Special to Chicago Construction News
The 2025 Chicago Building Congress Merit Awards brought the Chicago building industry together for an evening of celebration, connection, and recognition at Morgan Manufacturing on May 7. From project showcases to the big reveal of this year’s winners, the energy in the room was unmatched.
“A huge congratulations to all of this year’s Merit Award winners—your work exemplifies the innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence that define our industry,” CBC wrote after the event. “A heartfelt thank you to our incredible event sponsors—your support makes this celebration of achievement possible and helps spotlight the best in Chicago’s built environment.”
This year’s winners:
Commercial Construction Under $50 Million: Chicago Joint Public Safety Outdoor Scenario Village (Police and Fire Phase II) – Brown & Momen and Berglund Construction
Commercial Construction Over $50 Million: The Fields Studios – Bulley & Andrews
Education: A.E.R.O. Therapeutic Center – Legat Architects
Community Impact Award: Comer Xchange, Norcon
Residential: The Foglia Residences – McShane/Ashlaur Joint Venture
Renovations and Adaptive Reuse Under $20 Million: North Side Housing and Supportive Services Non-Congregate Shelter – Valenti
Renovations and Adaptive Reuse Over $20 Million: Shedd Aquarium’s Experience Evolution Phase 2 – Klein & Hoffman
Equity Champion Award: Chicago Joint Public Safety Outdoor Scenario Village (Police and Fire Phase II) – Brown & Momen and Berglund Construction
Healthcare: Esperanza Health Centers – Brighton Park South – Mortenson
Infrastructure or Industrial Construction: Damen Green Line Elevated CTA Station – F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC
Interior Build-out: Pursuit Collection Navy Pier Flyover in Chicago – A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc. DBA Epstein
Hospitality: RIU Plaza Hotel Chicago – W.E. O’Neil Construction
