Oct 27 2010
Leopardo recently began work on the new 61,000-square-foot headquarters for the Scottish Rite Cathedral Association's Valley of Chicago.
The Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry that a Master Mason may join for further exposure to the principles of Freemasonry, the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world with more than two million members in North America.
The new two-story Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago, located at the corner of Lake Street and Medinah Road, will feature a museum and library, traditional lodge hall, kitchen facilities, dining room for 290 people, bar and game room, grand hall, administrative offices, and theater with seating for 270.
Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago - Grand Hall
"The history of the Scottish Rite will be evident in the interior by integrating symbology, patterns, artwork, and historic items from the former Scottish Rite Cathedral on North Dearborn Street in Chicago," said Valley of Chicago Executive Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Gregory Klemm. "By integrating these historic elements in a creative way, the building will convey a sense of mystery and discovery to visitors as they explore the new spaces and discover familiar elements from the Scottish Rite's history."
Designed to tell the story of Freemasonry's symbolic origins through the future of society, the interior and exterior will feature traditional Masonic structures executed in a timeless and contemporary composition that incorporates traditional masonry materials like stone and brick as well as modern construction systems like precast concrete. The heavily wooded 16-acre site will be nicely landscaped for stunning views, and include a parking lot to accommodate approximately 190 vehicles.
"Given the Scottish Rite's great history in artisanry, architecture and construction, we are honored to be building such a prestigious and significant facility for the fraternal organization," said Leopardo Senior Vice President Michael Behm, AIA.
Leopardo was selected as construction manager and general contractor, and is working hand-in-hand with Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates (tvsdesign) as the architect and Core Project Management Group as the owner's representative. The Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago will be finished by the end of 2011.
Source: http://www.leopardo.com/