McHugh and Crea Construction Teams Deliver First Apartments in Three-Year Prairie Shores Renovation in Chicago

 

Kate Ivanova

 

CHICAGO, IL, May 12, 2021) — James McHugh Construction Co., one of the country’s largest commercial contractors with a concentration in multifamily work, along with its joint venture partner Crea Construction, a minority- and woman-owned general contracting firm, announced they have completed interior renovations to more than 150 units at Prairie Shores, a five-tower apartment complex in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.

 

Located on 20 acres at 2801-3001 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Prairie Shores is just south of McCormick Place and west of Lake Shore Drive and 31^st Street Beach. With 1,675 total units, Prairie Shores is one of the largest rental communities south of the Loop.

Sandya Dandamudi

Developed from 1957 to 1961 and purchased in 2019 by Chicago-based firms Golub & Company and Farpoint Development, along with New York-based Goldman Sachs, Prairie Shores is undergoing a multi-phased renovation.

  It is a project that has perfect timing given the renewed interest in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, according to McHugh Construction.

 

“We’re currently working on three very different multifamily projects in Bronzeville at various stages of development and construction, so to say this area is having a resurgence is an understatement,” said Michael Meagher, president of McHugh Construction.

Michael Meagher

“Because of new-construction projects that will deliver over the next few years, it was very smart of Prairie Shores ownership to get out in front by renovating its units now so they can capture the attention of renters looking for a more modern and sophisticated living experience.”

 

Within the apartments, the McHugh/Crea joint venture is overseeing the installation of new appliances, countertops, plank flooring, plumbing, fixtures and lighting, plus electrical system upgrades and painting. Building corridors will also receive new finishes.

 The team began staggered renovations of the classic studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at Prairie Shores in the fall of 2020. With units being renovated in phases, the community could maintain its high occupancy levels and minimize disruption for current residents. 

 

“Daily coordination with Prairie Shores’ property management team has been a critical piece of the renovation process as we are working in occupied buildings,” said Kate Ivanova, vice president of operations for McHugh Construction.

 

 “We are sharing loading docks, elevators and building access points for our construction activities with tenants who are moving in and out, as well as building services such as refuse removal.

 "That’s where our years of multifamily construction and renovations experience pays off – we know how essential it is to maintain close communications with property managers, how to stay on schedule during a pandemic, and most importantly, how to get work done without disruption to the tenants’ daily lives.”

“After completing the stonework for dozens of luxury multifamily high-rises throughout downtown Chicago, we are thrilled to bring our knowledge and discerning eye to a property as significant as Prairie Shores,” said Sandya Dandamudi, president of GI Stone.

 

“The durable stone we’ve chosen makes the apartments looks so fresh and bright – it’s the type of stunning finish that will be beautiful for years to come.”

CONTACTS:

 

Paula Widholm, pwidholm@taylorjohnson.com,

 (312) 267-4525

Kim Manning, kmanning@taylorjohnson.com,

 (312) 267-4527

 

www.mchughconstruction.com.