Project Overview

Berglund was selected to perform as construction manager for the newly renovated David Axelrod Institute of Politics. This non-partisan, extracurricular organization at the University of Chicago aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of political and public service leaders.

Approach

The building at 5707 S. Woodlawn Ave. was previously vacant. After undergoing a full renovation, the building now provides offices and meeting rooms for the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago. Upon completion of the renovation, the building encompasses 9,177 gross sqft with 3,519 sqft assigned to the Institute of Politics. The renovation project also stabilized the exterior wall and structure.

The exterior masonry was fully tuck pointed, cracked bricks were repaired or replaced, and all brick was spot cleaned. The roof was replaced and the wood dormers repaired in keeping with the existing building character and original materials. The front porch was repaired and painted. The wooden circular porch columns that were de-laminating and the concrete front stairs also have been repaired. The front entry door was retained and repaired, and an accessible entrance ramp from the south façade to the porch was added. The ramp was created to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements with the intention of minimizing disruption to the original exterior character-defining features. New lighting and landscaping respects the raised entry sequence from the sidewalk and maintains a residential character.

Outcomes

Institute of Politics founder David Axelrod and former campaign adviser for President Barack Obama said he chose the University of Chicago because the school has become a hotbed of political discourse — a dramatic change from when he was a student there four decades ago.