ULI CHICAGO PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more Information, contact: Cindy McSherry, ULI Chicago, 773-549-4972

ULI Chicago Announces 2014 Vision Awards Finalists – Recognizing Visionary Developments, Programs and Young Leaders in the Land Use and Development Fields

CHICAGO (April 3, 2014) – Twenty-six projects, programs, and young professionals were named as finalists in the 2014 ULI Chicago Vision Awards, the district council’s unique recognition program. Winners will be announced at the 2014 Vision Awards, June 4, 2014, 6 – 9pm, Redmoon Theater, 600 W. Cermak, Chicago, IL.

”We have a diverse group of inspired and imaginative finalists representing a wide range of developments, arts, culture, and services. These are exactly the kinds of distinctive projects and programs that build on the creative energy in our region,” said Michael Damore, Executive Managing Director, Epstein and co-chair of the Vision Awards.

The Awards Committee encouraged a broad spectrum of project and program types, including non-traditional and small-scale projects, to find those passionate people and exciting ideas that might not qualify for traditional awards programs.

The 2014 Vision Award Finalists were named in three categories: project, program, and young visionary.

PROJECT CATEGORY
Back of the Yards Campus, 2111 W. 47th Street
Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street
Congress Parkway Improvement Plan, Congress Parkway between Michigan & Wells
Crossroads at East Ravenswood, Multiple Chicago Locations
CTA Morgan Station, 958 W. Lake Street
Hansberry College Prep, 8748 S. Aberdeen Avenue
Harper Theater and Retail Building Redevelopment, 5238 S. Harper Avenue
Harvest Commons Apartments, 1519 W. Warren Boulevard
Ignite Glass Studios, 401 N. Armour Street
John Marshall Law School Urban Campus Expansion, 304 S. State Street
Metropolitan Tower, 310 S. Michigan Avenue
Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue
Shoreland, 5454 S. Shore Drive
Walgreens Net Zero Location, 635 Chicago Avenue, Evanston
The Wrigley Building, 400 N. Michigan Avenue

PROGRAM CATEGORY
Chicago Plays!, Chicago Park District
Divvy, Chicago Department of Transportation
Camping Master Plan, Forest Preserves of Cook County
Kane County Planning Cooperative
NeighborSpace – Community Garden Land Trust
Community Planning Program, Regional Transportation Authority
School Investment Program, Public Buildings Commission of Chicago

YOUNG VISIONARY CATEGORY
John Carlson, Senior Vice President, Trammell Crow Company
Christine Choi, Leasing Manager – Midwest Region, John Hancock Real Estate
Mark Hahn, Asset Manager, Kensington Realty Advisors, Inc.
Molly Meyer, Owner, Omni Ecosystems

The Vision Awards, now in its third year, honor those projects and programs that have used creative development practices, inventive partnerships or sharing of resources, imaginative problem solving, or visionary ideas contributing to the growth of vibrant communities. The relative size of a program or project, whether square footage or total budget, is secondary to the innovative characteristics contributing to its success. The Awards recognize the full development process in order to promote best practices in real estate development and uphold the guiding principles of ULI.

In addition to project and program categories, the Vision Awards honor a Young Visionary, an outstanding young leader in the land use and development fields. This younger professional exemplifies career advancement, goal-setting, community service and a strong commitment to ULI’s principles of land use.

Nominees were evaluated by a Nomination Review Committee and final winners will be chosen by a jury of peers in the industry. In addition to review of written materials, the jury will conduct site visits and interviews prior to selecting the winners.

To learn more about the 2014 Vision Awards or to sponsor or purchase individual tickets, contact ULI Chicago at 773-549-4972 or visit chicago.uli.org.

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ULI Chicago, a District Council of the Urban Land Institute, has more than 1,400 members in the Chicago land area. Organized in 1986, ULI Chicago provides expertise and guidance on land use and development issues to local communities through comprehensive technical assistance services and infrastructure initiatives. The district council hosts monthly meetings, trends conferences, policy forums, and networking opportunities for its members and professionals in the real estate industry.

The Urban Land Institute is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.