ULI CHICAGO PRESS RELEASE

Urban Land Institute Chicago Announces 2012 Vision Awards Finalists – Recognizing Visionary Developments, Programs and Young Leaders in the Land Use and Development Fields

Winners will be announced at the Vision Awards event, June 6, 2012 at the Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago

Chicago – (April 18, 2012) Twenty-two projects, programs, and young professionals were named as finalists in the 2012 ULI Chicago Vision Awards, the district council’s newest recognition program. Winners will be announced at the 2012 Vision Awards, June 6, 2012, 6 – 8pm, Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL.

The ULI Chicago Vision Awards recognize the full development process in order to promote best practices in development. ”We wanted a way to celebrate the innovation, quality and sensitivity to issues facing our communities that is happening in the field of real estate development right now regardless of the size of the project or program” said Alicia Berg, Columbia College Chicago and co-chair of the Vision Awards.

The Awards Committee reached out to a broad spectrum of project and program types, many non-traditional and quite small, to find those passionate, exciting ideas that might not qualify for traditional awards programs.

The 2012 Vision Award Finalists were named in three categories: project, program, and young visionary.

PROJECT CATEGORY
300 E. Randolph, Chicago
Hairpin Lofts and the Arts Center, Chicago
Harold Washington Apartments, Chicago
Inspiration Kitchens, Chicago
Rivers Casino, Des Plaines
Testa Produce, Inc. Distribution Facility, Chicago
The Legacy at Millennium Park, Chicago
The Shops and Residences at Uptown Park Ridge, Park Ridge
Tryon Farm, Michigan City, IN
Woodlawn Center South, Chicago

PROGRAM CATEGORY
Energy Savers, CNT Energy & Community Investment Corporation
GO TO 2040, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Green Permit Program, City of Chicago Department of Buildings
Lightscape, Chicago Loop Alliance
Modern Schools Across Chicago, Public Building Commission of Chicago & Chicago Public Schools
Sweet Beginnings, North Lawndale Employment Network
Troubled Buildings Initiative – Distressed Condominium Program, Community Investment Corporation
Wicker Park/Bucktown Special Service Area (SSA), Wicker Park & Bucktown Chamber of Commerce

YOUNG VISIONARY CATEGORY
Sophie Bidek, Principal, Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
Dave Cocagne, President & CEO, Vermillion Development
Keith Largay, Senior Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle
Will Woodley, Project Manager, The Community Builders

The Vision Awards, introduced by ULI Chicago this 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.

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 jury of peers in the industry. In addition to review of written materials, the jury conducted site visits of all projects.

To learn more about our finalists or to sponsor the 2012 Vision Awards 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 1,000 members in the Chicago land area. Organized in 1986, the district council celebrates 25 years in 2012. 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 others 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.