Jeanne Gang Named in TIME 100, One Central Gets Support, and More News This Week
The Chicago design community is always buzzing. From events happening around town to news coverage that can’t be missed, there’s a lot to read about for Chicagoans. In this weekly news roundup, AD PRO has everything you need to know.
Jeanne Gang Named in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People
Chicago architect Jeanne Gang, of Studio Gang, was named to the 2019 TIME 100. The annual list recognizes the world’s most influential individuals, distinguished for their achievements, innovations, and activism. “Jeanne Gang has the WOW factor,” wrote actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith in the TIME tribute. Gang’s Aqua is the tallest building ever built by a woman, and her upcoming projects include the redesign of the global terminal at O’Hare International Airport and the Center for the University of Chicago in Paris, among other projects. Gang made the list for not only her “wow” factor but also her focus on change. Boathouses she designed filter runoff from the Chicago River, and a Polis Station concept, tested in North Lawndale, aims to improve how civilians interact with law enforcement through adding civic recreational centers to police stations. Gang is the only architect on this year’s list.
Belgravia Group Promotes New Leadership
Luxury real estate developer Belgravia Group announced leadership changes this week. Executive vice president and chief operating officer David Goldman and senior vice president Jon McCulloch were promoted to co-CEOs. Alan Lev was made chairman, and founder Buzz Ruttenberg transitioned into a new role as chairman emeritus.
Chamber of Commerce Announces Support of One Central Plan
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce announced support this week for the One Central plan near Soldier Field. A Chamber-commissioned study on the plan’s impact found benefits including 40,000 construction jobs, 210,000 permanent positions, and $120 billion in taxes and transit revenues over 40 years. The 34-acre project from Landmark Development would include 10 skyscrapers, a pedestrian bridge connecting South Loop to the lakefront, a transportation hub serving CTA, Metra, and Amtrak, and open public spaces. “One Central creates a new civic asset that unifies local, regional, and national transit systems unlike anything else we have seen in the country,” said Jack Lavin, president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. “It creates a new gateway to connect Chicago’s central business district, our great civic assets, and the South Side and South suburbs.” The project still needs approval from incoming mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel Finishes Renovation
The global terminal isn’t the only thing at O’Hare getting a face-lift. The Loews hotel recently finished a multimillion-dollar renovation, including new guest rooms and meeting spaces. Reimagined by Simeone Deary Design Group, the hotel brings in some of the historical elements of Chicago’s most valued structures like the Cloud Gate, Pritzker Pavilion, and the Crown Fountain.
