F.H. Paschen Tops Out Chicago-Area Workforce Housing
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 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.
West Lawn resident achieves milestone of landing his dream job straight out of college.
In 2016, F.H. Paschen (FHP) and George Westinghouse College Prep (GWCP) joined forces to introduce the Paschen Scholars Program. This unique three-year initiative is designed to provide students like West Lawn resident Jose Reyes with hands-on activities that develop technical skills, foster problem-solving abilities, and offer real-world work experience. Reyes, a former GWCP student, was one of the first to embark on this STEM journey. His participation in the program set him on a path from high school to college, ultimately leading to a full-time position immediately after graduation.
After Reyes graduated from the Paschen Scholars Program, he left for the University of Illinois to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. He returned to FHP each summer as a paid intern shadowing “amazing managers” across different company divisions and learning the day-to-day,
“As a first-gen college student, I faced many unknowns,” Reyes shared. “But Paschen was always there, providing the support and guidance I needed. Joe Scarpelli, in particular, was a constant presence, checking on my progress and offering encouragement. My grades weren’t always perfect, but I worked hard to graduate and achieve full-time status at Paschen.”
Reyes found more than a job at Paschen; he found a “home.” The number of employees who had made the company their long-term career plan inspired him. He described Paschen as a stable environment that offered job security and personal and professional growth opportunities.
“Paschen is a one-of-a-kind company. If you tell them what you’re looking for, they’ll help you find it,” said Reyes. “They’ve been alongside me through high school and college, and now they’re allowing me to start a rewarding career. With their guidance, I know where I want to go and what I will be met with when I get there. I’m ready!”
On June 3, Reyes began his official full-time employment at FHP as a Project Engineer. In this role, he will be working on projects related to the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), allowing him to give back to his community and school system.
As part of its workforce development efforts, F.H. Paschen finds opportunities to influence students during their high school and college careers and through transition periods. In 2023, they launched Paschen Bridge, a paid internship for students transitioning from high school to college. Since its inception, nine scholars have participated. FHP establishes the foundation, offers stepping stones, and opens the gateway to a full-time career.
“We’ve developed an ongoing track for candidates interested in the industry. We identify their interest in high school and foster that interest through our Paschen Scholars Program. We then continue that trajectory with our Paschen Bridge and College Internship programs, so neither side loses touch with the individual’s career goals. These programs aren’t just something for their resume. They’re opportunities to gain additional experience alongside their schooling and develop a relationship with a company that intends to hire them full-time as a member of our organization,” said FHP Executive Vice President Joe Scarpelli.
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.”
On Thursday, May 16th, six Paschen Engineering Scholars celebrated their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony. It was the sixth 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 ninth 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.
This Hard Hat Ceremony also celebrated the major achievement of Jose Reyes, who was part of the first class of Paschen Scholars. Jose graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Jose will join F.H. Paschen full-time starting in June.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and a big welcome to the Class of 2027!
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.
F.H. Paschen began conversations with the Village of Schaumburg in July of 2021 to discuss various renovations at the Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, Wintrust Field. In the Fall of 2021, after the Schaumburg Boomers clinched their fourth championship in the Frontier League, the renovation plans to the 20-year-old stadium were approved.
Due to baseball season spanning from May to September, F.H. Paschen had a limited timeframe to complete all construction. The best avenue for the Village in these circumstances was to utilize a cooperative contract with F.H. Paschen through the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA). This contract has already been competitively bid and streamlines the procurement process, allowing construction to start in the field more quickly.
The renovation work began in October 2021 with the installation of a retractable mesh batter’s eye system in center field, which is a dark surface that allows batters to see the ball against an uncluttered and contrasting background. Paschen extended the concourse level by removing four separate seating sections, filling the spaces with concrete for the addition of four new outdoor suites and numerous new gathering platforms for guests to enjoy the games. New epoxy flooring across the concourse level and concessions areas was installed and upper suite level bathrooms were renovated with new finishes. Windows were replaced in the Schaumburg Club and the Jim Beam Club to better fan experience and improve safety. Additionally, the plaza outside the main entrance was recoated and new safety bollards were installed, giving the ballpark a fresh look.
Through utilizing this cooperative contract and F.H. Paschen, the Boomers were able to get their renovations completed in time for the start of the 2022 season and with limited interference with practices, games, and other daily operations. The Schaumburg Boomers are now midway through their 2022 season and the faculty, team, and fans are enjoying the freshly renovated Wintrust Field!
On Thursday, June 23rd, construction started on the 72,000 square ft., four-story senior housing apartment building for low-income seniors ages 62 and over in Bellwood, IL.
The development and construction team made up of F.H. Paschen, Evergreen Real Estate Group, and Weese Langley Weese Architects LTD, who partnered with the Village of Bellwood to design and construct the 80-unit facility.
“It’s a beautiful day in Bellwood,” said Mayor Andre Harvey. “We needed to do something more for the seniors in our community. We had a vision of what we wanted – a transformative development – and thanks to the help and collaboration from our development, design, construction, and financing partners, it’s becoming a reality.”
Located at the intersection of 25th Avenue and Washington Avenue, the building fills a critical need for the Village of Bellwood and seniors in the community. The lot had previously been a Walgreens, but has been vacant for 11 years.
“F.H. Paschen is excited to partner with this team and the Village of Bellwood on this project. We look forward to delivering a first-class apartment building for the Bellwood community,” said F.H. Paschen Senior Vice President, Leo Wright, who attended the groundbreaking.
Speakers at the groundbreaking included Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey, Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, Illinois Housing Development Authority Executive Director Kristin Faust, State Representative Will Guzzardi.
ABOUT THE COMPANIES:
F.H. Paschen is a general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder with over 115 years of experience in the construction industry, serving both public and private customers and clients across the country.
Evergreen Real Estate Group (Evergreen) is an affordable housing developer whose portfolio includes new construction and rehabilitation projects for both family and senior housing.
Weese Langley Weese Architects LTD, is a well-established Chicago architectural firm, with a long history of designing affordable housing projects.
F.H. Paschen, a national general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder has expanded their Midwestern footprint and opened an office in downtown Detroit. Located in the historic Globe Building, the new office address is 407 E. Fort Street, Suite 500, Detroit, MI 48226.
In a parallel move, F.H. Paschen announced the hiring of Ken Swartz. As the Regional General Manager, Ken Swartz will oversee the operations of the new office. Ken brings 40 years of experience in the construction industry and has been part of the Detroit Metropolitan business community for over 28 years.
Known for spearheading many notable large and small-scale construction projects, F.H. Paschen is expanding their operations. Critical to the expansion was the location of their new office in downtown Aurora.
“It was important to be downtown and be part of this community,” said F.H. Paschen Senior Vice President and Aurora resident, Leo Wright. “One of the goals of the Mayor and City Council was to bring more jobs and businesses to the downtown area, and we’re excited to be part of that.”
The new F.H. Paschen office is located at 1 S. Broadway, a historic Grant Elmslie building.
“Welcoming F.H. Paschen to downtown Aurora is a dynamic way to start the new year,” said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin. “Much like our downtown, F.H. Paschen has a strong history and a vibrant future. The company’s leaders and employees are not only experts in their field, they have already proven to be stalwart corporate citizens who are committed to the betterment of Aurora. They have brought back to life one of our historic buildings and plan to help others develop their own dream properties as well.”
In 2019, F.H. Paschen completed emergency repairs on the very building they’re moving into. “It’s the kind of work we’re used to doing,” said Leo Wright. F.H. Paschen was recently awarded a Job Order Contract with the City of Aurora, which can be used for repairs and renovations to city and municipal buildings across Aurora and other public agencies throughout the state.
The F.H. Paschen Safety Committee unanimously selected Jason Cox as the 2020 Johnny B. Golden Hard Hat Safety Award winner.
To be eligible for this award, the individual must exceed in three categories: 1) successfully execute our Safety and Quality Control approach, 2) lead the men and women on our jobsites with a proactive, safety-focused approach, and 3) carry-out the legacy of John Barkowski. The same people who described Johnny B as a detailed-oriented and solutions-driven man, say the same about Jason.
Regardless of how large volume or high-profile the job is, Jason has never sacrificed safety. He understands that safety is important to our clients and owners, and that starts with the men and women working on our jobsites. Jason makes it clear that he cares for the tradespeople under his supervision and that intentional effort translates to a team-focused approach to safety. For Johnny B, it was always about the team; success couldn’t be found without the whole team buying in, and Jason has continued that legacy.
Thank you, Jason, and congratulations on being selected for this prestigious award. Jason Cox follows the previous two award winners: Jason Pope (‘19) and Jeremy Roach (‘18).
On Friday, May 3, CPS students participating in the competitive Paschen Engineering Scholars Program from George Westinghouse College Prep (GWCP) participated in an educational tour of the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Cicero as part of their STEM discovery and training initiative. The scholars toured the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), one of the largest wastewater treatment facilities in the world, serving residents in the central part of Chicago and 46 other communities.
“It was bittersweet,” said F.H. Paschen Project Manager and GWCP Paschen Engineering Scholars liaison, Antonia Winfrey. “I’m watching my first group of scholars participate in their final tour prior to their Hard Hat Ceremony graduation on May 30th. We’ve grown so much together and I know we’re setting them on the right path. It’s been an incredible journey.”
Owned and operated by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), the Stickney WRP serves 2.3 million people within 260 square miles in Cook County to mitigate flooding and convert wastewater into valuable resources such as clean water, phosphorous, biosolids, and natural gas.
“It was a great example of engineering at work,” said Joe Scarpelli, Executive Vice President at F.H. Paschen. “Every opportunity we have to show these students the power of STEM at work is so valuable, and today was extremely impactful.”
Students that participated in the tour represent each of the current four classes of F.H. Paschen’s Engineering Scholars Program, a curriculum that includes hands-on activities that allow the scholars to develop technical skills, build problem-solving abilities and gain real world work experience to improve their knowledge of and access to career opportunities in the STEM fields.
“We were happy to welcome a group of bright students from Westinghouse College Prep to our Stickney Water Reclamation Plant,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “We hope they gained an appreciation for the work the MWRD does to clean water and recover resources. We also hope they will consider careers in the water industry.”
F.H. Paschen hosted its 4th Annual P.I.E. (Paschen: Innovations in Engineering) Series event at George Westinghouse College Prep School, where we introduced the Paschen Scholars program to a new set of interested candidates and discussed the field of engineering and how it applies to careers in construction.
Ryan Kinney of Westinghouse opened the event and Antonia Winfrey of Paschen gave an overview of the day. Joe Scarpelli gave a presentation on the history of F.H. Paschen and background on the vast array of projects the company has completed.
The presentation this year consisted of a question and answer panel featuring four Paschen employees. The panelists, a Project Engineer, Project Manager, Project Superintendent and Vice President spoke with a grand total of over 100 years of construction experience. Westinghouse students and parents were engaged and asked incredibly thoughtful questions.
Then, of course, we had pie!
Paschen is proud of our relationship with Westinghouse, and we are looking forward to welcoming the next group of Paschen Scholars into the program.
To learn more about the Paschen Scholars program, click here.
F.H. Paschen’s D.C. Team Organizes Annual Food Drive
For the second consecutive year, F.H. Paschen staff are collecting food for those who are less fortunate in Northern Virginia. The donations will benefit Food for Others in Fairfax. The food bank primarily serves the elderly and families with children in the community. “We’re holding the food drive because we want to improve the community where we live and work not just through exceptional construction work, but also by giving back,” Anthony Edwards shared.
Anthony said staff selected Food for Others because of the way it operates. “It’s set up more like a grocery store, so people have a chance to pick what they enjoy eating which is especially important for kids,” he explained.
Last year, the D.C. team collected nearly 279 pounds of food in only two weeks. Everyone in the office and field donated along with subcontractors. The goal this year is to triple the amount collected in 2017. The food drive started on November 1 and will continue until December 15. The donations will be delivered to Food for Others on December 17.
Students from surrounding colleges estimated multiple heavy civil items for the Chicago Transit Authority Washington/Wabash Station in the Chicago Loop. The CTA elevated station was constructed in Jeweler’s Row between Madison and Washington to serve the CTA’s Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines. The project consolidated historic, but dated, Madison/Wabash and Randolph/Wabash stations into a single station. New station construction consisted of a foundation-up rebuild of CTA structure within station limits, including complete demolition and rebuild of two track structure spans to accommodate a mezzanine level station house.
The winning team, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, was able to identify and alleviate many of the issues that our project team encountered during construction. They went above and beyond to ensure that the Washington/Wabash Elevated loop station was estimated correctly. They had detailed work plans, over a 15 page safety plan, and had the closest bid. Congratulations!
We also want to thank the 2nd place team, The Ohio State University, and 3rd place team, The University of Cincinnati for their effort and hard work on this project.
The conference was October 17th through October 20th at the Hilton Doubletree in Downers Grove, IL.
Engineering News-Record (ENR) collected over 100 entries from 11 states for their annual Best Projects Awards. Of the 40 best projects chosen, F.H. Paschen won three.
F.H. Paschen swept the Airports/Transit sector of the awards with Washington/Wabash CTA Station being selected as Best Project and American Airlines Stinger Gate L receiving the Award of Merit.
In addition to those awards, Paschen collected the award for Best Project in the Small Project (Under $10 million) sector with our work completed at the Harrison/Dever Crib Complex Structure.
Each of the winning projects will be featured in-depth in the November edition of ENR Midwest.
The Conrad Sulzer Regional Library was built by our Paschen family of contractors in 1985. Recently, we were privileged to renovate this historic Chicago Public Library.
This interior renovation was completed in ten phases across three floors, in order to keep the building fully operational throughout construction.
Project Engineer Sean Lewis stated, “The interior renovation was especially challenging due to the magnitude of the renovation scope and the library’s one and only requirement – keep the library 100% operational at all times. This posed many coordination challenges, including a 10 phased project schedule for the base scope. The library was pleased throughout the project with the quality of work and the minimal impact that we had on the patrons and staff of the library.”
Work included new flooring and painting throughout the building, a new lobby circulation desk, three new conference rooms, upgraded power and data, new fixtures/accessories at all seven bathrooms, a new AV system in the auditorium, and children’s area upgrades. The entire library lighting system also was retrofit with upgraded LED fixtures.
The job was completed by F.H. Paschen’s Preferred Projects Group (PPG). For more information on our wide variety of services and delivery methods, click here.
On Thursday, May 31, F.H. Paschen held its annual “Hard Hat Ceremony” and inducted six new scholars into the three-year Paschen Engineering Scholars Program. Past scholars have worked on Chicago infrastructure projects such as the CTA’s 95th Street Red Line Terminal Improvement Project and the new 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge over Lake Shore Drive.
“At Paschen a key core value is for us to seek and provide opportunities for all. Our affiliation with GWCP provides Paschen with a way to invest in our community by providing a great opportunity for young people,” said Chuck Freiheit, Chief Operating Officer of F.H. Paschen.
The program includes three years of STEM curriculum, summer internships, exposure to college engineering programs, construction site visits, classroom-to-site applications, and one-on-one support ensure students have the opportunity to seek the STEM career of his or her dreams with confidence.
“Our goal for the Paschen Scholars Program is to follow these talented young people through their college years by continuing to provide real world summer intern opportunities,” said Jim Blair, Chief Executive Officer of F.H. Paschen. “Upon completion of their college studies, they begin a challenging and satisfying professional career by joining our Paschen team.”
F.H. Paschen, along with our partners EXP and Burns & McDonnell, accepted the 2018 Infrastructure Construction Award from the Chicago Building Congress (CBC) for the Washington/Wabash Elevated Loop CTA Station.
The iconic CTA Station was designed to become the gateway for Millennium Park and the Loop. This Design/Bid/Build project features a canopy with an architectural oscillating wave pattern, and has become a point of interest for travellers commuting through the Loop.
This latest award joins the Association of Subcontractors and Affiliates (ASA) Outstanding Project of the Year, Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) Project of the Year (Finalist), and Chicago Department of Transportation (IRTBA) Outstanding Transit Contractor of the Year in recognizing this groundbreaking and transformative CTA Station.
F.H. Paschen delivered the new American Airlines L Stinger Concourse at O’Hare International Airport, the first gate capacity expansion in 25 years.
“This project is a true testament of the successful collaboration between client, designer and contractor. The progressive spirit of the team made the project successful in so many ways,” said Frank Mullaghy, Vice President of Paschen’s Aviation Group. “Key performance indicators with respect to the budget, schedule, safety and quality were achieved through the commitment and experience of our managers and workforce coupled with the mutual respect of each team member, open communication and transparency across the project.”.
Paschen also delivered on their commitment to utilizing a diverse group of subcontractors and workers. Paschen granted over 47 percent of this project’s subcontracts to minority and women owned businesses and over 48 percent of work hours were performed by skilled minority workers.
Paschen was selected along with the design team of Corgan, Jacobs, Thornton Tomasetti and HTP, who together provided a seamless integration of design and construction. Utilizing a CM@ Risk delivery method, Paschen delivered this project on time and on budget by working hand-in-hand with the Design Team, Department of Aviation and American Airlines while minimizing disruptions to active airfield operations.
To listen to our interview on WGN Radio, click here.
More Ingenuity. More Paschen.
The Paschen Scholars made their second visit to the 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge construction site. When the Scholars visited last, they met with our Project Manager and Project Engineer to review the plans and walk the site containing only our trailers.
Since that time, steel has been erected, a temporary bridge was built and much progress has been made. The Scholars were given a tour of the site and were prepared with many questions for our Project Manager. The questions ranged from the amount of RFI’s on the project to date to why they took the time to work on the BIM Coordination. They also discussed scheduling and how the project sequencing was decided to ensure minimal down time during the winter.
The Paschen Engineering Scholars program is more than an average internship. Three years of STEM curriculum, summer internships, exposure to college engineering programs, construction site visits, classroom-to-site applications, and one-on-one support ensure each student can seek the STEM career of his or her dreams with confidence.
We are looking forward to many more site visits with our Paschen Scholars!
On May 1st, we joined U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, RTA’s President Kirk Dillard, Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski, and well over 100 Metra employees at the groundbreaking on the Rock Island Rehab Shop Expansion. The facility will serve multiple functions, including job training, rehab, and maintenance of the Rock Island Line train cars.
Additions to the facility include a newly enclosed Diesel Shop, which will allow work to continue through the inclement weather. The storage building will be fully enclosed with side panels and a new roof. This will provide additional storage for material needed to repair and upgrade cars safe from the elements.
A new cast-in-place loading dock at the Coach Shop will allow for reduced delivery times.
A new 40,000 sf state-of-the-art training facility will allow Metra to educate and provide on-site job training. The facility also will include new classrooms, locker rooms, welding booths, overhead cranes, and a high bay area where rail cars will be brought into the building and can be used for training purposes.
Upon completion, this renovated facility will allow Metra to increase the number of cars the can be repaired per year, resulting in upgraded and well-maintained cars for passengers.
We are committed to awarding over 25% of the subcontracting work to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms.
F.H. Paschen hosted its 3rd Annual P.I.E. (Paschen: Innovations in Engineering) Series event at George Westinghouse College Prep School, where they introduced the Paschen Scholars program to a new set of interested candidates and discussed the field of engineering and how it applies to careers in construction.
Ryan Kinney of Westinghouse opened the event and Antonia Winfrey of Paschen gave an overview of the day. Joe Scarpelli gave a presentation on the history of F.H. Paschen and background on the kinds of projects the company has done. Finally, Tim McCann of Sitech Midwest gave a presentation about the use of technology in construction.
Following the presentation, students were given to chance to network with the presenters and Paschen representatives who were in attendance, to find out more about their career paths and learn more about the Paschen Scholars program.
Special thanks to Charles Johnson, Ashley Prosser, Sharon King, Rick Aiello, and Alan Osinski for attending the function on behalf of F.H. Paschen.
Paschen is proud of our relationship with Westinghouse, and we are looking forward to welcoming the next group of Paschen Scholars into the program.
To learn more about the Paschen Scholars program, click here.
The Washington/Wabash station replaced two adjacent, century-old stations with a new station that features a sleek and modern design, and a signature platform canopy that serves as a gateway to historic Jeweler’s Row and Millennium Park.
The accompanying program read as follows: “By utilizing state-of-the art engineering and construction techniques, materials, and equipment, F.H. Paschen built a quality product, while remaining on schedule and on budget without affecting CTA train or bus service, with minimal disruption to traffic throughout the duration of the project. The construction of the new Washington Wabash Station was successfully completed in close cooperation with City agencies, CTA, the Alderman’s Office, local businesses, and property owners.”
We congratulate our team members for their hard work on this project, and for their continued dedication to our values of Tenacity, Versatility, Ingenuity, and Pride.
Washington/Wabash Project Team:
Matt Moss – Project Executive
Josh Curran – Senior Project Manager
Jeremy Seyller – Senior Project Manager
Tiffany Lomax – Project Manager
Robert Boss – Assistant Project Manager
Dan Erickson – Lead Superintendent
Bernie McNulty – Superintendent
Maria Torres – Asst. Superintendent
Caleb Tackes – Project Engineer
Christian Hubbard – Virtual Design Construction Manager
F.H. Paschen participated for the first time in the Oak Brook Heart Walk for the American Heart Association (AHA) on September 23. In our first year of participation, we organized six teams with over 50 walkers, which included Paschen employees, family members, and even pets. As a result of our efforts, we raised over $14,500 to support the AHA and their mission.
Paschen is a proud sponsor of the AHA’s Hard Hats with Heart, the Association’s nationwide movement to end heart disease and stroke within the construction industry. According to the AHA, nearly 1 in 3 American adults are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or after-effects of stroke. In the construction industry, the prevalence of CVD is higher than in any other industry.
“It was great to see the company come together for this cause. Almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by heart disease, so this really means a lot to our employees and their families,” said Anthony Izzi, Paschen Vice President and Hard Hats for Heart Steering Committee Member.
The money raised by the American Heart Association funds research and education while leading to many important advances, including the first artificial heart valve, CPR, pacemakers, and dramatic reductions in heart disease and stroke deaths. Paschen is proud to be involved with such an important organization aimed at bettering the health of our industry and the nation.
Westinghouse College Prep School held the first of eight Community Days on September 20, and F.H. Paschen was on hand to kick off the celebration. Project Superintendents Martin Alderden Jr. and Neil Barkowski, and Surveyor Manager Michael Karcz led an informative and hands-on demonstration on surveying for the school’s Civil Engineering students (including our Paschen Scholars).
Amanda Change, PLTW Engineering Teacher, commented, “Today’s event was wonderful! Thanks so much to Mike, Neil, and Marty for their sharing their expertise and enthusiasm today. The kids picked up on leveling their levels and reading the grade rods quickly, and a few got to calculate the slopes for where water drains into the sewer structures. All in all, the students had a great time getting some sun and learning the art of surveying!”
The CTA Washington Wabash station in the Chicago Loop area opened this morning, after a 2-year construction process. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called the station “a new gold standard for what a new “L” station should look like” at the ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the station.
The station serves the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines, and replaces the Madison/Wabash station, which was demolished at the start of this project; and the Randolph/Wabash station, which will be demolished now that the new station has opened. It is the first new station to open in the Loop in 20 years.
Designed by exp, the station features a cantilevered structural steel canopy with a wave design, elevator towers, a new mezzanine, and artwork throughout the station. The futuristic design is hailed by critics such as the Chicago Tribune’s Blair Kamen as “an authentic blend of form and function.”
The project presented many challenges, which Paschen met and conquered at every step along the way. Trains ran through the work area throughout the day, and utilities that hadn’t been touched in over 100 years had to be ripped up and moved.
8 31 20917 WAWA CTA Ribbon Cutting Brian Fritz Photography (94)
The Paschen Scholars program, in affiliation with George Westinghouse High School, recently completed its second year of onsite construction internships. The program, which grants construction internships to up to 6 freshmen per school year, now has 11 student participants who visit work sites, hear perspectives from various people in the construction industry, and participate in workshops and activities to develop teamwork and creative skills.
Jobsites visited included the AMC building project at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the Western/Belmont Avenue reconstruction, 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge, CTA 95th Street Station, and the O’Hare Runway project. Each visit gave the students an overview of the projects and a chance to ask questions to gain a better understanding of how the teams approach the projects.
During the second week of July, the students started working on their own construction projects. Second year students constructed bridges out of popsicle sticks. They formulated cost estimates, designed the bridges, and built them to spec to withstand a weight test. First-year students used the same principles to design and build personal shelters. Each group inspected the other’s work, and gave feedback on quality and safety.
The Paschen Scholars program will continue throughout the school year. In 2018, F.H. Paschen will welcome a new group of students for the third year of the Paschen Scholars program, bringing the number of scholars to 17.
The day began with a summary of work at both airports, including an overview of the O’Hare Modernization Program, the day to day operations, and key “fun facts” for the students about airport operations. The students were then escorted to the airfield, where they visited the Aircraft Rescue Firefighting training simulator, and learned about the facility and how airport rescue teams are trained.
The students then visited an active jobsite on an in-operation airfield at the Runway 9C -28C project. From there they visited the Airport Maintenance Complex to see how the fleet of snow removal equipment is utilized to keep runways and taxiways open during the winter months.
Finally, the students toured the American AirlinesStinger construction site to learn how the building is being completed next to a fully operational concourse.
Diana Mendoza, Freshman at Westinghouse College Prep, commented “I thought it was informative with different terms and interesting with the various surprises and the nitty gritty details.” Ramon Quninto, Sophomore at Westinghouse College Prep, added “I thought it was really interesting because of the planes and the things I learned. I didn’t expect the airport to be so massive, and the jobsites look very cool. It was a great experience.”
We thank the Chicago Department of Aviation for giving these students the opportunity to see the airport from a different perspective and to observe the various operations of an active airfield.
The Western/Belmont Avenue Viaduct demolition and intersection reconstruction project was officially deemed completed on July 24 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel attended and made remarks about the project. The viaduct, he said, was “an eyesore” that needed to be removed due to its age and condition. It was built in the mid-1960s to accommodate traffic for Riverview Park, which stood at the site until 1967.
F.H. Paschen demolished the structure over one weekend in March 2016, which kicked off a 16-month transformation of the intersection. We rebuilt Western Avenue between the Chicago River Bridge and West Roscoe Street, and widened some of the cross streets along the route. A new deck was built for the Chicago River Bridge, and we updated lighting, sidewalks and medians, sewers, signals, streetscapes, and landscaping.
Our team put many long hours into completing this important project for the City of Chicago. We are proud of what they accomplished in such a short time.
Our new website is designed to introduce our talented team, showcase some of our most recent projects, and highlight the tenacity, versatility, ingenuity, and pride with which we approach our work.
Chuck Freiheit, Chief Operating Officer, described the objective this way:
“What we want everyone to understand is that we deliver a lot more than simply ‘on time and on budget’: We bring a determination to overcome every obstacle that stands in the way of success; we have the ability to take on any type of construction challenge; we have a knack for finding creative solutions to unique problems; and we have a deeply rooted commitment to fairness, to the communities in which we live and serve, and to getting the job done right and making sure that everyone is safe along the way.”
The new website is designed to be easier to navigate, cover our projects and expertise more thoroughly, feature photos of our people and our work throughout, and work equally well on desktop, mobile, and tablet.
F.H. Paschen and George Westinghouse College Prep School inducted the next five students into the Paschen Scholars program on May 26, in a Hard Hat Ceremony at the F.H. Paschen headquarters in Chicago.
The five chosen students represented the top 18% percent of the freshman class, and included those who expressed an interest in construction. They join the six students chosen in the inaugural 2016 program.
The students each participated in interviews and activities to determine their abilities, creativity, and engineering aptitude. The Scholars will participate in the three-year program, and will visit Paschen three times a week for 3 weeks in July for the next three years; visiting jobsites, doing intern work, and learning about the culture and the world of construction.
Michael Baggett
Jaymes Hernandez-Garrity
Diana Mendoza
Alfonso Ochoa
Cristian Tovar
The 2016 Paschen Scholars are:
Tiana Collins
Kayla Garcia
Justino Martinez
Ramon Quinto
Jose Reyes
Gustavo Sanchez
Joe Scarpelli, Executive Vice President of Paschen, said of the students and the program, “We are very excited to welcome our second class of Paschen Scholars. It was a great turn out at the event and a pleasure to meet our new scholars and their parents at the Hard Hat ceremony. Special thanks to John Barkowski who gave wonderful Hard Hat introduction.”
F.H. Paschen is proud to support George Westinghouse College Prep, and is committed to the mentorship of students interested in learning more about the construction industry through the Paschen Scholars program.
George Westinghouse College Prep is a new-start school that now offers two competitive programs; a selective enrollment College Preparatory program and a College and Careers program. A concerted effort by community activists, educators, parents, Chicago Public Schools, the City of Chicago and concerned citizens led to a newly constructed campus being built to house the new school. Find out more at New Westing House.
F.H. Paschen began 2017 with significant construction award wins, reflecting a strong start to the year.
In March, we were recognized as “Contractor of the Year” for 2016 by the African American Contractors Association (AACA). The award was presented to President/CEO Jim Blair at the 24th Annual AACA Membership Awards, held March 15 at the South Shore Cultural Center.
On May 5, The March of Dimes presented F.H. Paschen with the 2017 Construction & Transportation Award. The award was given to recognize the Union Station Transit Center, which opened in July of 2016. Chief Operating Officer Chuck Freiheit accepted the award at the Construction & Transportation Awards Luncheon.
Prior to these awards, FHP received the Illinois ASLA Award for General Design—Constructed Projects for our work on the Hubbard Woods Park Pavilion, and the CISCO Award for Infrastructure for the Cermak/McCormick Place CTA Station.
Congratulations to all who worked so hard to help us earn these honors!
F.H. Paschen ended 2016 on a high note, and continued that streak into 2017, with awards for three of our banner projects.
In November, F.H. Paschen was selected as Transit Contractor of the Year by the Chicago Department of Transportation for our work as contractor on the Union Station Transit Center. The Center, which opened in July of 2016, handles over 3,400 CTA commuters and services six CTA bus routes.
In December, the Washington-Wabash CTA Elevated Station Design was selected as the winner in Interior Design Magazine’s Best of Year Awards in the “On the Boards: Commercial” category.
And in January, F.H. Paschen was informed that the CTA Cermak-McCormick Place Station, which opened in March of 2015, will receive the 2017 Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) Pride in Construction Project of the Year award in the Infrastructure category. F.H. Paschen will receive the award at the CISCO Annual Meeting on January 27, 2017.
F.H. Paschen is thrilled to receive such prestigious awards for these important projects, and congratulates the project teams for their hard work and dedication.
On August 19, Paschen and SYTE Corporation, a small general contractor in the Chicago area, announced that the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) in Washington, D.C., formally approved our joint application for a Mentor/Protégé Agreement in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program between F.H. Paschen and SYTE Corporation. This approval is in effect for a 1-year period. It is annually reviewed by the SBA for adherence to Agreement provisions and may be renewed for a maximum of 6 years.
The purpose of this federal Program is to encourage eligible Mentors to provide a broad range of business development assistance to eligible small business Protégés primarily but not exclusively in the federal market place. Such assistance may include technical and/or management assistance, financial assistance in the form of equity investments and/or loans, subcontracts, and/or assistance in performing prime contracts with the federal Government through joint venture arrangements. Accordingly, our first joint venture named Syte Paschen JV has been formed and we are actively pursuing federal contract work with our new Protégé as one feature of our assistance to SYTE Corporation.
According to Mario L. Short, SYTE’s president, “This SBA approved partnership with F.H. Paschen will enable SYTE to expand its construction and facilities maintenance offering, while pursuing more complex projects around the nation. Being able to working collaboratively with an industry leader like F.H. Paschen, makes me confident we are better positioned than ever to add tremendous value to our valued clients and partners.”
Paschen President and CEO James Blair stated, “Paschen has a long and successful history of mentoring small businesses, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged, minority-and women-owned enterprises. We view the small businesses we work with as our partners, working closely with them to help them develop through new business opportunities and invaluable experience on larger, more complex jobs. Moreover, we have admired the manner in which Mario has championed the work of SYTE for years. His ethical, disciplined, and strategic approach aligned perfectly with our business model, and made establishing a strategic Mentor/Protégé partnership a no-brainer.”
SYTE is F.H. Paschen’s 3rd protégé since 2010. The first two, Industria Paschen and dsi Paschen, and their associated joint ventures, were successful in achieving over $70 million in federal contract awards from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Ohio National Guard, Wisconsin National Guard, US Air Force, US Air Force Reserve and the General Services Administration (GSA) in the states of Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
