For its new Chicago office, Gilbane created a workspace that also serves as a company showroom, exhibiting the contractor’s project portfolio and demonstrating its people-first approach. The space aims to promote inclusivity, sustainability, cutting-edge technology and collaboration in a high-functioning space for all users and stakeholders. Elements of construction are on display, including a tower crane hook from a recent project, an excavation bucket, a belled caisson and a post-tension and reinforced-concrete slab system. An innovation lab highlights the firm’s technology capabilities and promotes creativity. 

The Chicago team helped shape and guide development of the workspace through surveys and town hall meetings. Among the features highlighted by these efforts were wellness, convenience, security, personal workspace, natural light, parking, location and amenities. 

The project schedule was managed utilizing lean scheduling practices, including detailed weekly work plans, daily shift-start meetings, daily huddles, pull planning and a look-ahead schedule.

Nearly 20% of the total construction cost went to local M/WBE subcontractors.