RTM Engineering Consultants' Dorchester Art+Housing Collaborative Receives AIA/HUD Secretary Award

CHICAGO - Sept. 19, 2016 - PRLog -- RTM Engineering Consultants, a trusted engineering consulting partner to some of the nation's most respected architectural firms and Fortune 500 companies, is proud to announce that the Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative (DA+HC) has won the AIA/HUD Secretary Award in the Creating Community Connection category. The American Institute of Architects' (AIA) Housing Knowledge Community, in conjunction with the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), recognizes projects that incorporate housing within other community amenities for the purpose of either revitalization or planned growth.

The DA+HC project embodied a successful collaboration among private, public, and non-profit sectors as it reactivated a neglected city block, while bringing back to life abandoned buildings and constructing the framework for a community-focused and artist-led creative incubator. Formerly the Dante Harper housing project, DA+HC is located in Chicago's Grand Crossing neighborhood and consists of 32 mixed-income rental units. These buildings have been thoughtfully and carefully restored to their original modern design. Four of the original units were removed to build the focus of the development—a new Arts Center, a welcoming space for programming, creating and displaying art.

"Receiving the AIA/HUD Secretary award speaks to RTM's residential and community-driven expertise and our commitment to sustainable designs," says RTM CEO Tony Mirchandani (http://www.rtmassociates.com/tarun-tony-mirchandani/). "With the constant developments in the housing industry, we take pride in staying at the forefront and offering clients innovative solutions that address the needs of the residents and the surrounding community."

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.

"These winners prove that affordable and accessible housing can become part of the fabric of any neighborhood and reinforce the principles of inclusiveness and opportunity," said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. "Each of these developments are innovative housing opportunities offering seniors and families alike a place to thrive."

The AIA/HUD Secretary awards demonstrate that design matters, and the recipient projects offer examples of important developments in the housing industry.

To learn more about RTM's wide breadth of experience within the residential sector, click here. (http://www.rtmassociates.com/residential/)

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.

About The American Institute of Architects

For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.