Envision Unlimited is building an accessible group home for seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prominent Chicago-area architects, consultants, construction companies, and the bricklayers’ union have joined hands in a historic pro bono effort to make this dream come true.
We also need financial contributions to pay for materials or services that are not donated.
How would you like to join our Dream Team?
Never before has such a broad alliance of architectural, engineering, and union talent come together to donate materials, labor, and services to build a fully accessible ADA-compliant group home for seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It began when a for-sale sign was spotted on a large corner lot near an Envision Unlimited Day Center on Chicago’s southwest side. Months passed, then years, and the land remained unsold. Envision contacted owner, Andreas J. Mueller of Naples, Florida, with an offer: Since you can’t sell the land, why not donate it?
Mueller agreed.
News of Mueller’s land donation spread quickly, reaching technical architect Susan Turner. She volunteered to draft the schematic design to take it to the next stage. After telling JLK Architects about the project, the principals agreed to become the architect of record, pro bono. With that pivotal hurdle cleared, Turner began to recruit other consultants who were willing to help build a fully accessible group home for Envision’s seniors.
Their response has been inspirational.
Many of our members have been part of the Envision family for decades. During that time, they have become accustomed to having choices, and experiencing independence, and inclusion. We want them to continue having a life experience that is full of possibilities.
For many years, we have dreamed of having a fully accessible ADA-compliant home for our older members. Andreas Mueller’s generous donation of a lovely corner lot in the city was an encouraging sign that we could fulfill that dream. Commercial-grade, accessible group homes cost more than $1 million, so we launched a capital campaign to raise the necessary funds.
We did not anticipate the unprecedented response from the construction industry and private donors. They have warmed our hearts and inspired us to move forward with all deliberate speed. After viewing the architectural renderings below, you will understand why we are so excited about building this home to serve Envision’s seniors, now and for years to come.
Dozens have answered the call to help make our dream of an ADA-compliant home for our seniors come true. Several shared why they were compelled to join the “Dream Team.”
When the International Masonry Institute (IMI) and Bricks, Inc. joined this stellar roster of construction industry donors, it not only was great news for Envision’s seniors who need fully accessible ADA-compliant housing, it presented an exciting opportunity for masonry trainees.
Through this pro bono project, the IMI–a partnership between International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) members and the contractors who employ them–will be able to augment their already robust training program in a powerful way. Fulfilling this dream for seniors will enable trainees and Dream Team members to proudly leave a legacy for themselves and this special population.
Pre-Construction, Site Plan Approval, Phase 1 Survey, Geotechnical Boring, Design and Permitting
Sod Turning Ceremony
Construction begins
Excavation completed
FF&E Installation
A/V Installation
Celebration of Completion
Fire Marshal Approval
IDHS Accreditation and Licensure
Member Move-In
Join the Dream Team
$50,000 and above
Robert and Teresa Lewandowski Charitable Fund of
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Mary Kay Krupka
Terry and Bob Lewandowski
Ed Uihlein Family Foundation
$25,000 to $49,999
Kristen and Jon Bilton
The Dreixler Family
Larry Kipperman
John Lemker
Mary Lewandowski
Dan Proft
$10,000 to $24,999
BLG Capital Advisors
Becky Carroll and Jon Friend
Nancy and Dan Durbin
Bill and Carol Elliott
FalconX
Edward & Wanda Jordan Family Foundation
JP Morgan Chase
Niamh and Christopher Kristufek
The McHugh Family
Brittany and John Nanry
Heather and Randy Nornes
Zernul Shackelford
The Smith Family 5
$5,000-$9,999
Beverly Bank & Trust Company
Bette and Stuart Bilton
Karen and Mark Jackson
Marty and Mike Kenahan
Dan Kennedy
Ed Mullen
Jennifer and Dennis O’Malley
Carolyn & Robert Redd
Wintrust
$1,000 to $4,999
Adreani Foundation
Patricia L. Arnold
Terrence Bannon
Bill and June Cleary
Donna Ennis
Executive Construction, Inc.
John Favia
Michelle and Justin Harris
Betty Jackson
JR List
Gail and Don Kraska
Chip Krueger
Ashvin Lad
Carl LaMell
Marc Realty
Paul Rink
Lori and Lee Marin
Madeline Murray
Dorothy and Michael O’Malley
Betty O’Toole
Sarah and Lou Rassey
Colleen and Rafael Rosa
Paul Selden and Karen Singer
Lauren Smith
Jennifer and Brian Snell
Jean Xoubi
