41st Street Pedestrian Bridge Awarded Midwest Project of the Year

The 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge has been awarded Midwest Project of the Year by Engineering News-Record (ENR.) A new signature pedestrian bridge along Chicago’s lakefront, the 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge is one of five pedestrian bridges built as a result of the City of Chicago’s first-ever bridge design competition “Bridging the Drive”, co-hosted by the Mayor’s office and CDOT. The bridge connects the Bronzeville neighborhood to the lakefront while eliminating dangerous impediments such as the Metra Electric/CN Railroad tracks and the eight-lane Lake Shore Drive. The bridge is an aesthetically pleasing, iconic structure. Instrumental in the project’s success was Chicago-based construction company and contractor, F.H. Paschen.

The 1500-ft. long bridge opened in December 2018 and incorporates twin 240-ft long inclined arches on graceful sweeping S-curves. A rarity in the bridge world, this single-arch supported bridge is even more unique in that the arches are inclined on the outside of the horizontal curvature which created numerous structural challenges, but the F.H. Paschen team met the challenge head-on.

“F.H. Paschen was committed to applying and achieving high-quality control measures for all aspects of the project, and in engaging their top craftsmen,” said Michael Eichten, Lead Design Engineer at AECOM. “From the erection of the curving steel sections to the fabrication of project-specific concrete forms for the varying shaped piers with aesthetic formliners, to the installation of the curving stainless steel handrails, the construction staff’s dedication to the details and to quality is evident with the finished product, which appears flawless. From afar and up close, the bridge’s curving features are smooth and seamless and exceed the expectations of the City of Chicago, and the architect.”

Aesthetic enhancements include formliners on the piers and MSE walls, decorative handrails, accent lighting, and landscaping improvements. LED accent light fixtures highlight bridge elements including the ribs, cables, and piers. The bridge opened six months ahead of schedule, totaled over 62k man-hours, and boasts zero lost time or recordable incidents. Additionally, a temporary bridge was erected to support construction loads, provide protection and a safer working environment over the Metra electric lines, and minimize impact to the railroad tracks that see 263 trains daily.

The design elevates the user experience and the deck’s soft curve makes for a less-intimidating and more manageable distance for pedestrians. It also offers views of the city’s famous skyline and acts as an extension of the park, connecting neighborhoods, and residents.

In a letter from Luis D. Benitez, Chief Bridge Engineer for CDOT, Benitez describes the level of expertise required for a project of this stature as well as the successful execution.

“This unique signature pedestrian bridge with its complex structural design and restrictive project site required near-perfect execution for success, and through the exemplary efforts by all team members, the project was delivered early, under budget, and with complete success. This project has exceeded CDOT’s expectations, with the bridge opening occurring six months earlier than originally planned, and has been embraced by the local community. The unique 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge is a true structural and ground-breaking achievement that is an investment in the local community stimulating economic and recreational growth.”

On Thursday, May 30th, the inaugural class of six Paschen Engineering Scholars will celebrate their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  This is the first group of CPS George Westinghouse College Prep students to graduate from the program. In addition to this inaugural class graduation, six freshmen from Westinghouse College Prep will be introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars. A total of 23 scholars will be in attendance across the four classes.

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.

“To have all of these amazing students in one room together is very special. There are so many accomplishments amongst this group worth celebrating,” said F.H. Paschen’s Executive Vice President, Joe Scarpelli. “It will be tough to say goodbye to our first group of students, but we’re so excited to see where they are a year from now, and ten years from now. We expect to hear their names associated with great things in the future, and we can’t wait to get our next group of new Paschen scholars started in the program.”

The six graduates have received over $2 million in scholarships to the schools of their choice. Additionally, the graduates will receive an $800 Amazon gift card for books and technology, $200 worth of college essentials, and a graduation tassel and charm.

The Barkowski Family will award the first John Barkowski Memorial Scholarship to one of the graduates in memory of the former F.H. Paschen Vice President who passed away from colon cancer in 2017. John took great pride in his work and worked closely with the Paschen Engineering Scholars. He was always committed to training and educating the next generation of builders.

“We truly believe in these students and the work that we are doing together with Westinghouse in creating career opportunities in engineering and construction,” said F.H. Paschen President and CEO Jim Blair. “F.H. Paschen takes pride in engaging with the communities we serve and providing opportunities for the next generation of leaders in engineering and construction. We are proud and excited for our graduates and look forward to showing our new class what it means to Build With Paschen.”

The ceremony begins at 5:15pm at the F.H. Paschen Headquarters. The ceremony opens with a presentation of the history of F.H. Paschen, followed by keynote speaker Tye Baasch, a F.H. Paschen Superintendent currently working at O’Hare. Caruso will speak to her 20 years of construction experience and to the importance and meaning of a hard hat. Presentation of the hard hats to the graduating students by members of the F.H. Paschen Executive Team and Westinghouse Principal, Kerry Leuschel, will follow. The evening will conclude with a tour of the building, dinner and presentation of gifts to the graduates.

WHEN: Thursday, May 30th – ceremony begins at 5:15pm

WHERE: FHP Training Center at F.H. Paschen – 5515 N. East River Rd. Chicago, IL 60631

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

4:45pm – Paschen Scholars arrive at F.H. Paschen

5:00pm – Paschen Scholar parents arrive

5:15pm – Ceremony begins – the History of Paschen

5:30pm – Keynote Speaker – Tye Baasch, Superintendent at F.H. Paschen – ‘The Importance and Meaning of a Hard Hat’

5:45pm – Presentation of the Hard Hats, graduation of the seniors

6:00pm – Presentation of the John Barkowski Memorial Scholarship by the Barkowski Family

6:15pm – Tour of the F.H. Paschen Headquarters

7:00pm – Dinner and presentation of senior gifts

CHICAGO — F.H. Paschen celebrates the opening of the North Terminal and the 95th Street Pedestrian Bridge of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 95th Street Red Line Station Improvement Project alongside joint venture partner Milhouse Engineering & Construction. A skilled, diverse workforce of over 1200 executed this work, including residents from the local community who will enjoy access to the improved station regularly.

For the 95th Street Station Improvement, F.H. Paschen’s self-perform workforce exceeded all workforce goals and included a 73 percent minority workforce with over 85,000 man-hours worked.

Paschen Milhouse Joint Venture IV on the 95th Street Station Improvement exemplifies Paschen’s continued effective partnership with Milhouse, teaming their staff’s complementary experience and skills to execute this challenging design–build transit project.  Milhouse has been an integral part of both the construction and design engineering teams.

Committed to growth and building capacity in diverse and local businesses, Paschen and Milhouse have awarded over 30 percent of this project’s subcontracts to disadvantaged businesses.

“This was a great example of a true team effort,” said Matt Moss, Vice President of F.H. Paschen. “The end result is not only an efficient and commuter-friendly environment for pedestrians and CTA customers, but also established and strengthened bonds between the great crews and partners that we have had the opportunity to work with on this and future projects.  We are very proud to put the Paschen name on this project alongside our valued partners.”

The South Terminal opened for operations in April, upon completion of Phase One. That first phase of the design–build project included not only the new South Terminal, but also bus canopies, a new south bus bridge and widened 95th Street (both eastbound and westbound) to facilitate more efficient and safer bus operations.

Elements of Phase Two included major renovations and additions to the existing North Terminal, widened bus circulation pavement, a widened north bus bridge, bus canopy systems, improved vertical circulation elements in the station, and commuter bridge improvements. A new pedestrian bridge above 95th Street connects the terminals as a means of safe passage for commuters between the bus and rail services.

Local aldermen, elected officials, F.H. Paschen and Milhouse leadership and Paschen Engineering Scholars Program participants from George Westinghouse College Prep joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel Friday, January 4, to announce the milestone and ceremoniously open the North Terminal. This CTA station is located in the center median of the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-94) at 95th Street.

You know their work — the rebuild of the Jane Addams Tollway, Washington/Wabash Elevated CTA Station, new O’Hare Airport Concourse L Stinger, CTA 95th Red Line Terminal Improvement and 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge were built by historic Chicago-based contractor F.H. Paschen. Their projects help facilitate the flow of millions of people in and around Chicago every day.

The Paschen legacy in construction began back in 1871, when Christian Paschen started a tuck-pointing business. Four generations later, Frank H. “Bud” Paschen ventured out on his own from the family business and founded F.H. Paschen, which has now been in business for over 40 years. Sadly Bud passed away in 2016, but his legacy, spirit and values serve as the foundation upon which F.H. Paschen continues to build.

While F.H. Paschen’s legacy is rooted in Chicago’s history, today its focus is on modernizing the future.

Today F.H. Paschen constructs, renovates and repairs bridges, schools, airports, commercial properties, healthcare facilities, major highways, municipal buildings, religious institutions, maintenance facilities and transit systems in Chicago and other regions throughout the United States.

The Paschen name has become known for a strong work ethic, meeting deadlines and keeping promises — in addition to creating opportunities for disadvantaged businesses and individuals in the communities where projects were located. For new construction projects, the Paschen team meets with community leaders, minority and disadvantaged subcontractors and various community outreach groups to identify new opportunities for local businesses and residents. F.H. Paschen remains committed to diversity and inclusion as is noted in its most recent award as the Most Inclusive Prime Contractor of the Year.  

Though the company has evolved and expanded over the last 40 years, Bud’s legacy and values continue to drive F.H. Paschen’s business today, and F.H. Paschen employees remain dedicated to donating their time, talent and resources to many charitable causes and organizations, especially in undeserved Chicago communities.

Under the leadership of Bud’s successor and current CEO of F.H. Paschen, Jim Blair, F.H. Paschen continues to invest in the local community through programs like Paschen University, which puts on free educational seminars for minority and disadvantaged businesses, and the Paschen Engineering Scholars Program with George Westinghouse College Prep, a Chicago Public High School on the city’s West Side.

F.H. Paschen’s community support by the numbers:

  • Welcomed 24 interns who are Chicago Public Schools students
  • Welcomed 28 college interns
  • Supported 17 Paschen Scholars from George Westinghouse College Prep: Started in 2015, Paschen Scholars provides students a three year program that includes hands-on activities which allow the Scholars to develop technical skills, build problem-solving abilities and gain real world work experience. F.H. Paschen also provides the Scholars with summer education opportunity at the Illinois Institute of Technology and sponsors the cost of each student’s tuition.
  • Provided over 20 years of support to Joey’s Angels: F.H. Paschen has been a prominent sponsor of Joey’s Angels, a chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation, since its inception in 1996. To-date, Joey’s Angels has raised over $2.3 million.
  • Partnered with Dunbar Vocational Academy: A program new in 2018, this partnership gives CPS students the opportunity to create a pipeline from high school to the trades and give students a real-life experience.
  • Partnered with ACE Technical High School: For 10 years Paschen has prepared ACE Tech students for careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. These summer interns are exposed to all aspects of Paschen’s business.
  • Offered job training with the ComEd Construct program: Since 2016, Paschen has partnered with ComEd for an eleven-week training program that provides minorities with information and guidance to help them compete for entry-level jobs in construction-related fields.
  • Partnered with Chicago CRED (Create Real Economic Destiny) — F.H. Paschen hired a 2017 CRED graduate, who is now employed by Paschen full-time and working on the 95th Street CTA Terminal project. Chicago CRED provides employment opportunities to young men in Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods.
bud

“Bud was a great friend and mentor,” Blair said. “He and his family have been building Chicago for more than 100 years. I know the importance of Bud’s legacy and the culture and priorities that were important to him and our whole organization is committed to continuing to build our business on these exact same standards.”

Also among F.H. Paschen’s proud accomplishments includes the success of the Preferred Projects Group, which provides individualized attention and customized services to people with tightly constrained budgets, people who need work done while keeping their facilities operational, and people who need jobs completed on short notice with quick turnarounds.

F.H. Paschen specializes in building long-term relationships with repeat clients by adapting to an owner’s preferred method of construction and procurement. The collaboration, determination, adaptability, and resources we bring to each and every project is what makes us a preferred contractor.

F.H. Paschen is one of the first corporate partners of Chicago CRED (Create Real Economic Destiny), an organization dedicated to ending violence through preparing at-risk young men, including returning citizens, for job opportunities throughout Chicago. CRED believes the best solution for ending gun violence is recruiting men most likely to be at risk for shootings and transition them to jobs, thus relinquishing the need to earn money through illicit means.

Today, Michael Reed, a CRED graduate, is a full-time employee of F.H. Paschen working on the CTA 95th Street Terminal Improvement Project. Through this opportunity, Mr. Reed will gain real world construction experience and skills and will earn construction related certifications that will allow him to advance in his new career.  The Company anticipates that through its partnership with CRED, Michael is just one of many who will have an opportunity for a real life change while working on some of Chicago’s largest construction projects through F.H. Paschen.

F.H. Paschen not only provides a job opportunity, but also teaches skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce, making the company a perfect match with CRED. F.H. Paschen looks for more than talent and work ethic when hiring, and F.H. Paschen has always believed in investing in those in our community who need help. While serving others, F.H. Paschen is also always serving the communities in which they work. F.H. Paschen is committed to the Chicago CRED partnership.

ABOUT CRED:
Chicago CRED was created in 2016 by Emerson Collective, a social impact organization founded and run by Laurene Powell Jobs, along with former U.S. Education Secretary and Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan. Chicago CRED targets men identified as being at the highest risk of being shooters or being shot. Using street-level recruitment efforts, participants are placed in cohorts of approximately 30 men. All are paid a minimum wage with the opportunity to earn more based on performance.

ABOUT F.H. PASCHEN:
F.H. Paschen has over 110 years of experience in the construction industry, serving both public and private customers or clients in Chicago and across the country. We have a long-standing commitment to building strong relationships with diverse businesses and engaging the communities we serve. F.H. Paschen is an equal opportunity employer.

On July 9th, the 6 of the 17 Paschen Scholars will begin their summer portion of their internship with F.H. Paschen at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). The internship offers real world STEM education at the collegiate level. The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program includes hands-on activities that allow the Scholars to develop technical skills, build problem-solving abilities and gain real world work experience. The summer program runs for two weeks, Monday through Thursday, and is paid for by F.H. Paschen as part of their ongoing commitment to the Scholars Program.

IIT Details:
Illinois Institute of Technology
Main Campus, John T. Rettaliata Engineering Center
10 W 32nd Street, Chicago Il 60616

Week 1:
July 9- 12 / 10AM – 3PM / “Introduction to the World of Engineering”
In the first week, students will learn what biomedical, chemical, electrical, mechanical, civil and environmental engineers do in their jobs through speakers and hands-on activities. Students will use Arduinos and 3D printers will explore areas of engineering in greater depth and see how math and science provides a basis for technology innovation.

Week 2:
July 16-19 / 10AM – 3PM / “Introduction to the World of Engineering: Fabrication Studio”
In the second week, students can apply their skills and explore several design and fabrication techniques. The fundamentals of CAD software will be covered with an emphasis on producing functional components. Students will have the opportunity to use basic shop tools as well as laser cutters and 3D printers to complete their projects.

About the F.H. Paschen Scholars:
In 2015 F.H. Paschen partnered with George Westinghouse College Prep (GWCP), a CPS selective enrollment high school in East Garfield Park, to support the school in developing a new engineering academy to improve students’ knowledge of and access to career opportunities in fields such as engineering and construction. This partnership resulted in the Paschen Engineering Scholars Program, which goes way beyond 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 students have the opportunity to seek the STEM career of his or her dreams with confidence. To apply, students must first complete a group project and then participate in interviews with leaders from F.H. Paschen.

“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.

“This program offers a hands-on approach to STEM education through hundreds of hours working on real-world projects throughout our city and in our scholars’ neighborhoods, which will ultimately prepare them to become the next great engineer, architect or construction manager.”

Other Summer B-ROLL Opportunities:
Monday, July 9th:
Introduction to Paschen’s extensive safety and quality program. (Paschen Main Office)

Wednesday, July 11th:
Scholars given a budget to plan & construct a personal shelter. (Paschen Main Office)

Friday, July 13th:
Scholars will be taken to job sites to meet with project staff and get on-site experience. (Paschen Projects around Chicago)

Wednesday, July 18th:
Visit to O’Hare International Airport to receive more jobsite experience on runway expansion. (O’hare)

Friday, July 27th:
Final presentations of personal shelters to F.H. Paschen employees & staff. (Paschen Main Office)

Possible Interview:
Howard Tullman, Executive Director of the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship – July 17th from 10-11:30 at IIT.

Antonia Winfrey, F.H. Paschen Project Manager, Scholars Program Manager

Chuck Freiheit, F.H. Paschen Chief Operations Officer

In 2015 F.H. Paschen partnered with George Westinghouse College Prep (GWCP), a CPS selective enrollment high school in East Garfield Park, to support the school in developing a new engineering academy to improve students’ knowledge of and access to career opportunities in fields such as engineering and construction. This partnership resulted in the Paschen Engineering Scholars Program, which goes way beyond 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 students have the opportunity to seek the STEM career of his or her dreams with confidence.

On Thursday, May 31, F.H. Paschen will hold its annual “Hard Hat Ceremony” to induct 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 Redline 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. “This program offers a hands-on approach to STEM education through hundreds of hours working on real-world projects throughout our city and in our scholars’ neighborhoods, which will ultimately prepare them to become the next great engineer, architect or construction manager.”

“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.”

The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program includes hands-on activities that allow the Scholars to develop technical skills, build problem-solving abilities and gain real world work experience. To apply, students must first complete a group project and then participate in interviews with leaders from Paschen.

 

BALTIMORE – The Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association, Inc. (MWMCA), an organization created to advance minority and woman owned construction trade contractors, has named F.H. Paschen the “Most Inclusive Prime Contractor of the Year.” This honor underscores Paschen’s long-time commitment to community engagement, diversity and inclusion through their philosophy of creating real opportunities for all.

MWMCA reserves this designation for prime contractors that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to inclusion by hiring minority, women, and disadvantaged businesses. Paschen stood out as this Prime Contractor by performing numerous minority contractor outreach events along with a commitment and success in hiring minority and women contractors.

“Inclusion is important in broad terms because it provides small business owners who have been historically disadvantaged with new opportunities for a bright future and on a more personal level it means these women and men can feed their families,” MWMCA President Wayne Frazier said. “Paschen is doing things differently than other primes. They are bringing an attitude of inclusion and real opportunities for all that they’ve fostered throughout their Company for many years”.

As part of their Company culture, Paschen is always committed to exceeding their Minority and Disadvantaged Business project goals along with hiring a diverse team throughout their organization. If a client does not require Minority project goals Paschen sets their own internal goals to ensure the community surrounding the Project is properly represented.

“We are truly honored to receive the award for the Most Inclusive Prime Contractor of the Year. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our strong commitment to work with minority-owned businesses as a key component of our success in providing exceptional construction services to our clients,” stated Paschen’s Executive Vice President Joseph Scarpelli.

Paschen’s accomplishment will be formally recognized on May 11, 2018 at the MWMCA’s 15th Annual Spring Breakfast in Baltimore. Maryland Governor Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. will deliver the keynote address. The annual event includes a Business Showcase Expo, which gives large and small businesses opportunities to connect. For event details, click here.

CHICAGO – Today F.H. Paschen joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel to open the new American Airlines L Stinger Concourse for operations, O’Hare International Airport’s first gate capacity expansion in 25 years. Paschen’s Aviation Group was selected by American Airlines through a competitive bid process. The investment in these new gates will translate to shorter taxi times, fewer delays and improved circulation throughout the core terminal.

The Paschen team delivered the project from initial design through completed construction in 24 months despite significant project site obstacles. During construction, Paschen could not disrupt access for critical airport emergency equipment or interfere with gate operations of six different airline carriers. The project site was further complicated due to its proximity to an active Guard Post for airport security, firefighting and other first responder operations, along with its proximity to Terminal 3, which supports a heavy volume of daily flights along with a baggage roadway necessary for ground support equipment.

“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. Keeping with Paschen’s long term commitment to community engagement, diversity and inclusion and their philosophy of creating real opportunities for all, these results far exceed the federal minority workforce requirement of 19.6 percent.

The fast track nature and location of this large-scale project on an active airfield in one of world’s busiest airports required the knowledge and experience of a select group of aviation experts. 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.

“At Corgan we create places where our clients thrive,” said Andy Bell, Project Manager and Senior Associate of Corgan. “At O’Hare this is exemplified in our efforts but was possible because of a full team of driven industry experts. Paschen’s pedigree and leadership made this project a tremendous success and a true privilege to be a part of.”

In 2016, the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Aviation unanimously approved this plan. American Airlines maintained responsibility for all costs, which amounted to about $70 million. The City estimates this project will generate an additional $500 million in revenue annually.

CHICAGO — This week, F.H. Paschen celebrates the completion of the first phase of the CTA 95th Street Red Line Station Improvement Project alongside joint venture partner Milhouse Engineering & Construction. A skilled, diverse workforce of over 1200 executed this work, including residents from the local community who will enjoy access to the improved station regularly.

For the 95th Street Station Improvement, F.H. Paschen’s self-perform workforce exceeded the project goal by over 55 percent for the percentage of work hours performed by minority workers. The overall project workforce, which includes subcontractors, exceeded this federal goal by nearly 40 percent.

“We lead by example. A diverse workforce is engrained in the history and culture of Paschen, and for each project we build a diverse workforce represents the community,” said Matt Moss, Vice President of F.H. Paschen. “Through collaboration with CTA and our design partner, EXP, we were able to maximize the station’s architectural impact and operational function, providing the best value to the CTA and their customers.”

Paschen Milhouse Joint Venture IV on the 95th Street Station Improvement exemplifies Paschen’s continued effective partnership with Milhouse, teaming their staff’s complementary experience and skills to execute this challenging design–build transit project. Milhouse has been an integral part of both the construction and design engineering teams.

Committed to growth and building capacity in diverse and local businesses, Paschen and Milhouse have awarded 30 percent of this project’s subcontracts to disadvantaged businesses.

“The 95th Street CTA station is such an important transportation hub for our community,” said Wilbur C. Milhouse, III PE, President/CEO of Milhouse. “Growing up on the south side, it was a daily part of my commute to school. I am very proud to be a part of this momentous renovation, which will have such a significant impact, and improve the lives of so many fellow Chicagoans.”

Phase one of this two-phase design–build project included a new, modern South Terminal, bus canopies, a new south bus bridge and widened 95th Street both eastbound and westbound to facilitate safe bus operations.

Phase two of the project includes major renovations and additions to the existing North Terminal, widened bus circulation pavement, widening of the north bus bridge, bus canopy systems, improved vertical circulation elements in the station and commuter bridge improvements. A new pedestrian bridge above 95th Street will connect the terminals in the final stage of construction.

The new South Terminal re-opened Sunday, April 15, with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, local aldermen, a handful of elected officials and students from the F.H. Paschen Scholars Program on-site to announce the milestone. The station is located in the center median of the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-94) at 95th Street.