities, and gaining real-world work experience to improve the scholars’ knowledge of and access to career opportunities in the STEM and construction fields.

“I was very happy about inducting our 8th class of rising sophomores into our program. But I was even more excited about announcing that four of our graduating Paschen Scholars and two other Westinghouse students will be joining us this summer for the Paschen Bridge internship program. Special thanks to all the employees that helped to make this event a success.” Said Executive Vice President, Joe Scarpelli.

The four graduates were accepted into the schools of their choice and will begin their post-secondary education in the Fall. Additionally, the graduates will receive an $800 Amazon gift card for books and technology, and $200 worth of college essentials.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 and a big welcome to the Class of 2026!

Five years after the opening of the 41^st Street Pedestrian the 43rd bridge is now open in the Kenwood neighborhood of Near South Side of Chicago. This ADA bridge now gives the neighborhood direct access to the lakefront for pedestrians and cyclists. The 43^rd Street Pedestrian Bridge is the fourth of five new or reconstructed bridge projects steered by the city’s Department of Transportation.

This bridge was designed by AECOM in collaboration with Cordogan and Clark & Associates with F.H. Paschen as the primary contractor on the project. Work began in November 2020, with crews demolishing the overpass in June of 2021. Besides giving the neighborhood greater access to the lake, it also allows for emergency vehicles to cross Lake Shore Drive and the adjacent railroad tracks.

For a closer look at our project, check out our video!

43rd Street Bridge Over South Lake Shore Drive is Now Open! – YouTube

This year students, faculty, and staff of George Westinghouse College Prep attended the 8th annual P.I.E. (Paschen: Innovations in Engineering) Day event on Wednesday, February 1st. F.H. Paschen hosted the event at Westinghouse College Prep as an introduction to their Paschen Engineering Scholars Program.  

The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program began in 2015 and exposes students to curriculum and hands-on activities that develops technical skills, builds problem-solving abilities, and offers real-world work experience as well as access to career opportunities in the STEM and construction fields. 

Project Engineer, Michael Campbell kicked off the event with a history lesson of F.H. Paschen and giving background information on the Paschen Scholars Program. Following the presentation students competed in groups to build the tallest standing towers with marshmallows and toothpicks. The event also included testimonies from current scholars, which allowed potential candidates to hear from their peers on what it means to be a Paschen Scholar.  

Following the event, students interested in the program will apply to be a Paschen Scholar. Applications are followed-up with interviews with F.H. Paschen team members, who will then select six students that will be welcomed into the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony at F.H. Paschen in May.