RFP Report

ELEVATING THE DAMEN

CHICAGO INDUSTRY

SUPPORT

PROCESS

PL

UNITED C

SUSTA

PLACE

UNITY

PEOPLE

ACE

COMMUNITY

CENTER

GROWTH

AINABLE

RFQ for Phase I & II Professional Transit Design Engineering Services Damen Green Line Elevated CTA Station Requistion No. 159380 ~ Specification No. 41287 Submitted by: BCA Collective, 123 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Project Manager: Jackson Chabot, Project Manager 123 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (917)352-4540 BCA Collective was born out of a belief that inclusive communities and designs create healthy environments accessible and enjoyable to all. The Collective concentrates on the following elements: Client Engagement, Community Engagement, Placemaking, Planning and Design, Environmentalism and Operations. We believe these interconnected elements provide clients and their communities with inclusive and environmentally sound designs, realized through the most efficient and cost effective methods possible.

The Collective starts any project by simply listening. We seek to hear and understand our client’s goals, objectives and needs. We also want to learn from the community and see how their needs can dovetail into a symbiotic relationship where they are served by the project.

We seek to work on projects that enhance and even give back to the communities in which they are built.

Once we learn about and understand these needs, we create designs that surpass client expectation.

Our work is underscored by efficient processes cultivated through years of project management and logistic experience and a staff of 25 people that understand the need for inclusivity and sustainability.

Our designs seek to eLevate user experience while complementing the existing fabric of the community.

By listening to clients and their communities, we can identify design opportunities that can invigorate an area or project, without losing the inherent authenticity of an area. Our designs are contemporary, welcoming and environmentally sustainable, while creating spaces where everyone feels included.

Communication throughout the process is key and we work regularly to keep the client and community updated on progress and changes within the project.

We are excited to bring these design principles and goals to the Damen Green Line Station and the Near West End Neighborhood, and we thank you for the opportunity to serve the City of Chicago and its people.

- BCA Collective

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

KRISTIN BROWN Principal

JACKSON CHABOT Project Manager

DESIGN

PL AC EM AK I N G

OPE R AT I O NS

ANGELA TORRES

AAMIR ANSARI

JOANNA DOE

FANNY LAO

Engineering Lead

Design/Architecture Lead

Placemaking Lead

CHRISTIAN MORTENSEN

THOMAS VOGEL

E NGINEERIN G

Facilities Engineer

GAVIN CLARK

ROSE FRANCOIS

LUCY WILSON

Architectural Designer

Community Engagement Specialist

Marketing Strategist

YIN YEN

REBECCA WALSH

TAE CHO

Urban Planner

Graphic Designer

Structural Engineer

Landscape Designer

CLAUDIA QUINTERO

BRIELLE WONG

Transportation Engineer

ANKITA BOSE Environmental Engineer

Operations Lead

COHEN BOUCHER

Material Designer

Urban Designer

SAMUEL JONES Communication Strategist

ANDREW BELL Sustainablity Designer

ALEX MORRIS Q/A Expert

ELEVATING THE DAMEN

EFFICIEN ENVIRONMENT

S

DAM ACCESS IDENTITY

T

HUB

GREEN LINE

HELTER

CONVENIENCE

MEN SIBLE

STATION

LOGISTICS

RFQ for Phase I & II Professional Transit Design Engineering Services Damen Green Line Elevated CTA Station Requistion No. 159380 ~ Specification No. 412875

TECHNICAL APPROACH SECTION 1. Critical Project Issues for the Design Process With Mayor Emanuel and CDOT’s recent announcement of a new Elevated Train Station at Damen Avenue and Lake Street, on the Green Line, and having reviewed the RFQ posted at the City, as well as conducting independent research, we see a few different critical project opportunities for the design of this new station.

The location of this new stop lends itself to being an important transportation stop, servicing the Near West area and as well as the United Center. This will lead to an increase of pedestrian traffic that necessitates infrastructure and design upgrades in the area.

Research on the nearby Morgan Station shows both an increase in business licenses and construction and demolition permits, coupled with increased ridership. In fact, a recent article about the Morgan Station, Google mentions moving their offices to the West Side because of the transportation access the new Morgan Station provides. There is every reason to believe this will also be a factor in the building of the Damen Station, for the Near West End. With possible increases in business, residents and overall ridership at this stop, we believe it is important to retain and bolster the neighborhood identity so that it works symbiotically with, and is rewarded by, the new station. The RFQ seeks an “architecturally prominent and signature” station at Damen that reinforces neighborhood identity, while creating an efficient transit experience.

SECTION 2. Overall Project Goals Based on the information above, the goals our firm has created for the project include, but are not limited to: -The creation of an efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation Hub that anchors…

-The neighborhood identity, with the United Center as an element of…

-A burgeoning business development and industrial corridor -And the development of high quality public space for current and future residents

SECTION 3. Relevant Planning, Urban Design, and Placemaking Considerations Consideration will first be given to how the station will function and what infrastructure repairs or improvements need to be made: where pedestrian paths and access points will be, the inclusion of a foot bridge to access either side of the platform, along with station amenities necessities, such as station power and revenue collection, to name a few.

We will also work on the ground to identify where there are opportunities for new commercial and residential locations and the subsequent infrastructure repairs or improvements needed to be create a seamless environment from the station into the surrounding neighborhood. We anticipate widening the sidewalks to accommodate increased pedestrian traffic, bike lane improvements and clear delineation for bike traffic, bus shelter improvements, way-finding access and assistance, as well as area seating.

Most importantly, our firm will endeavor to hold a series of community engagement sessions and informational meetings where we can better understands the wants and needs of the existing residents and businesses.

We feel, in particular, that these meetings will really uncover and highlight ways to bring vibrancy and programming to the neighborhood.

SECTION 4. Statement of Primary Design Objectives Our plan is to design a station, and adjoining area, that is efficient and functional while being a singular architectural piece in the neighborhood. This station should provide easy accessibility not only to the train, but to the neighborhood as well. Three areas receiving design consideration will be: Station: a structure both sustainable and easily maintained while providing all the requested necessities like ADA access, elevators, stairs and escalators, canopies, lighting, customer assistance kiosks and restrooms, to name a few.

Street Level: an area that feels open and inviting, while easing the transition from the platform to the sidewalk, or other modes of transportation and areas in the neighborhood. With the wider sidewalks and more way-finding, we also seek to add more useable green space with seating that can act as temporary waiting areas while anticipating the bus or train.

Neighborhood: bolstering neighborhood identity through architectural styles and programming that activate the area as an individualized place amongst the other CTA stops.

SECTION 5. Approach to Material Selection Our firm regularly seeks to maximize project budget potential and user experience by seeking out new and existing materials that can be used harmoniously at the project site.

First we examine the site to see what existing materials can be reused or reworked. By identifying useable existing materials, we not only maximize the budget, we can also bring an element of authenticity to the project by working with existing conditions that mitigate disruption to the original landscape. We can also be sensitive to the environment by reusing and readapting materials.

Next we work to identify materials that will be cost effective and easy to maintain, as stations are often heavily used and need regular maintenance. We hope to ease maintenance burden by choosing materials that can hold up in all kinds of weather and uses, while being cost effective to replace when needed.

In addition to that, we seek materials that will heighten the level of the user experience on a project. This could mean different aesthetic choices like textures, colors or architectural details of the materials we choose.

We find that by paying special consideration to the materials we use, we can make budget conscious decisions that can make room for other project amenities perhaps not considered at first because of restraints.

ELEVATING THE DAMEN

SECTION 6. High Performance and Sustainable Design Opportunities Sustainability is always at the forefront of our minds when working on new or existing projects. It is important to identify HPSB opportunities throughout the site that will reduce the cost of ownership through energy efficiency, omission reduction, healthy environments and environmental protection. In the case of the Damen Green Line Station, this would also extend into the design and construction decisions at the street and neighborhood levels as well. We work closely with HPSB experts to ensure we are utilizing the latest and most efficient systems and materials to create sustainable and everlasting sites that have the least amount of environmental impact on the site and surrounding community.

SECTION 7. Planned Program for Successful Completion As a WBE firm, one of our core principles is to include other WBE and MBE firms, small, and local vendors to help us carry any project to completion. We believe working local multiplies the economic impact of a project, helps small businesses and the local economy, while adding authenticity to a project. In this same spirit, we hope to engage the community to learn more about their wants and needs for the station and surrounding area. As we begin conducting soil, infrastructure and engineering studies, we will also hold engagement sessions in order to round out the programming aspect of the overall plan. We work with the community to ensure the project is for the community. These two tenets are the roots of our plan for a successful completion. From these roots we will use our rigorously developed plan to guarantee a smooth implementation our Gantt chart phasing. We understand that there will be challenges and setbacks along the way; these will be mitigated by our meticulous attention to quality assurance and strong communication. Our organizational chart ensures that we have high quality staff in place to respond to challenges in a timely manner and be accountable throughout the project as partners in this project, both with the people of Chicago and City of Chicago. In doing so, it is our belief that we can deliver and on time project that maximizes the budget to produce the high possible quality Damen Green Line Station.

TIMELINE 2019

FINAL DESIGN

REVIEW

DESIGN II

REVIEW & ENGAGEMENT

DESIGN I & PLANNING

PROJECT DEFINITION

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Discussion Proposal Agreement Intital Design Concepts Quality Assuarance Plan Project Plan Client Review Public Engagement Final Requirements and Specifications Management Plan Architectural Design Plans Environmental Approvals Community Engagement Client Review & Approvals Final Design Specifications Constructions Documents Phase Review and Approval

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2020 Qtr4

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4

2021 Qtr1

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2022 Qtr4

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2023 Qtr4

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MONITORING

CONSTRUCTION

ELEVATING THE DAMEN