Public Building Commission Delivers New and Modernized Schools, World-Class Library 3rd Quarter Results Demonstrate Commitment to Communities With New Facilities and Jobs

The Public Building Commission (PBC) today released its 3rd Quarter 2015 Report that demonstrated continued commitment to communities with projects that resulted in new and expanded facilities for schools and a new Chicago Public Library branch.

“From expanded and modernized schools to the installation of air conditioning at 35 Chicago Public Schools across the city and the new Chinatown Branch Library, the accomplishments highlighted in the 3rd Quarter Report underscore that the our relationships with our clients and business partners are as strong as ever,” said Felicia S. Davis, Executive Director of the Public Building Commission. “We continue to focus on building world-class buildings on behalf of our clients while also building upon the partnerships that bring positive outcomes for our communities.”

Through the 3rd Quarter of 2015, the PBC completed seven projects on behalf of Chicago Public Schools, successfully delivering three new elementary school additions, modular units at two schools and installing air conditioners at 35 schools across the city. This work on behalf of CPS has helped to ease overcrowding and provide 21st century learning environments for students, giving them the environment they need to succeed and thrive. The projects included additions at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Oriole Park Elementary School, Wildwood IB World Magnet School and modular at Mt. Greenwood Elementary School and Tonti Elementary School.

The 3rd Quarter also marked the completion, on behalf of Chicago Public Library, of the Chinatown Branch Library, which has quickly become an important community anchor that serves as a vibrant hub for the neighborhood.

These projects had a broader economic impact as well as a result of job creation and minority and women-owned business (M/WBE) participation. The PBC is committed to economic sustainability and a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves and strives to increase M/WBE business participation on its projects.

Through the 3rd Quarter, a combined total of 41.04% M/WBE participation has been achieved on 12 capital construction projects. In addition to project level professional services, the PBC also tracks compliance on program-wide professional administrative services. These professional services are not project specific and include: information technology, insurance broker services, office management, payroll, staffing, and property management. A combined total of 58.12% M/WBE participation was achieved on professional administrative services paid through Q3 2015.

As of Q3 2015, the PBC’s multi-year program authority exceeds $1.78 billion for projects complete or in progress since 2011. Projects included in the multi-year program are trending under budget by 9.13% representing a variance of $160 million under the current budgets, inclusive of a limited number of scope revisions. The PBC’s budget to actual variance on active capital construction projects is 2.02%.

Also during the 3rd Quarter, the Commission achieved LEED certification on its 70th project: Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, which was certified LEED Gold. Through Q3 2015, PBC had achieved LEED Certification on a total of 70 facilities, bringing the total number of LEED-certified, municipally-owned facilities built by the PBC, City of Chicago and its Sister Agencies to 90. That figure surpasses PBC Chairman and Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s goal of doubling the number of LEED-certified municipal buildings in the City more than a year ahead of schedule.

The entire 3rd Quarter Report can also be found on the PBC website at www.pbcchicago.com.

In other business, the Board also approved the appointment of Old Veteran Construction, Inc. (OVC), a certified MBE firm to provide design/build services for the demolition of Malcolm X College. OVC has an experienced and diverse team and has committed to exceeding the MBE/WBE participation goals of 30% MBE and 5% WBE for the project, which includes demolition, design, abatement design, abatement, and hauling.

About the PBC: The Public Building Commission of Chicago manages construction and renovation projects for the City of Chicago and its sister agencies. Mayor Rahm Emanuel serves as the PBC’s chairman. Felicia S. Davis serves as the Executive Director of the PBC. Additional information about the PBC and its projects can be found at www.pbcchicago.com. You can also follow the Public Building Commission of Chicago onTwitter, Facebook, Flickr, Pinterest and LinkedIn.