INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTORS, INC. FALL 2011

Building Solutions with the Power of People.Building Solutions with the Power of People.

ICI Insights

Block Center for Integrative Cancer CareA new Skokie facility offering patients a unique treatment environment

Chicago Welcomes Two New Restaurants:Cantina Laredo and III Forks Steakhouse

The Partnership Continues:Benedictine University Dan & Ada Rice Athletic Center

Lights, Camera, Action!ICI Teams with ESPN for the Renovation of a CPS Athletic Facility

In This IssueA Year of Firstsin Auto Dealership ConstructionVolvo NorthfieldThe first Volvo in the country to pursue LEED Silver Certification

MINI ChicagoOpening recently in Lincoln Park, the city’s first MINI dealership

Fiat Highland ParkThe first Fiat to return to Illinoisin over 25 years

© Photos by Daniel Broten

A Year of FirstsVolvo, Northfield:The first Volvo dealership in the U.S. to pursueLEED Silver Certification.

the auto group continually demonstrates their commitment to

building long-term relationships through extraordinary customer

service. The level of service at the Fields Auto Group’s new 27,500

SF Volvo Dealership is no exception; and now there is an additional

customer benefit:

The new building boasts a healthier indoor environment, uses

renewable energy sources and provides opportunities for sustainable

education. Wind turbines, an extensive rainwater harvesting system

with two 2,500 gallon above-ground silos and a 10,000 gallon

underground storage tank and solar panels at both ground level

Wind Spires, an extensive Rainwater Harvesting System, an Eco Garden and Photovoltaic Panels all contribute to the sustainability of this new Volvo dealership. The project is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council to achieve the Silver Level of LEED Certification.

has been an exciting year of firsts in auto dealership

construction for International Contractors, Inc.. Since February, ICI

has completed three significant dealership projects: the first Volvo

dealership in the nation to pursue LEED Silver Certification, the first

MINI dealership in the city of Chicago and the first FIAT dealership

to return to Illinois in over 25 years.

With 32 franchises at 20 locations across the country, the Fields

Automotive Group has a wide-reaching reputation for providing

a high level of service at each of their dealerships. From theater

rooms to on-staff chefs and full-service cafés at several locations,

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and on the roof are all sustainable features of the new dealership.

An on-site Eco Garden with native landscaping will be used to

teach visitors the importance of environmental consciousness by

featuring examples of these renewable energy systems. The solar

panel system located on the roof and in the Eco Garden produces

between 3-5% of the building’s energy.

The showroom is also equipped with a number of distinctively

“green” features. An automated shading system lowers shades to

reduce the heat and glare from the sun at its strongest angle and

in turn raises the

shades as the sun passes throughout the day to allow additional

light in. The system is programmed to adjust to the position of the

sun through the seasons. A monitor on display in the showroom

continuously displays how much energy the building is producing

through its many renewable energy strategies.

During construction, ICI implemented a Construction Waste

Management Program and achieved the goal of diverting 95% of

all construction debris from the waste stream through recycling,

reduction and reuse.3

1111 WEST DIVERSEY PARKWAY IN LINCOLN PARK

MINI of ChICago:Chicago’s First MINI Dealership Opens in Lincoln Park

Following the completion of the Fields Volvo in Northfield,

ICI began a new, complex project for the client in

Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. ICI was contracted

to completely gut and renovate an existing 14,000 SF

service and parts building on Diversey Parkway and

Sheffield Avenue and expand the building to allow for a

new 7,000 SF showroom. The resulting space became

Chicago’s first BMW MINI Dealership.

The renovation of the existing space included the

installation of new underground plumbing systems, new

mechanical and electrical systems, non-load bearing

masonry walls, new overhead doors and vitrified ceramic

tile. The designer, JRB Group Architects, elected to keep

the existing exposed wood truss roof in the service area; a

striking element in the expansive space.

The dynamic design of the building’s exterior called for a

20’ high glass curtainwall system and aluminum composite

panel cladding. These large expanses of glass allow

passersby a view into the dark interior accentuating the

bold colors of the cars within. This creates an eye-catching

entrance on this well-traveled street. The showroom

features interior aluminum and glass storefront partitions,

stained concrete flooring, ceramic tile, and plastic laminate

cabinets with solid

surface counter

tops. The project

was successfully

completed in a

highly-aggressive 5

month schedule.

SERVICE & PARTSRENOVATION6

NEW SHOWROOM, OFFICES5

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After a 27 year absence, Chrysler Corporation brought FIAT back to the United States. News of the launch was announced last year and a limited number of dealers were invited to apply for a franchise. The Fields Auto Group was among the 130 dealers selected from across the country to open a franchise in 2011, and they turned to International Contractors, Inc. for the construction of their new Highland Park location.

In an effort to attract millennials to the showroom and to make car buying a collaborative process with the sales team, all new franchises are referred to as Fiat Studios rather than dealerships. The new studios strike a balance of stylish and modern design with approachability. From the large expanses of glass around the showroom shedding light on the activity within, to the distinct red metal panels reinforcing the Fiat brand, the studios evoke a sense of Italian sophistication.

The Fiat 500 coup will be the first car introduced to the U.S. market in the new rollout. This signature model is expected to pave the way for the additional models that will make their debut as the brand becomes more established in the states.

After International Contractors completed the new Volvo Dealership in Northfield, Volvo

relocated from their former Highland Park location. ICI then began converting this newly vacated space into the new Highland Park Fiat Studio.

The transformation was impressive. In just 8 weeks, ICI demolished and replaced the existing façade of the Volvo building, renovated the showroom, sales and customer areas and installed all new interior finishes and signage. The success of this fast-paced turnover was due in large part to ICI’s preconstruction coordination with the architect, JRB Group, and the owner. Fiat-approved materials and long-lead items were pre-ordered to ensure the team would meet the targeted completion date. Opening with a celebration 27 years in the making, Fields Auto Group became the first dealer to bring the FIAT 500 to Illinois. International Contractors, Inc. is proud to have played an important role in this significant project.

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The Return of FIAT:Illinois’ First FIAT Studio Opens

Back in the U.S. after more than 25 Years

THE BLOCK CENTER FORINTEGRATIVE CANCER CARE

Founded nearly 30 years ago, the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care is

a leader in the field of cancer treatment. Patients turn to the Block Center for a

combination of state-of-the-art conventional cancer treatments and scientifically-

based integrative therapies. These integrative therapies are customized to the

individual’s needs and can include anything from personalized nutrition plans to

targeted molecular therapies to physical exercise regiments.

The Block Center team that develops these treatments and therapies includes

board-certified oncologists, internists, physicians assistants, oncology nurses,

psychologists, social workers, registered dieticians, physical and massage

therapists, medical researchers, complementary care specialists, medical

researchers and patient care coordinators.

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This large group of specialists depends

upon an environment that allows

their patients the best opportunity to

improve their overall quality of life

while undergoing cancer treatment. For

this reason, their newly renovated and

expanded 18,000 SF space in Skokie

contains a variety of unique spaces with

a common theme: providing comfort to

those undergoing treatment.

International Contractors collaborated

with YAS Architecture on the construction

of this 4,500 SF first floor addition and

13,500 SF renovation. ICI constructed

twenty-two chemotherapy rooms, five

wellness/exam rooms, a physical therapy

space, men’s and women’s saunas, a

demonstration kitchen, lecture area,

patient lounge, physicians’ offices and

clinical areas.

The project incorporated many

complex components and upgraded

finishes to provide patients with a

high degree of comfort. The design

called for an abundance of natural

light throughout the space, creating a

calming atmosphere for those receiving

treatment. The patient lounge in the

atrium uses both natural light and soft

artificial lighting and plush furniture

to create a comforting, home-like

environment. The large, sweeping

staircase in the center of the building

links the floors in an open, spacious

manner and the exam rooms avoid a

sterile feel through the use images from

nature on the walls. A Zen Garden at

the entry of the building also serves to

reduces patient apprehension and boost

treatment effectiveness.

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A peek inside Chicago’s new gourmet Mexican restaurant,

Cantina Laredo, offers sweeping views of richly textured

walls with custom artwork, white limestone fireplaces,

sleek Italian leather seating and a show-stopping glass

staircase. Located in the heart of River North at State and

Illinois Street, the ground up two-story, 17,000 square

foot restaurant will undoubtedly be one of city’s new hot

spots.

The first floor dining area exudes a feeling of cozy

sophistication with multiple fireplaces, douglas fir

tongue and groove walls, polished concrete floors, and

LED lighting throughout. Two private dining areas are

separated by glass partitions; the

smaller of the two features a rack with

space for over 1,000 bottles

of wine. An outdoor patio

facing State Street offers additional seating during these

final weeks of summer weather and a 38’ tall fireplace

clad with natural stone is sure to keep guests warm as the

season shifts.

A glass and steel staircase leads guests to a second level

with a second full-service kitchen, bar area and additional

seating. Retractable walls open for a view onto State Street

and the city skyline is the backdrop.

For nearly a year now International Contractors has

been collaborating with owners, Consolidated Restaurant

Operations (CRO), and Weiss Architects to bring this

III Forks SteakhouseCantina Laredo &

concept to life. The year has been eventful for the team, to

say the least, as Cantina Laredo was constructed in concert

with a second CRO concept, III Forks Steakhouse.

The dining experience at

III Forks Steakhouse in

Chicago’s Lakeshore East

development is sure to be

equally popular as CRO’s

first Chicago venture and

a welcome addition to the

Chicago restaurant scene.

With six other locations in

Texas and Florida, III Forks

Steakhouse has perfected the fusion of great food, great

service and a great atmosphere. Opening to the public

in early October, the build-out of this 3-story, 16,000 SF

restaurant is taking place in the city’s rapidly developing

Lakeshore East neighborhood. The restaurant will be

housed in the Village Market Center and features high

end finishes, including walnut millwork and marble

accents.

A steel and glass staircase with leather-wrapped handrails

leads guests to a rooftop deck. Elegant trellises with lush

plantings will highlight the space, softening the surrounding

urban landscape. The deck offers unsurpassed views of

Lakeshore East Park

and the surrounding

skyline.

These new projects

are the ninth and

tenth restaurants that

ICI has completed in

two square miles of

downtown Chicago

in recent years. ICI

has also completed Rock Bottom Brewery (next door to

Cantina Laredo), ZED 451, China Grill, Brazzaz, Fogo

de Chao, McCormick & Schmick’s, and Martini Park, to

name a few. ICI’s experience in restaurant construction is

not limited to the Chicago area, however. Our expertise

is nationally recognized; with projects varying in scope

and size from small family-owned cafes to nationally

franchised, high-end steakhouses.

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As athletics were first developing at Benedictine University

more than thirty years ago, Dan and Ada Rice brought

forth their vision for an athletic facility that would educate,

improve physical fitness and provide a spirit of competition

at the school. In 1976, the two contributed nearly $1.4

million to the construction of the Rice Center. Today, the

building still has a significant presence on campus; serving

as the main point for recreation on campus. The University

is continuing to advance and the Dan and Ada Rice Center

is now undergoing a transformation. The goal is to provide

student-athletes a facility in which they can compete, train

and grow.

The renovation and expansion of the Dan and Ada Rice

Athletic Facility marks International Contractors’ third project

as Construction Manager for Benedictine University in as

many years. In partnership with DLR Group architects, ICI is

transforming the school’s existing fitness center to make way

for a new, modern athletic facility.

The entry of the dated facility has been demolished and a

sleek glass, metal panel and masonry addition have taken

its place; reinforcing the facility’s significant presence on

campus.

The building contained a non-operational pool in the

Natatorium. The renovation plans called for this space to

be back-filled and for a Fitness Center to take its place.

The new 7,500 square foot Fitness Center includes a first

floor cardio and circuit training area, a 5,200 square foot

strength training area, yoga/pilates studios, conference

studios, a reception space, as well as a training room for

student athletes. The training room will house a hot and cold

hydrotherapy plunge pool.

The Athletic Department and Coaching Staff’s cramped

offices were demolished and expanded to create an open,

spacious environment. Windows were cut into the masonry

to allow the perimeter offices natural light. The new facility is

scheduled to open to students in late October.

International Contractors’ continued partnership with the

University has spanned the length of several projects and is

also rooted in a friendship shared between ICI president, Bruce

Bronge, and Benedictine President, William J. Carroll. The

2011 President’s Partner of the Year Award was presented to

Bruce this past spring, with Carroll acknowledging him as “A

special university friend who created a positive collaborative

relationship with the University.”

The Partnership Continues:Benedictine University’s Dan & Ada Rice Athletic Center Nears Completion

Dan & Ada Rice Athletic CenterAnticipated Completion:

October 2011

LightsCamera

Action!ICI Teams with

ESPN, the Bulls

and the Chicago

Public Schools

to Renovate

Walter H. Dyett

High School’s

Athletic Facilities

This past spring, International Contractors was contacted by the cable network ESPN to collaborate on an upcoming documentary called RISE UP. The segment captures the transformation of an inner-city school’s athletic facility during a major renovation and refurbishment; concluding with a surprise reveal for the student body. The construction is tracked from start to finish and the resulting documentary will air nationally this coming October on ESPN.

Selected from among hundreds of applicants nationally, Dyett High School athletic director Clarence Smith’s winning letter set into motion a series of improvements that aim to engage the student body and provide them with much needed equipment and facility upgrades.

Renovations and improvements include a new rock climbing wall, refinishing of the gymnasium floor, installation of interactive SMART boards, new exercise equipment, a complete remodel of the ROTC area including new resin flooring, replacement of light fixtures, painting throughout the entire facility and new basketball hoops in the gymnasium.

In keeping with International Contractors’ commitment to community reinvestment, the ICI team donated labor, equipment usage, select materials and the coordination of subcontractors’ labor/material donations.

For more information, please visit:

http://frontrow.espn.go.com/2011/09/espns-rise-up-the-chicago-reveal/

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Rise Up will air on ESPN

from 7-8 p.m. ET on

October 4, 2011

Watch RISE UP!

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ICI Leadership

Bruce BrongePRESIDENT

Randall A. Bronge, LEED AP BD+C

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Tim Jackson, LEED AP

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Marc Poskin, CPE, LEED AP

CHIEF ESTIMATOR

DIRECTOR OF K-12 EDUCATION

Tony WygonskiCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Joe FaheyVICE PRESIDENT OF

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT