Wight & Company Wins Seven Awards for Design, Engineering and Construction of Public Projects

Wight & Company, a leader in integrated architecture, engineering and construction solutions for the built environment, has won six awards for its public projects. These included Best Overall Project from Design Build Institute of America (DBIA); two “Project of the Year” awards from Midwest Construction magazine; and Excellence and Merit Awards from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC – Illinois).

“It’s gratifying to be acknowledged for high quality work in all aspects of our business – design, construction and engineering,” said Mark T. Wight, chairman and chief executive officer. “These projects were a team effort and we share this recognition with our clients and partners.”

The five Wight projects that received these six awards were:

Battle Stations 21

DBIA Best Overall Project and Best Public Sector Building over $15 million

Wight was the design architect and civil engineer for the groundbreaking Battle Stations 21 training simulation complex at the U.S. Department of Navy’s Great Lakes Naval Station. The simulator is a 157,000-square-foot, $82.5 million “ship in a bottle” complete with a 210-foot-long replica of a guided missile destroyer and the latest special effects technology from the entertainment industry. This was the first time DBIA awarded “Best Overall Project” honors and the stiff competition in this new category included the acclaimed new baseball stadium for the Washington Nationals.

Preston Bradley Hall Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center

Midwest Construction “Project of the Year,” Renovation/Restoration, small project and Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation

Wight was the construction manager for the restoration of the world’s largest Tiffany stained glass dome, one of the most complex and culturally significant restoration projects in Chicago’s history. It included the restoration of the art glass, refinishing the cast iron frame, installation of a skylight system, the addition of an HVAC system, and the decorative refinishing of the plaster work.

Lemont High School

Midwest Construction “Project of the Year,” K-12 education

Wight provided architectural, engineering and sustainable services for a project that featured a renovated athletic stadium with synthetic sports turf; new and remodeled classroom facilities; and a renovated and expanded auditorium.

Army Trail Road, Rubberized Asphalt (“Green Pavement”) Pilot Project

ACEC Illinois, Engineering Excellence Award – Special Achievement

Wight provided construction phase engineering services to the DuPage County Division of Transportation (DOT) for the 2008 North and Central Region Pavement Maintenance Program, which included a “Green Pavement” pilot project. This involved resurfacing half of the project conventionally with N70 surface course, and the other half, about 3,600 feet, with Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) modified surface course with the intent of comparing the performances of the two surfaces.

Elmhurst College, West Hall

ACEC Illinois, Engineering Excellence Award – Merit Award for sustainable site design

Wight’s sustainable design focused on stormwater management and included a permeable parking lot (which can hold a 100-year storm event below its surface), bioswales, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, and native landscapes to decentralize stormwater management. The project also was designed to reduce the urban “heat island” effect and light pollution; utilize low toxin emitting materials; capitalize on daylight and natural ventilation; incorporate recycled material; and use solar/thermal energy to heat water. It will pursue LEED Silver certification from the USGBC.