RTM Engineering Consultants' Project Receives Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award

CHICAGO - Feb. 22, 2016 - PRLog -- RTM Engineering Consultants (RTM), a trusted engineering consulting partner to some of the nation’s most respected architectural firms and Fortune 500 companies, was proud to be on hand at the 22nd Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards where the Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative received the second place Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design.

Formerly the Dante Harper housing project, Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative is located in Chicago’s Grand Crossing neighborhood and consists of 32 mixed-income rental units. All buildings have been thoughtfully and carefully restored to their original modern design. The centerpiece is the new Arts Center, a welcoming space for programming, creating and displaying art that is under the leadership of Rebuild Foundation—a nonprofit organization created by artist Theaster Gates to rebuild the cultural foundations of underinvested neighborhoods.

As part of the A/E team led by Landon Bone Baker Architects, RTM provided MEP services for the Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative project. All major existing building systems were updated to meet or exceed Enterprise Green Communities Criteria in accordance with the City of Chicago’s Green Permit program.

The firm put its residential and community-driven expertise to use, having designed numerous residential redevelopment projects in Chicago, such as Woodlawn Park, as well as culturally-focused neighborhood projects including the Stony Island Arts Bank (another Theaster Gates and Rebuild Foundation initiative).

“I am proud that RTM was part of this exciting redevelopment project,” stated Doug Brewer, Principal at RTM Engineering Consultants. “We appreciate every opportunity to bring our sustainability expertise to bear for clients, particularly when we align with community-minded goals like bringing art-interested public housing residents and practicing artists together.”

The Richard H. Driehaus Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design aims to recognize projects that demonstrate a number of priorities including superior design quality responsive to neighborhood context and enhancing the overall development of the local community.

About RTM Engineering Consultants

Established in 1981 and headquartered outside Chicago, RTM Engineering Consultants integrates MEP/FP and civil engineering services with sustainable design as a given. The firm goes beyond a typical consulting role and becomes a partner to clients by aligning with the goals, processes, and people at each organization. Licensed in all 50 states, its portfolio spans major market sectors nationwide. For more information, visit www.rtmassociates.com.