Krueck Sexton Partners

We are proud to announce that three KSP projects have been recognized by the 2024 AIA Illinois Honors Awards. The The American Institute of Architects Illinois Chapter has recognized the projects for their contributions to the architecture profession, and their commitment to design excellence and social justice. These awards celebrate the positive impact on Illinois citizens and their communities.

KSP’s projects span a range of typologies from master planning and behavioral science to urban repositioning across Chicago.

Awarded Projects:

Mahalia Jackson Pop! Court - Capital Award
A community-driven revitalization project led by the Greater Chatham Initiative and supported by local artists, transforming an asphalt lot into a vibrant park that celebrates Chatham's rich cultural heritage.

Roman Family Center for Decision Research - Excellence in Interiors
A dynamic public education and outreach hub transformed a historic Michigan Avenue retail space into an engaging behavioral science lab and interactive exhibit venue.

Chicago Mercantile Exchange Center - Excellence in Interiors
A revitalization project turning a 40-year-old commercial lobby into an urban communal space with a new glass façade and inviting interior, enhancing comfort and community for thousands of daily users.

For more information about the 2024 AIA Illinois Honors Award recipients, please visit: https://www.aiail.org/design-awards

A small group from our office toured Fifth City Commons, a new affordable housing development in East Garfield Park on Chicago’s West Side. Led by the owner’s representative, Brian Ellison, Fifth City Commons features 43 apartments built to Passive House standards.

Over four years in the making, this project was part of the C40 Reinventing Cities Competition, which encouraged sustainable, net-zero developments on vacant land globally.

Named through a community-driven process, the development sits at the gateway to Garfield Park’s Fifth City, honoring the legacy of a 1960s community development organization that still resonates today.

Learn more about Fifth City Commons:
https://www.poah.org/property/illinois/fifth-city-commons

Design team:
Owner: Preservation of Affordable Housing
Owners Rep: Brian K. Ellison | BKE Designs
Architect: Nia Architects
Design Architect: Perkins&Will
Structural:
MEP & FP: DBHMS
Civil: TERRA Engineering, Ltd.
Landscape Architecture: Omni Ecosystems
General Contractor: Skender

We have expanded our website’s news section to feature perspectives from our team. In our inaugural blog post, Partner, Juan Villafañe sheds light on his visit to Le Corbusier’s Casa Curutchet in La Plata near Buenos Aires. Juan's field report brings needed attention to the site context and influence of the architect’s sole work in Latin America.

Le Corbusier's Casa Curutchet: A Field Report from Juan M. Villafañe:
https://ks.partners/news/casa-curutchet-a-field-report-from-juan-villafane/

Twenty years later, Crown Fountain still captivates visitors with its innovative design and interactive elements. Today, we are reaching into the archives to share the production of the custom glass blocks - a whopping 10 pounds each.

We led a large team of engineers and consultants to address the complex technical challenges posed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa’s artistic vision for Crown Fountain. This public sculpture and urban square celebrate the elemental qualities of water, light, and place. The engineering required a seamless blend of technology and design for structural stability and the invisible integration of its components.

KSP's coordination of LED technology, glass, and water resulted in an architecturally impressive and engaging structure, with towers supported by internal stainless-steel frames. Stay tuned as we celebrate this special anniversary with posts highlighting key moments from the past two decades.

Learn more about Crown Fountain:
https://lnkd.in/g8fRU-ba

Team Members
Stantec - Mechanical Engineer
Crystal Fountains - Water Engineering Technology
Schuler Shook - Lighting
School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Image Content Production
W.E. O'Neil Construction - General Contractor
Barco - LED Display
Circle Redmont - Glass Block Assembler
, Glass Block Fabricator
, Structural Engineer
- Screen Technology

A small group in our office recently had the opportunity to tour the Stanley Center for Peace and Security in Muscatine, Iowa.

Our tour was led by Dane Lovell, the Facilities Maintenance Superintendent and organized by Jonathan Lawrence of Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc., the civil / water resources engineering and landscape architecture.

The Stanley Center, designed by Neumann Monson Architects, and a Living Building Challenge-project, has been transformed from a former library into a vibrant light-filled office building. The space features a 2,469 sq ft courtyard and garden, 332 roof solar panels, and a rainwater harvesting system.

Thank you to Gabe Wilcox and Patty Lloyd, former Co-Leaders of the Illinois Living Future Regional Member Community for organizing the tour.

Citation:
Healing Ground, Living Values Stanley Center for Peace and Security | Justin R. Wolf