ACEC Award-Winning, Mile Long Bridge

F.H. Paschen is delighted to share the continuing success of the Mile Long Bridge, a project that has received an award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC). This achievement is a testament to our commitment to building and improving the highways millions of drivers use every year.

Building the Mile Long Bridge was a monumental task. As a critical component of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) reconstruction, the project involved replacing and widening two 65-year-old structures while keeping existing traffic lanes operational. Spanning two railroads, three waterways, local roads, and major distribution centers for UPS and BNSF Railway, the bridge presented unique challenges. To address these challenges, our dedicated team, working in close collaboration with project partners, implemented innovative strategies. The use of fewer and longer spans for each bridge reduced the impact on the sensitive aquatic ecosystem, waterways, railroads, and roads below. This approach also minimized the number of deck joints, contributing to the bridge’s durability and extending its service life to 100 years.

The project’s design included flex lanes, allowing for adaptive transit during peak travel periods and catering to safety-related needs in emergencies. Construction began in the spring of 2019, with the completion of the new northbound bridge in November 2020, and the southbound bridge finished in November 2022. Throughout this timeline, the existing bridges were replaced without disrupting Tollway customers, showcasing our commitment to efficiency and minimal inconvenience.

The Mile Long Bridge stands as a symbol of F.H. Paschen’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional engineering. As we celebrate this achievement, F.H. Paschen remains committed to delivering excellence in every project and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of construction and engineering.

At F.H. Paschen, we are thrilled to celebrate the success of the 43rd Street Pedestrian Bridge, a project that has earned an award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC). This achievement is a testament to our commitment to innovation, technical ability, and collaborative problem-solving, as well as the positive impact we strive to make in the communities we serve.

Constructing the 43rd Street Pedestrian Bridge was no small feat. Spanning over six active railroad tracks and a major highway, the project presented unprecedented challenges. To address these hurdles, our team, working closely with project partners, showcased exceptional ingenuity by creating a temporary bridge. This ingenious solution not only minimized disruptions to the railroads but also served as a protective shield over the Metra Electric Line. By reducing disturbances, we not only saved valuable time but also achieved cost efficiencies related to track closures.

The bridge’s design, featuring twin 30-degree inclined arches, challenges traditional engineering norms and showcases F.H. Paschen’s ability to navigate complex geometric challenges. We prioritized social, economic, and sustainable considerations throughout the project. The bridge’s design encourages non-vehicle access, promoting sustainable living and enhancing community accessibility. Our approach minimized construction site impact, used existing pathways, and incorporated sustainable practices, contributing to both economic savings and positive environmental impacts.

Our success in completing the project on time and within budget was made possible through tireless collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including Metra, CN, and federal, state, and local authorities. This collaborative spirit not only met technical demands but exceeded the owner’s requirements, setting a new standard for engineering excellence.

The 43rd Street Pedestrian Bridge stands as a testament to F.H. Paschen’s commitment to improving the communities that it serves. As we celebrate this achievement, F.H. Paschen remains committed to delivering excellence in every project and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of construction and engineering.

On February 08, 2024, the halls of George Westinghouse College Prep buzzed with anticipation as students, faculty, and staff gathered for the 9th annual P.I.E. (Paschen: Innovations in Engineering) Day event. Hosted by F.H. Paschen, this annual event serves as a gateway to the Paschen Engineering Scholars Program, an initiative that has been shaping the future of aspiring engineers since its start in 2015.

The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program, now in its 9th year, continues to inspire and empower students. Attendees were invited to a day filled with a curated curriculum, hands-on activities, and insights into construction, with pizza and pie. This unique program not only develops technical skills but also builds problem-solving abilities, providing real-world work experiences and unlocking doors to promising career opportunities.

Senior Vice President, Dave Alexander kicked off the event by talking about the history of F.H. Paschen and offering a deeper understanding of the Paschen Scholars Program.

Next students engaged in a unique team-building event. Armed with straws and rubber bands, they embraced a challenge that not only highlighted their collaborative spirit but also emphasized the importance of creativity and adaptability in engineering.

The 9th annual P.I.E. Day event was successful, and the new cohort of scholars awaits the upcoming Hard Hat Ceremony, the legacy of P.I.E. Day continues to shape the next generation of engineering pioneers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership), the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and F.H. Paschen are working together to create the talent pipeline needed to continue building a bright future for Chicago.

The construction industry remains a driver of economic growth. The third week in September is designated as Construction Appreciation Week, during Workforce Development Month, celebrating the hardworking men and women of American construction who are instrumental in development of our infrastructure.

CDOT is working on several roadway changes and mobility improvement projects in Chicago’s Jackson Park that will support the Obama Presidential Center and the Chicago Park District’s South Lakefront Framework Plan. The project will increase green space, improve connectivity and safety for people walking and biking, and accommodate future traffic demand.

The Partnership, CDOT and F.H. Paschen are collaborating to bring these career-pathway jobs to Chicago, connecting local residents with construction jobs on the project. This collaboration aims to address today’s workforce shortage; the need to diversify the skilled trades where people of color and women have been historically underrepresented; and the need for career-ladder jobs with family wealth building wages and benefits.

CDOT awarded a construction contract for the Jackson Park Transportation Improvements to F.H. Paschen, which is meeting the unprecedented workforce goals for area residents on this state-funded project, via IDOT’s Highway Construction Careers Training Program. The contract includes goals of hiring 15 percent of residents of neighborhoods adjacent to Jackson Park and 50 percent Chicago residents. The project also provides opportunities for on-the-job training and creates pre-apprenticeships for local residents.

To apply for these positions, local area residents can go the project’s website: https://jacksonparkimprovements.org/jobs

On Thursday, June 23^rd, 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 25^th 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.

On Wednesday, June 1st, six Paschen Engineering Scholars celebrated their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  It was the fourth group of CPS George Westinghouse College Prep students to graduate from the program. In addition to the senior class graduation, five 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.

“It’s always tough to say goodbye to the Seniors, 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 were accepted into the schools of their choice and will begin their post-secondary education in the Fall. Additionally, the graduates will receive an $800 Amazon gift card for books and technology, $200 worth of college essentials, and a graduation tassel and charm.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022 and a big welcome to the Class of 2025!

We are excited to announce that Ken Swartz has been promoted to Vice President! Ken will be overseeing our new office in Detroit, MI and our office in Lafayette, IN. With 39 years in the construction industry, Ken has developed a passion for building and expanding organizations.

He has managed work in almost every sector of the industry. Some of his marquee projects include building West Palm Beach Airport from the ground up, new water treatment facility for the City of Detroit valued at $275M, and an IRS Computing Center.

With oversight of both the Detroit and Lafayette offices Ken will be in the unique position to leverage the resources from both offices to help expand and grow our presence in the Midwest.

“I’m truly honored and blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of the F.H. Paschen team and for the promotion to Vice President. Jim Blair and I met 31 years ago when we worked together on the brand new Terminal 5 at O’Hare. It’s exciting to be working with him and the rest of the amazing people here at Paschen. I can’t begin to thank all of you who have reached out and offered your support since I have arrived. I’m looking forward to expanding our presence into Michigan and working with the team in Lafayette to continue to grow our presence there.”

Students at George Westinghouse College Prep, along with staff and faculty, attended the 7th annual P.I.E. Paschen: Innovations in Engineering, event on Monday, March 14th (on PIE DAY!). F.H. Paschen hosted the event at Westinghouse College Prep as an introduction to their Paschen Engineering Scholars Program as well as the field of engineering for interested candidates.

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

Westinghouse College Prep and F.H. Paschen welcomed founder and CEO of EKI-digital and founder and chairman of KillerSpin, Robert Blackwell Jr., as the guest speaker for the evening event. Robert spoke to his career journey and how valuable a math and science education is. Robert generously donated a KillerSpin table to Westinghouse where he challenged students and staff to matches following the event.

“Our scholar program is a great opportunity for students to dive into the world of STEM and get insight into the large breadth of opportunities available within each field,” said F.H. Paschen COO Chuck Freiheit. “Since its inception, it has continued to evolve and we’re so proud of the impact it has made in the lives of the students that have participated in the scholar program as well as those who have come to us as interns. We’re opening doors for the next generation of construction.”

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

F.H. Paschen kicked off 2022 by announcing the promotions of Bill Rocha and Wayne Thompson.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Bill Rocha to Vice President. Bill’s career began at F.H. Paschen following his internship over 15 years ago. Over the years, Bill worked diligently to earn promotions from Project Engineer to Project Manager, to Senior Project Manager, and most recently a General Manager. His ascension through the organization is a testament to Bill’s ability to lead and develop and his persistent execution of a forward-thinking vision. Congratulations Bill!

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Wayne Thompson to Vice President. Wayne was hired out of Tuskegee University as a Project Engineer in our Miami Office in 2007. His rise through the organization from Project Engineer to most recently as General Manager speaks to Wayne’s culture-defining leadership, operational savviness, and dedication to excellence. Congratulations Wayne!

Both Bill and Wayne have been essential to the rapid growth of our Mid-Atlantic and Southeast offices. F.H. Paschen is grateful for their leadership and the hard work and dedication from the project teams, administrative, and support staff in the regional offices.

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.

The office and hiring announcements were featured in Crain’s Detroit Business.

On Thursday, May 27th, six Paschen Engineering Scholars celebrated their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  It was the third 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. 

“We’re really excited to have the Scholars back this summer. We were unable to execute our typical programming due to the pandemic, we’re hoping to bring back most of what we did in the past,” said F.H. Paschen’s Chief Operating Officer, Chuck Freiheit. “It’s always tough to say goodbye to the Seniors, 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 were accepted into the schools of their choice and will begin their post-secondary education in the Fall. Additionally, the graduates will receive an $800 Amazon gift card for books and technology, $200 worth of college essentials, and a graduation tassel and charm. 

The Barkowski Family awarded senior, Shayla Reynolds-Turnbough 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. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2021 and a big welcome to the Class of 2024! 

The County of Fairfax, Virginia Department of Public Works and Environmental Services awarded F.H. Paschen the Award of Excellence for the Building Design and Construction of the Central and Dulles Maintenance Facility – Salt Dome projects.

“We’re honored to receive this award,” said Bill Rocha, General Manager of the F.H. Paschen Mid-Atlantic office. “It’s a testament to our project team, our subcontractors, and our great partners at the county.” General Contractor and Construction Manager F.H. Paschen has been in the Greater D.C. region for over 20 years.

F.H. Paschen is accustomed to building critical infrastructure in and around Fairfax County, completing the construction of nine escalator canopies for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), community, and government centers in Loudoun County, and several upgrades and renovations to local schools and park districts.

The Award of Excellence was presented at a virtual award ceremony on Friday, April 9^th.

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.

On Sunday, December 20^th at IBEW Local 134, construction companies F.H. Paschen and Turner Construction Company handed out meals to one-hundred Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Chicago Builds students and their families.

Chicago Builds is a citywide, two-year off-campus training program for CPS junior and seniors interested in pursuing a career in construction after graduating high school.

Chicago Builds Campus Manager Isaac Carter emphasized the true team effort it took to pull the event together, “It is critical to the program’s sustainability to secure and have active participation & support from industry partners. We are thrilled to have had this opportunity with F.H. Paschen and Turner to provide our students and their families with a special token of support to lift their spirits during these unprecedented times.”

“This year has been such a challenging year for everyone. Though these are not the best circumstances, Turner Construction wanted to do our part and help the students and families of the Chicago Builds Program,” says Rick Blair, Vice President, General Manager of Turner Construction.

The meals were prepared by three local businesses near the Chicago Builds campus at 3000 S. King Dr. Catering the dinner was Dirty Bird Southern Kitchen and Premier Melon & Express. Desserts were catered by Shake Them Cakes.

“The year, 2020, has been one of the most emotionally draining years for all of us. I’m truly grateful to be a small part of this hot food drive that’s being provided by F.H. Paschen and Turner Construction. They’re definitely showing the term ‘I am my brother’s keeper’ still exists,” says Dirty Birds chef/owner James Sanders.

“Many students aren’t aware of available career opportunities in construction or how lucrative they can be.” F.H. Paschen Vice President Charles Johnson reiterated the importance of early intervention and engagement with students interested in construction. “We are committed to developing the next generation of construction professionals, events like these allow us to introduce ourselves and make those initial connections.”

Students and their families were also formally invited to a virtual meet-and-greet with the F.H. Paschen executives following the Holiday season.

Years of planning, meetings, and hard work were rewarded today. The F.H. Paschen Ragnar Benson Joint Venture (FHP/RB), with Jacobs as the lead designer, was awarded a contract with Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD).

“F.H. Paschen Ragnar Benson Joint Venture is excited to move forward on the West Lake Corridor project,” said Jim Blair, F.H. Paschen CEO and President. “We look forward to partnering with NICTD and local businesses throughout the project and for many years to come.”

The selection of our team was made by NICTD after the evaluation of the technical proposal and public opening of the price proposal. The best price and best value matrix graded the FHP/RB team higher than our competition. One of the main differentiators was our team’s design, which had a greater score than our competitor.

“This ground breaking is over three decades in the making, and represents the start of the largest public transit investment in Indiana’s history,” said Chris Beck, NICTD’s Project Manager for the West Lake Corridor project. “NICTD is excited to be working with the F.H. Paschen Ragnar Benson Joint Venture team to build this monumental project that is so important to residents of Indiana. This team’s qualifications and experience will serve us well to overcome the many challenges we will face to design and build this project. Designing and building a commuter railroad involves many complicated civil and electrical aspects, but we are confident the F.H. Paschen Ragnar Benson team will deliver a successful project.”

The project known as the West Lake Corridor expansion will run eight miles from the South Shore line in Hammond to the Munster-Dyer town line. The project includes the new construction of four stations, 8 miles of new track, related infrastructure, 42 bridges, and structures.

This pursuit was the culmination of a true team effort. The resume and portfolio built over the years by F.H. Paschen’s Building and Civil Departments were major factors contributing to our project award.

“The West Lake Corridor is the single largest investment in NICTD’s commuter rail system in our 112- year history,” said Mike Noland, NICTD’s President. “After an extensive design/build procurement, the F.H. Paschen Ragnar Benson Joint Venture was determined to be the best value proposer for the project. After spending extensive time with their team, we have a high degree of confidence that they will be a true partner to complete this project on-time and within budget. Our project partners, the NWI RDA and the Indiana Finance Authority are truly excited to begin this project and unlock the tremendous transportation and economic benefits that it will produce.”

The magnitude of this selection cannot be understated. F.H. Paschen’s standing in the industry is fortified with this project in the design/build marketplace!

The Paschen Engineering Scholars Class of 2020 celebrated their graduation from the program virtually at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  This is the second group of Chicago Public Schools students to graduate from the program. In addition to the graduation, six rising sophomores from Westinghouse were introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars. A total of 22 scholars and their families were in attendance for the virtual celebration.

The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program curriculum includes hands-on activities to develop technical skills, build problem-solving abilities, and gain real-world work experience to improve the scholars’ knowledge of and access to career opportunities in the STEM and construction fields. Additionally, the program includes sponsored college-level engineering summer courses at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

“Given the challenging circumstances, we knew we couldn’t host the event at our Headquarters, so in conjunction with the tremendous administration at Westinghouse, we got creative and found a way to virtually celebrate all the many accomplishments of the Class of 2020” said F.H. Paschen’s Chief Operating Officer, Chuck Freiheit. “It was tough to say goodbye to our second 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 five graduates received over $3 million in scholarships to the colleges and universities of their choice. Additionally, the graduates received senior gifts from F.H. Paschen, consisting of a generous gift card to help cover college-related expenses and a package of dorm room/college-living essentials. The new class of Paschen Scholars (Class of 2023) features six students, four of which are women. Their traditional summer internship program has been rescheduled for the Fall.

“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 virtual ceremony included remarks from the incoming class of Paschen Scholars, a company overview of F.H. Paschen, and their associated staff, an unboxing of the senior gifts, and advice from the graduating class of scholars.

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).

During Q1 of 2020, F.H. Paschen developed and hosted two workforce development events to improve the process for those who are looking for employment in certain construction trades: Opportunity Day and Career Pathways Day. The two inaugural workforce events were the first in a series of programs aimed at discovering, training, and developing the construction workforce of tomorrow.

For those affiliated or already in a union, interviews with hiring managers will occur three times a year; these will be advertised as ‘Opportunity Days’. The first Opportunity Day was held at The Plant, in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood, and was well-attended with over 130 people.

For those not affiliated with a union, presentations and networking with union representatives and workforce partners will also occur three times a year. These events will be advertised as ‘Career Pathways Events’. The first Career Pathways Day was held at The Hatchery, in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood, and saw several unions and trade organizations host tables for the 25 attendees.

Our new initiatives do not supersede our current union obligations, but rather serve as an additional resource for the men and women interested in a career in construction. As an industry leader, this investment to educate, train and develop the workforce of tomorrow is essential to achieving our goal to serve the communities in which we work.

“Construction community job fairs in the Chicago area can be difficult to navigate, especially for individuals who are new to construction or may have barriers to employment. The Career Pathways Event hosted by FH Paschen was refreshing because the event was specifically designed for those looking to enter the sector. Not only were traditional union pipelines represented, but also organizations like Revolution Workshop whose missions are to help people with barriers overcome them and be better prepared for a construction career. It was a tremendous opportunity for Revolution Workshop to recruit for our pre-apprenticeship program and continue to network with contractors, unions and other community-based organizations serving the construction sector.”   

“Chicago Women in Trades supports F.H. Paschen’s initiative on hosting career-starting, and career-advancing, opportunities events. We are proud to be a part of the Career Pathways series.”

Parents and students gather at GWCP for F.H. Paschen’s P.I.E. – Paschen’s Innovations in Engineering – event for a night of information, engineering challenges, and pie!

Students at George Westinghouse College Prep, along with parents and faculty, attended the 5^th annual P.I.E, Paschen: Innovations in Engineering, event on Thursday, February 27. F.H. Paschen hosted the event at Westinghouse College Prep as an introduction to their Paschen Engineering Scholars Program as well as the field of engineering for interested candidates.

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

“Our scholar program is a great opportunity for students to dive into the world of STEM and get insight into the large breadth of opportunities available within each field,” said F.H. Paschen COO Chuck Freiheit. “Since its inception, it has continued to evolve and we’re so proud of the impact it has made in the lives of the students that have participated in the scholar program as well as those who have come to us as interns. We’re opening doors for the next generation of construction.”

The evening started with the serving of pizza to attendees, followed by a presentation on the history of F.H. Paschen along with an update on their current and ongoing projects. Following the presentation, students were broken into two teams: Aviation and Development. The Aviation team was tasked building their own airplane with provided supplies as well as developing a name and brand around the plane, with the goal of making it physically fly. The Development team was to build a structure for a Chicago neighborhood of their choosing and determine the building’s purpose with that community.

The commitment to building capacity for women, diverse, small and veteran-owned businesses was instituted by Bud Paschen over 30 years ago. Bud recognized that by collaborating with these businesses and communities he was not only growing their business, but Paschen’s as well. Paschen’s consistent and meaningful engagement has led to the contracting of over 200 diverse subcontractors in 2018. 

In September alone, Paschen attended and/or hosted 10 outreach events for diverse businesses. Outreach events allow our team to meet and educate new diverse businesses on how to do work with us and the agencies/clients with upcoming opportunities.  

Paschen’s outreach efforts go far beyond Chicago. Project teams in Atlanta, D.C. and Dallas have attended and hosted outreach events as well. 

Did you know that over the past five years over 75% of interns hired are still with Paschen? 

During final presentations at the end of the summer, interns recognized employees who went ‘above & beyond’ to enhance their internship experience with the ‘More Paschen’ award. The ‘More Paschen’ Award is presented in front of Senior Leadership and winners are given $50 Bud Bucks. 

Thank you for your hard work and for creating an exceptional experience for our interns.

The inaugural class of six Paschen Engineering Scholars celebrated their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  This was the first group of CPS George Westinghouse College Prep students that graduated from the program. In addition to this inaugural class graduation, six freshmen from Westinghouse College Prep will were introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars. A total of 23 scholars were in attendance.

“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 received over $3.6 million in scholarships to the schools of their choice. Additionally, graduates received an $800 Amazon gift card for books and technology, $200 worth of college essentials, and a graduation tassel and charm.

The Barkowski Family awarded the first John Barkowski Memorial Scholarship to Ramon Quinto, a Paschen Scholar graduate, 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.”

F.H. Paschen accepted the 2019 Project Award from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) for the American Airlines Concourse L/Stinger. 

We constructed a new concourse capable of handling five regional aircrafts with a pedestrian bridge tying into existing Terminal 3. The new facility includes hold rooms, concession areas, restrooms, airline support spaces, mechanical spaces, and circulation areas. 

In addition to the complex nature of building on an active airfield, Paschen had to devise innovative methods for erecting a nearly 600’ long walkway without impacting the gate operations of six different carriers. To address these challenges, Paschen, in collaboration with the design engineers, fabricator, erector and American Airlines, came up with a design for the bridge that would allow the walkway to be erected in three segments. The pieces were originally built on the ground, so they could eventually be hoisted up in the air and placed. 

This award joins the 2019 Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) – Top Project Chicago, New Construction, American Airlines Concourse L / Stinger. 

We are excited to announce that the Barkowski Family has established the John Barkowski Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to a graduating Westinghouse Paschen Scholar who will be furthering their education in a field of engineering.

John took great pride in his work and was a leader to many during his time at F.H. Paschen. He was always committed to training and educating the next generation of builders. To continue John’s legacy of excellence and hard work, the Barkowski Family will grant a scholarship to a graduating Paschen Scholar who best exemplifies the character and values of John.

F.H. Paschen and Westinghouse College Prep are entering the fourth year of a successful partnership and will welcome the new class of Paschen Scholars during the Hard Hat Ceremony on Thursday, May 30th. During this ceremony, Paschen will honor the graduates of the inaugural Paschen Scholars class and will present the John Barkowski Memorial Scholarship to the awarded senior. 

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 30^th. 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 accepted the 2019 Infrastructure Construction Award from the Chicago Building Congress (CBC) for the Chicago Department of Transportation 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge. 

The 1,470-foot pedestrian bridge spans over Lake Shore Drive and connects Chicago’s Bronzeville Neighborhood to the lakefront. The project’s construction consisted of the removal and reconstruction of pedestrian paths, bike trails and sidewalks, roadway lighting relocation, and furnishing and installing lighting on the bridge structure. 

The cultural and community significance of the bridge was highlighted in the Chicago Tribune. 

This award joins the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA) Contractor of the Year honor for the construction of the 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge. 

On National Rebuilding Day, April 27th, F.H. Paschen joined the Cook County Department of Capital Planning and Policy and Rebuilding Together to repair two homes in the Chicago Heights community. 

Our construction crews spent the week leading up to National Rebuilding Day remodeling the two homes. Renovations included the installation of all new kitchen appliances, vinyl flooring, and accessibility upgrades.

Paschen is a proud partner of Rebuilding Together in both the Chicagoland and Metro Washington, D.C. areas.

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. 

In partnership with Peoples Gas and the Special Olympics, F.H. Paschen participated in the 2019 Chicago Polar Plunge! Our team consisted of 16 Paschen employees who braved the chilly temperatures of Lake Michigan and plunged in support of Special Olympics Chicago. 

We were fortunate to partner with Peoples Gas, one of the larger corporate sponsors for the Chicago Polar Plunge, who raised over $125,000 for the Special Olympics of Chicago! 

The Paschen Plungers were glad to support the incredible organization. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 22, a select group of CPS students from George Westinghouse College Prep (GWCP) participated in an educational tour of the Peoples Energy Training Center, which opened last summer. All participants in the competitive Paschen Scholars Program toured the facility and explored careers in the field of engineering.

The 100,000-square-foot training center includes a mock gas city that delivers natural gas to 20 mock homes and businesses. Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas workers use this facility to practice safety inspections, service operations, installation and more. About 1,600 natural gas utility workers receive training at this facility each year.

Students participating in this tour represent each of the current three cohorts of Paschen’s 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.

The competitive Paschen Scholars program 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 each student can seek the STEM career of his or her dreams with confidence.

F.H. Paschen celebrated 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.

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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Holiday season, F.H. Paschen and Stalworth Underground partnered with St. James AME Church and local grocer, Pete’s Produce, to provide Thanksgiving dinner for 25 families living in the Chatham, West Chesterfield, Roseland, and Auburn Gresham communities.

We have spent a considerable amount of time in those communities as we modernized the Chicago Transit Authority’s 95th Street Station. It’s important to us as an organization to serve and give back to the communities in which we have impacted so greatly with our construction.

This past Monday, November 19th, our project team celebrated our time in those communities with the neighbors of the 95th Street Station.

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.

Read ENR’s announcement here.

#BuildWithPaschen

In partnership with the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Park District, Chicago CRED, and KaBOOM!, we constructed the brand new Pullman Peace Park park in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood.

Our project management staff spent the week prepping the site for the festivities that took place on Friday, August 10th.

We would like to thank our partners for inviting us to participate in this tremendous event that allowed the Pullman neighborhood to come together for the children of the community.

For more information on our partnership with Chicago CRED, click here.

More Opportunity. More Paschen.

Last week marked the end of this year’s summer internship program. Our interns were spread across the company, filling various roles in our Estimating, Building, Civil, and PPG divisions.

Many of our interns had the opportunity to work on active job sites including 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge, 95th Street Terminal Improvement Project, O’Hare Runway 9C-27C Bid Package #1, American Airlines GEM Facility, and many more.

Last Friday, our interns gave their final presentations on their summer internship experience. Interns from our offices in Atlanta, GA and Washington, D.C. were flown in to create a collaborative presentation experience in which our interns spoke directly to our executives.

As a part of their final presentation, the interns nominated an employee for a ‘More Paschen’ award. The employees weren’t limited to a specific title, but were individuals who went out of their way to make an impact on our intern’s summer and made a lasting impression on their experience.

We received incredible feedback from our interns! Our industry’s future is bright with talented and innovative minds – we were truly fortunate to have such an excellent group of individuals.

We are wishing our interns a successful school year!

More Opportunity. More Paschen.

Our interns come from all over the nation, studying at schools including Villanova University, Purdue University, Illinois State University, Howard University, Miami University (Ohio), Michigan State University, Iowa State University, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Eastern Illinois University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Valparaiso University, University of Alabama, George Mason University, California College of the Arts, and Notre Dame University.

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.

More Opportunity. More Paschen.