Commercial Facilities
Commercial Renovation
ComEd Metro Loop Office
ComEd North Division Headquarters
ComEd Area Headquarters
ComEd Bolingbook District Headquarters
ComEd Aurora District Headquarters
ComEd Maywood Technical Center
Argonne Bid Support
Metra Weldon Yard EMU Shop
Cook Terminal Building Damage Inspection and Repair
Office/Retail Building Renovation (North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago)
Office/Retail/Residential Building Renovation (Oak St., Chicago)
26th Street Shopping Center
Child Development Center Design and Renovation
Head Start Facilities
Acoustical Report for Community Center
St. Timothy Convent
Skokie Synagogue Expansion

Residential Renovation
Argonne National Labs User Residence Facility
Miller Village Renovation
Henry Horner Homes
Condo Property Surveys
Housing Project Damage Assessment and Repair
Vilas Investment Properties
Residential Design
Astor Terrace Condominiums
Lexington Hotel
Wentworth Gardens

New Facility Design
Metra 47th Street Yard Coach Service Building
Metra 47th Street Yard Diesel Shop
Warehouse Design and Construction


The following are brief descriptions of relevant commercial design, including commercial and residential renovation and commercial design and construction projects:         



Commercial Renovation

 ComEd Metro Loop Office
TECHKNOW provided architecture; structural, mechanical and electrical engineering; and plumbing design services for renovation of the existing 1-story Metro Loop Office for Commonwealth Edison Company located at 200 North Ogden in Chicago, Illinois.

Renovation was to incorporate functional upgrades and to bring the 23,600 s,f, facility into compliance with ADA and the current Chicago building code. Renovation work in the office area included: addition of smoke detectors and general lighting in the open office; addition of task lighting above the plan reference tables; replace deteriorating entry steps and landings, plus incorporate ramp from parking area; re-stripe parking for handicapped spaces. Renovation in the crew assembly area included: addition of crew restroom and shower facilities; accessorize existing toilet facilities for ADA compliance; add door to garage and reinforce exterior exit door; modify existing hardware on all doors. Renovation in the garage area included: modification of existing mechanical ventilation for proper vehicle exhaust; modifying connections and hardwiring existing lighting.

   

 

 ComEd North Division Headquarters
TECHKNOW is currently designing improvements to Commonwealth Edison's Chicago North Division Headquarters to make the building more accessible to disabled persons. Improvements include adding handrails to the cusotmer service entrance ramp, adding a new ramp and electrically operated door for employees and modifying the existing freight elevator to a passenger and freight elevator accessible to disabled persons. Elevator modifications include new horizontal sliding doors, call button and position indicator, generator, controller board, cab floor, wall and ceiling panels.

   

 

 ComEd Area Headquarters
Techknow provided complete A/E services including architecture, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering for ComEd's two new Area Headquarters; one in Northbrook, Illinois and one in University Park, Illinois. The Area Headquarters consists of a 68,000 sq ft office/warehouse building, transportation building, and parking areas for employee cars, customer cars and ComEd trucks and trailers and a large outside stores area. Each site is about 20 acres. A central chiller and VAV system cools and heats the office portion. Underfloor deep heat, unit heaters and paddle fans are used to heat the warehouse and transportation building which are both high bay buildings. In addition, the transportation building has a carbon monoxide removal system. The electrical system is 3000 amps includes supply from two transformers and automatic transfer switch for redundancy.

   

 

 ComEd Bolingbrook District Headquarters
The Bolingbrook District Headquarters of ComEd needed an expanded all weather stores and parking pavement. TECHKNOW surveyed the site and designed new pavement and storm sewer system for an additional 20,000 s.f. of pavement with and estimated cost of $25,000.

   

 

 ComEd Aurora District Headquarters
The Aurora District Headquarters of ComEd needed to construct an all weather pavement in their stores area at the site, and to renovate the deteriorating parking pavement. TECHKNOW surveyed the site, made cost estimates and recommendations, and divided the work into several phases through a master plan. Estimated construction cost is $700,000. Storm water detention and flood plain analysis was also prepared for the site.

   

 

 ComEd Maywood Technical Center
The Maywood Technical Center, owned and operated by ComEd, covers about six acres of land. The access roads were deteriorating and ComEd decided to replace 60,000 square yards of pavement. TECHKNOW surveyed the site, took soil borings and made recommendations on pavement replacement and drainage improvement. The construction cost of the project was $300,000.

   

 

 Argonne Bid Support
TECHKNOW provided bid support services to William A. Randolph, Inc. (WARI) on the new 200,000 s.f., 6-story office and central lab building proposed for Argonne National Laboratory in Argonne, Illinois. Techknow evaluated existing structural system and bay spacing, interfaced with WARI to arrive at the most economical structural system, and designed and engineered new foundation system. Techknow also designed and engineered new structural steel frame system throughout office, lab, and seminar theater and provided sketches and calculations depicting proposed structural system for pricing.

   

 

 Metra Weldon Yard EMU Shop
TECHKNOW provided consultant A/E services consisting of shop drawing review and field inspection to Metra during rehabilitation of Metra's EMU shop building located in the Weldon Yard at 300 East 14th Street in Chicago, Illinois. The work is being done under a subcontract to Dames & Moore/MCE. The project includes replacement of metal siding and roofing; replacement of drains and gutters with freeze protection components; new lighting; heating and ventilating systems; and new doors, hardware and roof hatches.

   

 

 Cook Terminal Building Damage Inspection and Repair
TECHKNOW provided engineering and construction design support to Steven Management Co. for repair and renovation of the Cook Terminal, an 80-year old, 33,000 square foot warehouse. An inspection of damage was conducted by TECHKNOW, following collapse of one of a series of wooden bow trusses supporting the wood roof of the building. The inspection identified deterioration of the framework supporting the roof rafters and up to 90 percent overstress at the bottom connection of several roof trusses. TECHKNOW engineers provided design that involved addition of support columns and installation of a new roof to prevent additional deterioration. Specifications for the project and a construction cost estimate were also prepared.

   

 

 Renovation of Office Building
TECHKNOW was commissioned by Learsi Companies to design the structural renovation of a 90 year old, 35,000 square foot, four story office/retail property on Chicago's premiere shopping street (30 East Oak Street, Chicago). TECHKNOW investigated the existing structure for which there were no drawings and devised new structural steel framing to support use of the top floors for residential use, the second and third floors as office/retail space, and the ground floor level for retail space. The innovative structural design met Chicago building code requirements. New footings were installed in the basement of the building to support the new steel columns. Key TECHKNOW personnel included: David N. Bilow, Project Manager; John Fong, Structural Engineer.

   

 

 Building Renovation
Techknow designed the renovation of a 16,000 square foot, two story building (2040 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago) which included converting the second floor space into office space on the second floor, retail space on the first floor and renovating the front of the building. The work included installation of new roof top heating and cooling units, extensive ductwork and new electrical service, wiring and new lighting. Techknow performed all electrical, HVAC and structural and architectural design and construction management for the renovation.

   

 

 26th Street Shopping Center
TECHKNOW provided the electrical and mechanical engineering design as well as demolition planning for a major renovation of the 26th Street Shopping Center in Chicago. TECHKNOW design engineers conducted analyses of space heating and cooling, lighting, and power requirements. Work on HVAC design included equipment sizing, ductwork layout and ventilation system design for laundries. Plumbing systems were designed and layouts prepared. For individual buildings, fire protection systems were designed. Mechanical and electrical specifications were prepared by TECHKNOW.

   

 

 Child Development Center Design and Renovation
JFMC Facilities Corporation commissioned TECHKNOW to manage renovation of the Virginia Frank Child Development Center. TECHKNOW's inspection of the Center revealed excessive settlement of the building as well as normal deterioration. Repairs were designed and specified by the firm's architect/engineering staff. TECHKNOW served as construction manager, coordinating the efforts of separate contractors and inspecting construction work.

   

 

 Head Start Facilities
The City of Chicago Department of Human Services administers the Head Start Program. In order to provide adequate facilities for the program, the Department of Human Services assists independent agencies in renovating existing facilities to accommodate Head Start classes. TECHKNOW, as a subcontractor to Ross Barney Jankowski, Inc. architects, surveys the existing buildings for heating, ventilating, plumbing, electrical, fire alarms, and structural aspects for compliance with State of Illinois and City of Chicago codes and adequate functioning. TECHKNOW then prepares recommendations for necessary modifications and prepares cost estimates for the modifications. RBJ and TECHKNOW are also preparing design documents for bidding and construction for several of the projects. These projects include structural modifications such as replacing lintels and removing a bearing wall. Key TECHKNOW personnel included: David N. Bilow, Project Manager; Shirish Thakrar, Structural Engineer; Koshy Vaidyan, Electrical Engineer; Sudesh Saraf, Mechanical Engineer.

   

 

 Acoustical Report for Community Center
TECHKNOW prepared a report on acoustical problems at the Mayer Kaplan Jewish Community Center owned by JFMC Facilities Corporation. TECHKNOW engineering personnel investigated the source of acoustical problems, which threatened the privacy of counseling sessions held in building offices. Testing, using sound measurement equipment, was conducted on the sound isolation ability of representative room partitions. The firm's engineers provided the client with a report, which outlined acoustical problems and specified changes to improve sound isolation. Design improvement solutions included acoustical sealant for windows, air transfer silencers for air vents, and sound absorbent carpeting.

   

 

 St. Timothy Convent
Techknow performed architectural and HVAC, plumbing, electrical and structural engineering design and construction management for the renovation of St. Timothy Convent (6339 N. Fairfield, Chicago) into a transitional residence. The work had a construction cost of $260,000 and included installation of a new steam boiler and water heater, installation of new electrical service including electrical panels and remodeling to create new sleeping rooms and the addition of new handicapped washrooms and a handicap lift and security systems.

   

 

 Synagogue Expansion
The Skokie Valley Synagogue retained TECHKNOW to develop a plan for expansion of the Synagogue. The firm's design engineers provided a design to accommodate an additional 340 people during services. TECHKNOW prepared architectural drawings, structural design, electrical engineering, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) design changes. The remodeling plan called for removal of four bearing walls and erection of structural steel columns and beams in their place.

   

 

Residential Renovation

 Argonne National Labs User Residence Facility
Argonne National Laboratory, operated by the University of Chicago for the U.S. Department of Energy, is completing the Advanced Photon Source (APS) accelerator. Scientists from all over the world will travel to ANL to use the APS facility. The User Residence Facility (URF) was being constructed on the laboratory grounds in order to accommodate the visitors. The URF is a hotel type building with guest rooms and suites, meeting rooms, kitchen, dining room and support facilities. The building started out as seven stories and was changed to a six story building in order to reduce construction costs. The building has a cast in place concrete frame, one way and flat plate concrete slab floors, concrete shear walls and concrete caisson foundation. The exterior walls are masonry at the ground floor and foam panel curtain wall above the ground floor. The building has 157 guest rooms and a total of 116,000 square feet of floor space. The value engineering and redesign of the structure was performed on a fast track basis in order to ensure a completion date of June 30, 1996.

   

 

 Miller Village Renovation
TECHKNOW was engaged by Miller Village, an 11 building, 350 unit apartment complex in Gary, Indiana, to provide construction drawings and specifications for the renovation of the existing heating system. The existing boiler was removed and replaced with a new energy efficient model. TECHKNOW specified the new boiler and piping, and recommended that the distribution piping be insulated. TECHKNOW also surveyed the condition of the roofs and precast concrete panels on all buildings.

   

 

 Henry Horner Homes
Techknow was engaged by the Chicago Housing Authority for design review and preparation of cost estimates for new boiler room equipment to feed heating water and domestic hot water to four high rise buildings. We checked the CHA design and revised boiler sizes, pump sizes, and piping sizes. We also recommended changes in schematic drawings and general arrangement layouts for both the heating systems and domestic hot water systems. A detailed cost estimate was provided for the entire job which involved a detailed study of all the components, their quantities and locations. A report on the design review and cost estimate was sent to CHA within 2 weeks from the date the job was assigned to Techknow.

   

 

 Condo Property Surveys
TECHKNOW conducted a survey of existing conditions of two large condominium complexes, Heiden Gardens (172 apartments) and Raintree Condominiums (318 apartments). These complexes also had club houses, swimming pools, and parking facilities. The purpose of this survey was to assess structural soundness and adherence to fire and safety codes based on intended occupancy. TECHKNOW's engineers and architctural personnel inspected HVAC equipment, plumbing and hot water systems, electrical and lighting systems, elevator safety, asbestos conditions, provisions for fire protection, landscaping and parking garage conditions. Recommendations for repairs and cost estimates for repairs were prepared for the client.

   

 

 Housing Project Damage Assessment and Repair
The City of Gary Housing Authority in Indiana retained TECHKNOW to design structural repairs and provide construction management for an 8-story senior citizens housing project. TECHKNOW conducted an investigation of the structure and recommended repairs to halt progressive deterioration of precast concrete panels which were cracked at their supporting connections. The firm's engineers designed repairs to the concrete panels using new steel brackets welded to the columns and anchored to the panels with proper provision for expansion. TECHKNOW also prepared specifications, evaluated contractor bids and performed the construction inspection. The new steel brackets were installed from inside the building while the apartments remained occupied.

   

 

 Vilas Investment Properties
TECHKNOW performed condition surveys of over 1,000 apartments and condominiums in five separate developments in the Chicago area. The work included preparation of reports listing recommended repairs and repair cost estimates. The remaining life of roofs was indicated. Finishes, exterior balconies, walls and windows and doors and elevators, mechanical and electrical systems and landscaping were also covered in the surveys.

   

 

 Residential Design
TECHKNOW provided structural design support to Rosen and Horowitz Architects for a 5,000 square foot three story house on hill top on Hutton Drive in Los Angeles, California. TECHKNOW designed the main framing, consisting of large wooden trusses, for the house. The framing was designed to seismic specifications in accordance with the earthquake provisions of the Los Angeles Building Code. TECHKNOW also designed the foundation.

   

 

 Astor Terrace Condominiums
TECHKNOW inspected the exterior of the eighteen story concrete frame Astor Terrace Condominium building at 1450 N. Astor Street in Chicago and provided the owners with recommendations and designs for repair of spalled and cracked concrete, repair of balcony handrail, sealing of leaks at windows, balcony doors and wall air conditioning sleeves and repair and waterproofing of balcony floors. The work also includes painting of the entire building. After discussions with the owners, TECHKNOW prepared specifications and drawings of the renovation work, took bids from several contractors, evaluated the bids, recommended the successful bidder, negotiated and prepared the contract documents and inspected construction work. Key TECHKNOW personnel included: David N. Bilow, Project Manager; Shirish Thakrar, Structural Engineer.

   

 

 Lexington Hotel
TECHKNOW is performing all structural, mechanical and electrical engineering as well as construction management for the renovation of the ten-story, 100 year old Lexington Hotel. The work includes the evaluation of the steel frame, tile arch floors and roof of the severely deteriorated building in Chicago. Completely new electrical and HVAC systems will be installed. TECHKNOW's engineering and management team is also preparing construction specifications, coordinating the efforts of contractors and inspecting construction work.

   

 

 Wentworth Gardens
Techknow was engaged by the Chicago Housing Authority to design repairs to the malfunctioning domestic hot water systems at Wentworth Gardens. The scope of work included determining why the 9 existing domestic hot water systems were unable to provide adequate domestic hot water to 37 residential buildings and designing remedies to correct the problem. We estimated construction costs and prepared the design for renovated systems.

   

 

New Facility Design

 Metra 47th Street Yard Coach Service Building
TECHKNOW prepared design drawings and specifications for a new 9,600 s.f. coach service and shop building including demolition of old shop building located near 49th Street and Wentworth in Chicago. The project design linked and enclosed an existing portable building containing lunchroom facilities, men and women shower, locker and restroom facilities. The scope also included preparation of documents for demolition of the existing 17,250 s.f. (approximately 27' x 640') coach service building and capping and/or extension of all utilities. This work was performed for Metra under a subcontract with Upchurch & Associates.

   

 

 Metra 47th Street Yard Diesel Shop
TECHKNOW provided construction management services to Metra during the construction of the new mezzanine in the diesel shop. This work was performed under a subcontract with Dames & Moore/MCE.

   

 

 Warehouse Design and Construction
TECHKNOW was retained by Dard Products Inc. to provide design of an 11,000 square foot warehouse at their Evanston Corporate Headquarters. An analysis of building code requirements was performed, followed by preparation and submittal of a zoning varience request, which was approved. TECHKNOW's architectural/engineering team prepared structural, electrical and mechanical designs that met building code and client requirements. TECHKNOW also prepared specifications for the project.

   

 

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