The Chicago Building Congress (CBC) proudly announces the return of its Merit Awards, celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026. This milestone event honors outstanding building and design projects that exemplify excellence, innovation, and community impact across the Chicagoland area.
In addition to recognizing exceptional projects, CBC will present its Award of Honor, the organization’s highest individual distinction, to Fred Berglund, Chief Executive Officer of Berglund Construction, in recognition of his leadership and lasting contributions to the industry. Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, has been invited to participate in the program, presenting select awards. Mayor Brandon Johnson has also been invited to attend.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and networking hour, where attendees can view all finalist projects. A reception-style dinner will follow, leading into the highly anticipated awards program, where winners will be announced live.
Projects were judged on the following criteria:
- Design creativity
- Project challenges/complexity of construction
- Safety record
- Impact on the community & inclusion
2026 Merit Awards Finalists by category
Education – Pre K through 12
- After School Matters at Orleans | Eckenhoff Saunders
- Elmhurst CUSD 205 Field Elementary School | International Contractors, Inc.
- Oak View Elementary School ECC Addition | F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC
- Crow Island School Addition | Bulley & Andrews
Education – Higher Education
- Northwestern University Deering Library Renovation | Berglund Construction
- Northwestern University Norris Cohen Lawn Redevelopment | Norcon, Inc
- Waubonsee Community College Technical Education Center | Pepper Construction
Healthcare
- Endeavor Health, Glenbrook Hospital Cardiovascular Institute Expansion | Pepper Construction
- Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center | ALL Construction Group
- Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Advanced Outpatient Center | Lamar Johnson Collaborative
- Thresholds – Center For Mental Wellbeing | DesignBridge, Ltd.
Residential/Hospitality
- Roosevelt Square Phase 3B | DesignBridge, Ltd.
- Straits Row | Clark Construction
- United Yards 1A | DesignBridge, Ltd.
- Westhaven Park Station | McShane Construction Company
Commercial Construction
- The James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests at Brookfield Zoo | Pepper Construction
- Downers Grove Civic Center | FGM Architects (FGMA)
- Evanston Animal Shelter | Holabird & Root
- The Ark | Bulley & Andrews
Renovation & Adaptive Reuse UNDER $20 Million
- CircEsteem Building Renovation | Berglund Construction
- Lookingglass Theatre Lobby Renovation | Norcon, Inc
- Northwest Center & Northwest Side CDC | SEEK design + architecture
- Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters | Revolution Workshop
Renovation & Adaptive Reuse OVER $20 Million
- Advocate Aurora Health – Chicago Webster Ambulatory Outpatient and Surgery Center | The Boldt Company
- Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation | Lamar Johnson Collaborative
- Duly Health and Care Schaumburg Multi-Specialty Clinic | Eckenhoff Saunders
Infrastructure or Industrial Construction
- CTA Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project | Chicago Transit Authority
- The Cubes at ORD | Clayco
Interior Build-Out
- Jesse White State of Illinois Building: 115 S. LaSalle | Berglund Construction
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG) – Midwest Headquarters Relocation | Executive Construction Inc.
- Church of Our Saviour and Care for Friends | Norcon, Inc
- Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana – Kitchen and Dining Modernization | Bulley & Andrews
CBC Equity Champion
- CTA Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project | Chicago Transit Authority
- Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation | Lamar Johnson Collaborative
- Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center | ALL Construction Group
- Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters | Revolution Workshop
CBC Community Impact | Projects Under $15 Million
- After School Matters at Orleans | Eckenhoff Saunders
- Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters | Revolution Workshop
- CircEsteem Building Renovation | Berglund Construction
- Lookingglass Theatre Lobby Renovation | Norcon, Inc
CBC Community Impact | Projects Over $15 Million
- Roosevelt Square Phase 3B | DesignBridge, Ltd.
- Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation | Lamar Johnson Collaborative
- Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center | ALL Construction Group
- United Yards 1A | DesignBridge, Ltd.
The event will once again be held at Morgan MFG in Chicago’s West Loop. This renovated historic venue features soaring ceilings, exposed concrete, and a modern industrial aesthetic—an ideal backdrop for celebrating the innovation and craftsmanship of this year’s finalists.
CBC extends its sincere thanks to all submitting firms and project teams for their contributions to the built environment. Whether participating as a finalist or attendee, all are encouraged to join in recognizing the projects and professionals shaping Chicago’s future.
Tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities are available online through April 30 at www.chicagobuildingcongress.org. Early reservations are encouraged, as the event consistently sells out.
ABOUT CHICAGO BUILDING CONGRESS
The Chicago Building Congress (CBC) uniquely represents the entire construction industry, uniting its diverse membership by sharing knowledge and creating networking opportunities to build authentic relationships. The CBC is the only vertically integrated trade association serving the Chicagoland area. Its diverse membership includes general contractors; subcontractors; material suppliers; architectural/engineering firms and consultants; real estate and development firms; labor unions/trade associations; governmental and educational entities; legal and accounting professionals; financial, insurance and bonding firms.
Our active membership celebrates the built environment, recognizes individual contributors, and advocates for the industry’s future leaders. The CBC is the “cornerstone” of Chicagoland’s dynamic building industry; its committed members unite and actively work together to fulfill a common purpose by…
- Providing professionals with educational and networking opportunities that promote future leadership
- Advancing the art, science, and technology of the building industry
- Recognizing and celebrating the buildings that enhance the economic, aesthetic, and social environment in our community
- Generating opportunities to serve the community and assist those who wish to join our industry
For more information on the Chicago Building Congress visit www.chicagobuildingcongress.org.
