Award Winning Team delivers Award Winning Project
Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
There are many tasks that an owner’s representative or construction manager will perform over the course of a project. Plenty of them are highly visible – tasks such as obtaining permits, evaluating proposals, setting up a meeting, and monitoring progress as the project proceeds.
However, one of the most vital tasks for the long-term success of a job is building a “dream team” of key players for all aspects of the project. This includes general contractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and other vital advisors in the process. It’s not always the most visible task, and it certainly doesn’t get the limelight, but putting together the best team possible can be the difference between a successful project or an unsuccessful one. A special thanks to Mary Nelson, Chief Operating Office at Hadley Institute for selecting to assemble a truly amazing team with Ewa Weir, Senior Vice President at Jones Lang LaSalle, design services from Dani Fitzgerald, Principal of Fitzgerald Architecture Planning and Design, and the founding team of Redwood Construction Group to complete this historic and transformational project.
These projects are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for most businesses and/or homeowners to experience a truly amazing process and experience.
Project Scope
Hadley’s 1950s-era building at 700 Elm St. underwent extensive structural modifications including two vertical additions increasing the square footage by nearly 25 percent. The added space allows Hadley to expand their current boardroom and add new conference rooms creating common areas for community outreach and education. The project involved a full gut renovation, completely new MEP systems, a new ADA compliant elevator and wheelchair lift, expanded and modernized audio/visual recording studios, a state-of-the-art virtual reality experience room, and all new interior finishes including special accommodations for the visually impared.
“We were honored to lead the construction efforts on this major building expansion and upgrade,” said team leader Pat Kinsella. “This project gave Hadley a state-of-the-art building from which to continue their global mission of helping people of all ages live more productive lives with vision loss. It is projects and clients like this that make our job as contractors so rewarding.”
Not only was the project rewarding, but it also received accolades and recognition from the community and construction industry.
Awards
The project was recognized by the Association of General Contractors - Renovation Project of the year under $10MM and the 2019 Preservation Award presented by Winnetka Landmark Preservation Commission.
You can read more about this exciting project and learn more about Hadley at their website: https://hadley.edu/
They say a photo is worth a thousand words - in these before and after comparisons, the 8 photos speak far more to the dramatic change and improvement to the newly renovated facility.
Project of the Year Award
Association of General Contractors - Renovation Project under $10MM - Awarded to Clune Construction (former employer of Pat and Steve at Redwood)
Left to right: Louise Holland, Chairperson for Landmark Preservation Commission • Patrick Kinsella, President for Redwood • Daniela Fitzgerald, Principal Architect for Fitgerald Architecture Planning Design (FAPD) • Julie S. Tye, President for Hadley Institute • Mary Nelson, COO for Hadley Institute • Ewa Weir, Senior VP for Jones Lang LaSalle • Steve Blentlinger, VP for Redwood
2019 Preservation Award
Winnetka Landmark Preservation Commission
About Hadley
Founded in 1920 by William Hadley, an educator who lost his eyesight later in life, Hadley offers practical help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families and professionals supporting them. Providing online, large print, braille and audio media, Hadley serves nearly 150,000 individuals each year, reaching all 50 states and 100 countries. And more people learn braille from Hadley than from any other organization worldwide.
Hadley is a proud partner of the National Eye Institute and the National Eye Health Education Program.
Hadley's help conveniently meets learners where they are. Free of wait lists. Free of office visits. Free of charge.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hadley relies on contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund its programs.
About Redwood
Redwood Construction Group is a management-owned firm that is focused primarily on the greater Chicago metro area. There is more to construction than bricks and mortar. Communication. Quality. Trust. This is how we make sure your project will be Built Better. Our services include Construction Management, General Contracting and Consulting with experience across many industries: Healthcare, Education, Commercial Tenant Improvements, Ground-up and additions, and High-end Luxury Residential. Every project comes with the same promise of quality, dedication, and a trusted long-lasting partnership. Clients, architects, and designers continuously recommend Redwood for the high-quality of our work and the seamless creative process.
Previous to establishing Redwood Construction Group, our founders developed and built a special project and healthcare group for a large general contractor in Chicago, under which this project was completed.