Higher Education Brochure

Mekus Tanager, Inc.445 East Illinois StreetSuite 333Chicago, IL 60611

p. 312.661.0778f. 312.661.0980www.mekustanager.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

PRINCIPAL’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Christopher Mekus, AIA

Managing Principalp. 312.644.2654e. cmekus@mekustanager.com

Spes Mekus, ASID, IIDA, LEED AP

Principalp. 312.644.2709e. smekus@mekustanager.com

Stephen Wierzbowski, AIA

Principalp. 312.644.2650e. swierzbowski@mekustanager.com

GOOD DESIGN IS GOOD BUSINESS

WHY DESIGN MATTERS

EFFECTIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

QUALITY CONTROL

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

SERVICES OFFERED

CASE STUDIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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WHY DESIGN MATTERS

An innovative, client centric approach to space planning and design can yield substantial benefits. Beyond the aesthetic advantages, good design can produce efficiencies such as reducing real-estate space needs and thus costs, streamlining personnel and work flow, and positively affecting a student’s ability to learn, their behavior, their productivity, and their performance, which ultimately maximizes both the student’s return on investment and the school’s as well.

Mekus Tanager has been an architecture-and-design industry leader for over 30 years, specializing in working with our clients as a business partner. While design may only be one component of a larger business strategy, at Mekus Tanager we design solutions that reflect each client’s unique identity and seek to advance the business goals of our clients. Good design is not only aesthetically pleasing, it makes good business sense.

GOOD DESIGN IS GOOD BUSINESS

University of Chicago - South Campus Residence HallChicago, IL*In coordination with Goody Clancy

EFFECTIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Successful projects are a product of continual and effective communication between all parties involved, professional expertise, and team cohesiveness.

At the start of a project, we listen to the client’s business goals and aspirations, working with them to understand their specific needs in terms of location, the desired functions of the facilities, business culture, budget, and schedule. Through programming and feasibility studies, Mekus Tanager is able to create solutions that are specifically tailored to help a client achieve their goals.

University of Chicago - Ellen and Melvin Gordon Center for Integrative ScienceChicago, IL

QUALITY CONTROL

The core team is led by an experienced principal, who is responsible for making certain that the team is meeting the client’s goals and project objectives. A project manager is responsible for the day-to-day team management of the project, including consultants, and is the go-to person for any changes or concerns.

It is our policy to follow up with our clients within the first year of project completion (and within the warranty period), to help confirm that the client is satisfied with their new spaces and that the spaces are performing as designed.

Mekus Tanager has been practicing sustainable design for over 28 years, and is a member of the US Green Building Council. Since our inception, we have worked to develop strategies for the design of long-lasting buildings and interiors, and with each project we take great care in researching and implementing sustainable design solutions while meeting tight budgets for all of our projects.

Mekus Tanager recently completed All Saints Chapels and Administration Complex for the Archdiocese of Chicago, which was certifi ed LEED-NC Gold, the fi rst such project for the Archdiocese. Our project for Milestone AV Technologies was certifi ed LEED-CI Silver.

Mekus Tanager has also been a long time consultant of the federal government. Since 2007 all work completed by Mekus Tanager for the federal government has been designed with a sustainable approach, and the US Citizenship and Immigration Offi ce and the Department of Education Offi ce have been LEED certifi ed.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

University of Illinois at Chicago -Douglas HallChicago, IllinoisLEED-CI Silver

Milestone AV Technologies - Global Headquarters and Design CenterEden Prairie, MNLEED-CI Silver

Loyola University Medical CenterMaywood, IL

SERVICES OFFERED

PRE-DESIGN

• Feasibility Studies• Program Development /Strategic Visioning• Site Analysis / Site Selection• Building Evaluation / Comparison• Facilities Analysis• Work Letter Evaluation• Building Systems Analysis• Information Technology Analysis• ADA Analysis• Programming• Prepare Blocking & Stacking Diagrams• Workplace Analysis• Relocation Strategies• Corporate Standards Development• Test Fits• Furniture Evaluation / Inventory• Building Area Calculations• Lease Exhibit Drawings• Furniture /Equipment Inventories• LEED Certification Assistance

DESIGN

• Schematic Design• Design Development• Custom Furniture Design• Selection of Furniture, Colors, & Materials• Preliminary Cost Estimation• Graphic Way-Finding/Signage Solutions• Implementation of Art Program• Plant Material Program Design• Coordinate Engineering /other Consulting Services• Computer Renderings• Renovation / Restoration

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

• Prepare Detailed Architectural Drawings• Prepare Furnishing Drawings• Prepare Bid & Permit Documents• Specifications• Final Cost Estimation

McCormick Theological SeminaryChicago, IL

SERVICES OFFERED

CONSTRUCTION

• Assist in Selection of Contractors• Bid Analysis• Scope Review• Attend Meetings with Contractors• Issue Change Orders• Review Contractor’s Application for Payment• Coordination of Engineering Services• Cost Review & Analysis• Review of Shop Drawings• Punch List the project• Follow-up to Assure Completion• Restoration

University of Illinois at Chicago -Edelstone Student LoungeChicago, IL

University of Illinois at Chicago -Faculty Alumni LoungeChicago, IL

Case Studies

The objective of this project was to renovate and convert the existing UIC practice ice rink facility into a new athletic center. Mekus Tanager designed a new gym with two basketball courts to be located on the south half of the existing building. Also, a new mezzanine floor was designed to create two levels within the existing structure, and a new glass entrance was added in between the new facility and the adjoining Physical Education Building to improve athlete circulation.

The Flames Athletic Center houses two NCAA regulation size basketball courts, multiple locker rooms, a strength and conditioning area, a training room, and a sports medicine center, as well as administrative offices for coaches and the Athletic Department. The new 58,000-square foot facility provides the UIC athletic programs with a competitive advantage over rivals in the form of improved training, recruiting, and coaching conditions.

University of Illinois at Chicago - Flames Athletic Center Chicago, IL

Douglas Hall anchors the Graduate School of Business at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This fi fty year old building had not seen any change or improvements since its construction and had inadequacies in heating and air-conditioning, lighting, and classroom space.

Mekus Tanager assisted UIC by creating a feasibility study about potential improvements to the facility with the goals of creating a dynamic image and identity for the Graduate School of Business, creating a sense of community and camaraderie for the students, and be an interactive and fl exible environment that fosters creativity and innovation. The feasibility study also was to be used as a fundraising tool for construction.

To accomplish these goals, two new air handlers per fl oor were designed with individual room control. New perimeter insulated glazing was proposed to reduce heat loss/gain. New classrooms were designed to include state of the art amenities. Learning studios were provided for 48 to 75 students maximum. Student collaboration hubs were included on each fl oor, which allow for student interaction in smaller groups adjacent to the classrooms.

University of Illinois at Chicago -Douglas Hall Chicago, IL

The renovation of the 38,000-square foot, seven story Polk Street Residence Hall involved the conversion of the building from an institutional, dormitory-style hall with double-loaded corridors and gang bathrooms to a more contemporary residential and mixed-use facility.

The main objective of the project was to create a more friendly and inviting residence hall to compete with the contemporary residential facilities being built both on and off campus. The scope of work included re-designing and renovating the interior of the building to provide a greater variety of room types including single-, double-, and triple-occupancy bedrooms and apartment-style suites with semi-private bathrooms. Common spaces were also updated.

University of Illinois at Chicago - Polk Street Residence Hall Chicago, IL

UIC was looking to convert an existing student area located in a 14,000 square-foot basement into a functional and comfortable student center.Mekus Tanager was selected to assist UIC’s project committee comprised of students and administrators to create the Sigmund E. Edelstone Medical Student Center.

The goal of the project, identified by the committee, included incorporating dedicated areas for various activities, such as group and individual studying, relaxing, eating, and a computer lab; and for security reasons, the floor plan also had to allow the students the ability to see who was entering and moving through the space. In addition to creating a comfortable, flexible and safe environment, the design had to respond to the technological needs of the students and the materials had to be durable and easily maintainable.Because the lounge was located in the basement, the design team was also particularly challenged with delivering appropriate light levels to the areas as defined by their functions, including track lighting in the lounge, task lighting in the study carrels and indirect lighting in the computer labs.

The Edelstone Student Lounge gives UIC a competitive edge in attracting students, faculty, and donors.

University of Illinois at Chicago - Edelstone Student Lounge Chicago, IL

Mekus Tanager assisted the University of Cincinnati in creating a feasibility study and fundraising package for the College of Engineering’s renovation of the 8th floor of Rhodes Hall.

Designed with extensive student input, this state-of-the-art center will offer classrooms, open study areas, and faculty offices. The new design creates a cooperative learning environment with interactive working areas, giving students immediate access to engineering faculty as well as math and science instructors who teach classes in the center. This allows students the ability to get help when they need it, and also to build relationships with faculty members.

The 24-hour center will accommodate 175 students and feature classrooms, open study areas, mobile tables and chairs, an experimental classroom where students can provide immediate electronic feedback to the instructor, and an inviting café area that will encourage camaraderie and social interaction. There also will be a central kiosk housing a receptionist for faculty scheduling.

University of Cincinnati - Rhodes Hall Cincinnati, OH

In collaboration with architecture firm Goody Clancy, Mekus Tanager assisted the University of Chicago in developing a new South Campus Residence Hall and dining facility.

Designed to reflect the housing style of the campus with a more modern approach to student living, there are eight “houses” encompassed in the building, with approximately 100 students per house. The facility includes 800 beds, a 542 seat dining facility incorporating the existing Burton-judson dining commons, an underground loading dock, and a “green roof”.

To help create a sense of community for the students, each house has its own identity and this is reflected by the color schemes and furniture selection. Inspiration for house identities and color schemes was drawn from impressionist artwork including Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh.

University of Chicago -South Campus Residence Hall Chicago, IL

Mekus Tanager assisted The University of Chicago with interior design services and the selection and procurement of furniture and finishes for the new 430,000-square foot Ellen and Melvin Gordon Center for Integrative Science (CIS) building. The new building was designed to enhance collaboration and promote the sharing of ideas among researchers in both the physical, chemical, and biological sciences.

As a member of the CIS project design team, Mekus Tanager was responsible for updating and verifying the program requirements for the non-laboratory spaces of the project. After meeting with user-groups from the ten science research institutes to be located in the new building, Mekus Tanager created a unique new set of space occupancy standards for the project. The new occupancy standards provided a consistent interior design concept and standardized furniture and finishes for the project that were flexible and interchangeable over time. They also offered each researcher a method to customize their offices/workstations to fit their own functional requirements and tastes.

University of Chicago - Ellen and Melvin Gordon Center for Integrative Science Chicago, IL

Mekus Tanager teamed up with M+W Zander Architects and Engineers for the design of the new McCormick Theological Seminary. As part of the team, Mekus Tanager developed furniture standards and finishes and assisted with the development of the interior architecture while M+W Zander developed the design of the building's core and shell.

The project is approximately 40,000-square feet, and includes a main lobby, student offices, student meeting rooms, staff/faculty offices, and multi-use common rooms.

The project won an outstanding design award from AIA in the fall of 2003.

McCormick Theological Seminary Chicago, IL

Mekus Tanager assisted Loyola University in designing their 8,500-square foot Medical Center to house space for offices, open plan workstations, conference rooms, a classroom facility, and a work/demonstration lab. The overall objective was to create an atmosphere that was professional and refined while also imparting a sense of ease and comfort upon visiting patients.

To that end, correct lighting was an important factor in creating the appropriate atmosphere. Because the existing building housing the space was short on perimeter windows, clerestories and glazed doors were integrated into the design to maximize natural light. In addition, canted, “sawtooth” ceilings were incorporated into the open plan areas and classroom space in order to create the impression of openness and brightness. The new space has become the object of envy for all other doctors on Loyola’s campus.

Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL