Cotter Consulting News Feed

Cotter Wins IDOT Various-Various Contract

2012-04-30 12:06:00

Cotter Consulting is pleased to announce that we have been selected as the prime consultant by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for Phase III Various Projects, Various Routes, Various Counties in Region One/District One. Cotter, and our subconsultants AECOM and 2IM Group, LLC, will provide Phase III engineering services as required to assist department resident engineers/technicians on various construction projects throughout the District.

Various-Various contracts require a highly knowledgeable and adaptable staff to take charge on a wide range of possible projects and work with a diverse group of IDOT personnel. With over 20 years experience, Cotter is equipped to anticipate challenges and ensure the success of any project that may arise. Typical assignments may include general construction inspection, project finalization, and documentation, including PCC and bituminous concrete paving operations, drainage, patching, bridge structures, bridge painting, and providing general assistance as a member of a field crew.

Cotter was also selected to provide Phase III engineering services for construction inspection of the improvements of IL-31 at IL-176 (East Terra Cotta Avenue) and at Terra Cotta Road in McHenry County. Cotter is thrilled to be a part of all these exciting projects and to provide IDOT with the quality services they have come to expect of our staff.

Cotter Transportation Staff Helps Publicize National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week

2012-04-25 07:35:00

At Cotter safety is of the utmost importance on our projects, which is why we are proud to celebrate National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week from April 23rd through April 27th. Cotter's transportation staff joined the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA) at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 24th to spread the news on why this is such an important week. The group made the rounds at all local news stations including CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX and WGN to get the word out on Work Zone Safety Awareness Week and share some important facts:

In Illinois alone, there are over 7,000 crashes annually in work zones
Contrary to popular belief, motorists are actually more likely to get hurt in work zone accidents - accounting for approximately 80 percent of injuries
It is illegal to talk, text, or surf the web on a cell phone while in work zones. Fines start at $75.
Districted driving causes 25 percent of all traffic accidents.
Workers do not need to be present on a work zone for you to receive a speeding ticket.
Minimum $375 fine for the first offense in work zone and minimum $1000 for second offense. There is a mandatory court appearance.

The goal of National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week is to educate the public about work zone safety laws and urge motorists to exercise caution in work zones in order to protect both the workers and the motoring public as construction season begins. To read more about National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week click here.

Cotter Welcomes New Director of Business Development

2012-04-17 06:45:00

Cotter is very excited to announce that we have hired Kate Mullaney, CPSM as our new Director of Business Development. Kate has served in the A/E/C industry for 12 years including two years in interiors, five years in architecture, and six years in engineering. Most recently, Kate served as Associate Vice President at Primera Engineers where she developed strategic business plans, established new and maintained existing client relationships, and conducted qualitative market research.

"I am thrilled to be joining such a respected company as Cotter and look forward to building upon their past success and helping pave the road for the future," says Mullaney, who will be responsible for directing the business development and marketing activities for all Cotter divisions of business including corporate strategy, lead generation, and opportunity pursuits.

Clients refer Cotter at an exceptionally high rate because of the diverse expertise of our team and our ability to integrate with our clients. Kate's depth of experience in the A/E/C market, her ability to build relationships, and her strategic mindset make her an ideal addition to the Cotter team as she enhances our ability to connect with clients and convey to them the benefits of the �Cotter Way�.

Kate studied Communication at St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin and is a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM). She has previously served as the Professional Development Committee Chair and Secretary for the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and currently serves as President-Elect. Additionally, Kate is an active member of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).

Note From Anne

2011-12-15 12:24:00

What a dynamic year it has been at Cotter Consulting! Completing our first year on the RSIP program, the opening of the University of Chicago Mansueto Library, hiring a new Vice President of Transportation, growing the Wisconsin office, and much more has made this an exciting and successful year.

I want to thank you all for your contributions to our impressive accomplishments this year. You truly are our greatest asset and the reason our clients come back year after year.

I wish you all a relaxing and joyous holiday and best of luck in the New Year.

Cotter's Wisconsin Office - One Year Later

2011-12-13 02:09:00

Since it's opening last winter, Cotter's Wisconsin office, located on Water street in downtown Milwaukee, has been growing by leaps and bounds. A few notable achievements include:

- Grown from four employees at this time last year to seven full-time employees.

- Awarded two projects at the General Mitchell International Airport as a Subconsultant to Gilbane and Mortenson. Our role on these projects includes preconstruction services as well as assistance with the construction management once the construction begins in early summer of 2012.

- Awarded several projects with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation:

Awarded the I-94 E/W resurfacing and Bluemound Road project as a subconsultant to CH2M Hill. At the peak of this project, Cotter had four full-time employees working on it. Cotter provided construction inspection/management, document tracking, and project controls on this project.
Awarded the I-94 Kenosha Frontage Road Projects at KR and E under K:G, a Joint Venture. Cotter provided one person to assist with construction inspection/management services on this project.
Awarded the I-94 Russell Road to State Line Project as a subconsultant to PB. Cotter provided one person to assist with construction inspection/management services on this project.
Awarded the program controls portion of the I-39/90 preliminary design contract as a subconsultant to AECOM. Cotter will be assisting with financial controls and documentation. Cotter will have two full-time staff on this project and two part-time staff assisting. This is a nine-year program spanning from preliminary design thru construction.
Awarded scheduling and estimating services on the preliminary design of Highway 50 in Kenosha as a subconsultant to HNTB. This is a six-year project with a part time commitment.
Awarded assisting with project controls work on the preliminary design of the Zoo Interchange as a subconsultant to Forward45. This is a part-time position.
Awarded the I-94 Kenosha project to reconstruct mainline and interchanges at highways 142, 158 and 50 as a subconsultant to Milwaukee Transportation Partners. Cotter will have two full-time staff on this four year project to assist with construction inspection/management, document tracking and project controls.

Now, looking forward to 2012, the Wisconsin group will continue to pursue work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the General Mitchell International Airport. Cotter will also look to expand our services to different divisions of the Milwaukee County including the Milwaukee County Medical Complex, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the Department of Public Works.

Another area of focus will be to build off of our expertise with Chicago Public Schools by pursuing upcoming work with Milwaukee Public Schools. We will also explore potential work in the area of wastewater and federal work in Wisconsin.

We are excited about the promising future of our Wisconsin office!

Employee Spotlight: Norma Quesada

2011-12-07 02:30:00

1. What is your job title and duties?

Sr. Project Administrator - duties include working at Loyola University regarding project accounting along with keeping track of TIF participation for the City of Chicago.

2. Where were you born?

Chicago, Illinois.

3. Describe yourself in 5 words or less.

Energetic, social, roll-up your sleeves type of person

4. If you could have any job you wanted, what would it be and why?

Forest Ranger (trail guide) in a Montana State Park - lover of horses and the outdoors, camping and meeting all types of people.

5. If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?

Mahatma Gandhi.

6. What are your hobbies?

Riding horses, yoga, anything crafty.

7. What is your favorite movie /book / food / sport?

Movie: Lonesome Dove; Book: A Walk in the Woods-Bill Bryson; Food: Indian; Sport: Diving.

8. What is the most interesting fact about you?

I have more energy than humanly possible.

9. What do you like most about working at Cotter?

Cotter will give you a challenge and if you are up to it, you will find that you have more strengths than weaknesses. I like the confidence that Cotter has in my ability to do my job and do it well.
10. If you won the lottery today, what would you do tomorrow?

Open a yoga/horse training center with/for disabled veterans. Yoga and horses would help heal the human spirit.
11. What's on the walls of your office/cubicle?

Wolves, horses (animals of strength and grace).

12. Are you a Cubs fan or a Sox fan?

Cubs (I like the bear on their shirts).

Building Chicago Public Schools for the Future

2011-11-14 08:25:00

Back in September the nearly 409,000 students of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) returned to either new or improved facilities. With 675 Elementary, Charter and High Schools, CPS is the third largest school district in the United States, yet still manages to be one of the most prominent in innovative and sustainable design and construction.

Since 1998, CPS has invested over $2 billion in new construction, renovation and upgrade projects to ensure Chicago's children are receiving a first-rate education in sophisticated facilities equipped with the technology and resources they need to succeed. In 2006, in further support of their mission to �offer a high quality world class education for the 21st century�, former Mayor Richard M. Daley initiated a partnership between CPS and the Public Building Commission of Chicago to create the �Modern Schools Across Chicago (MSAC)� capital program. The highly successful program, which is funded by both CPS General Obligation bonds and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) backed bonds, includes 17 new schools and two major school renovation projects of which 16 projects are already complete and three are under development.

The MSAC program has incorporated a number of sustainable initiatives into these new facilities in order to increase the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and life-cycle of their facilities while teaching students about their environmental impact and responsibility. Sustainable measures include diversion of construction waste from landfills; utilization of recycled materials in construction; green roofs; enhanced natural light; solar-powered features; high efficiency heating and cooling systems; low flow/low consumption water usage; responsible landscaping; and aggressive storm water management. All projects are designed to achieve a minimum LEED Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

Cotter has played a key part in the success of many of these MSAC and other CPS projects. One of Cotter's Senior Project Managers (SPM), is currently serving as Design Oversight Manager as part of CPS's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Program Management Team. Our SPM has been charged with developing, reviewing and updating specifications and renovation guidelines to meet CPS standards, assisting in developing the capital plan, oversight of scoping project and the development of the transfer package, and monitoring projects that they are delivered on time. Additionally, Cotter's role includes maintaining lessons learned, oversight of moves and creating facility performance standards for CPS that were mandated by a new state law.

Another Cotter Project Manager was also brought on to assist our SPM on the program. Much of the renovation work that CPS is now doing involves school accessibility and ADA compliance, and our PM will eventually manage the ADA program from the project management side. Additionally, Cotter's staff has been involved in these CPS projects from the Public Building Commission side through our PBC Program Management contract including the PBC's Sustainability Manager and multiple project managers that Cotter is providing for the program.

Cotter is proud to be part of a program that enriches the educational experience of Chicago's youth.

Cotter Wins Multiple Transportation Projects

2011-11-14 08:24:00

Cotter's transportation group is going to be very busy come this spring. Cotter was selected as the prime consultant to provide the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with phase III engineering services for construction inspection of the improvements of IL-31 at IL-176 (East Terra Cotta Avenue) and at Terra Cotta Road.

Additionally, Cotter was part of teams selected for three Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA) projects. Cotter will serve as a sub-consultant to T.Y. Lin on their contract to provide construction management services for the I-294 Roadway and Bridge Rehabilitation from Cermak Road Plaza - Plaza 35 to Franklin Avenue and as a sub-consultant to Chicago Testing Laboratory, Inc. on their contract to provide construction management services and materials engineering services upon request. Cotter will also serve as a sub-consultant to V3 Companies on their contract to provide construction management services for the I-88 Roadway and Bridge Rehabilitation from IL 251 to Annie Glidden Road.

Cotter is thrilled to be a part of all these exciting projects and to provide IDOT, the Tollway and our project teams with the quality services they have come to expect of our staff.

Project Profile: LUREC

2011-11-14 08:23:00

When one pictures the life of a Loyola University Chicago student, it usually doesn't involve harvesting vegetables, bee keeping, and feeding chickens, but that is exactly what is going on at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus or LUREC. The LUREC, an 87-acre sanctuary in Bull Valley, Illinois, offers urban college students a rare opportunity to learn first-hand about ecology, sustainability and biology.

The Campus not only provides a site for study and research of the environment and ecological sustainability, but also serves as a place for spiritual and intellectual growth through retreats and adventure programs. The retreat aspect of the LUREC provides a peaceful setting where individuals and groups are empowered to do the work necessary for reconnection and renewal of the mind, body and spirit. Also, in accordance with the Jesuit tradition that Loyola is founded on, the retreat center supports the spirit and principles of Transformative Education. (Reference: http://www.luc.edu/retreatcampus/pdfs/faculty%20and%20staff%20brochure.pdf)

While the Campus is currently open and being used by students and retreaters alike, there are still a number of additions in progress and to come. The campus, which is divided into the Retreat Center on the south half and the Ecology Center on north half, added an ecology lab, classroom, and herbarium workroom this summer. Currently, a food service lab with a demonstration kitchen inside the building, a food processing shed located next to the vegetable plots and a hoop house located in the north farm area are underway. The food service lab will be used by students to practice the study of food sciences as well as the LUREC Chef to hold cooking classes. The food processing shed will allow for the cleaning, packing and storage of the campus's vegetable harvest. The vegetables will continue to supply the LUREC kitchen and will also be available for purchase. The addition of a hoop house from Cuneo Mansion to the LUREC will be used this fall for seed starting for spring plants and also to keep plants warm enough to grow throughout the winter.

Additionally, a half acre garden provided vegetables for the students and retreaters this summer, but eventually this will grow to a more expansive three acre garden. Also, the chickens and bees that were cared for this summer by students will be joined by cows and goats in the future, which will enable the campus to start producing its own cheese. An emergency generator will also be installed this fall. The ultimate goal is for the LUREC campus to be �off the grid', meaning that all of the campus' energy and sustenance needs will be met onsite.

The LUREC is a unique opportunity for college students living in a metropolitan area such as Chicago as well as retreaters to get back to nature and understand all that goes into producing the things we take for granted being provided for us every day.

Cotter is pleased to continue our nearly 10 year record of success collaborating with Loyola on this exciting project. Cotter Senior Project Manager, Joyce Scholefield, has been onsite overseeing the renovation of the facility, and managing the programming and design process with key University personnel since October of 2010. Cotter is continuing to provide Loyola with the superior level of service that they have come to expect of Cotter and instills them with confidence that their project will meet their goals, budget and schedule.

UIUC National Petascale Computing Facility Awarded LEED Gold Certification

2011-11-07 12:15:00

The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) Petascale Computing Facility has been awarded LEED Gold Certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The state-of-the-art, 88,000 square foot facility is home to Blue Waters, the most powerful supercomputer in the world for open scientific research, as well as other NCSA infrastructure.

Such a high tech facility required thorough planning and innovative strategies to achieve LEED and energy efficiency goals. For example, the facility relies heavily on more efficient water cooling for the advanced systems it houses.

In order to establish and maintain an accurate project timeline Cotter Consulting provided scheduling services to Clayco, the construction manager for this project. Cotter congratulates all the project team members who worked towards this achievement.

U of C Joe and Rika Mansueto Library Wins AIA Distinguished Building Award

2011-11-02 07:45:00

The new University of Chicago Joe and Rika Mansueto Library project was awarded the Distinguished Building Award, Citation of Merit on Friday, October 18th at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chicago 56th Annual Designight Design Excellence Awards.

The Design Excellence Awards recognize the best contemporary architecture produced by Chicago-area firms, in Chicago and elsewhere.

Cotter Consulting served as the Owner's Representative for the Mansueto Library project and would like to congratulate and thank all project team members for making this such a successful endeavor.

For more information click here.

Cotter Congratulates the University of Chicago on the Dedication of New Library

2011-10-13 09:33:00

On October 11 the University of Chicago dedicated the new Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, a bold, innovative new research and learning space that will house over 3.5 million materials and provide space for future growth for the next 20 years. Serving as Owner's Representative from preconstruction through closeout for the new glass domed library, Cotter Consulting is pleased to celebrate with the University on this historic accomplishment.

The dedication ceremony was held at Harper Memorial Library Commons on the University's campus. Highlights of the celebration included a keynote address by Anthony Grafton, a University of Chicago Alumnus and Henry Putnam University Professor of History at Princeton University. Author of Codex in Crisis, Grafton spoke on the importance of libraries throughout history.

The ceremony also included the world premier performance of Mansueto Tribute, �double helix� for two violins, composed by the University's Professor of Composition, Augusta Read Thomas. President Robert J. Zimmer, Provost Thomas Rosenbaum, Honoree Joe Mansueto, and Director and University Librarian Judith Nadler also spoke at the event.

�We are proud to have worked closely with the University of Chicago during the development and construction of the newest addition to the University of Chicago campus,� said Jan Turner, Vice President of Buildings for Cotter Consulting, who attended the dedication ceremony. �The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library is a state-of-the-art facility that combines innovation with practicality. Completing this important project was a team effort and we are pleased with the successful completion of this building.�

The library, designed by Helmet Jahn and constructed by Barton Malow, incorporates an underground Automated Storage Retrieval System (ASRS) for book storage, and is the largest underground retrieval system in the United States. The ASRS system uses robotic cranes and a software/control system to retrieve and deliver books from underground bins within five minutes. A Grand reading room and space for the library's Preservation and Conservation department are housed in the space directly under the dome.

During pre-construction Cotter worked closely with the University throughout the design and permitting process. During construction, Cotter was onsite to assist the University in oversight of the construction, monitor scheduling, budget and quality goals.

�Cotter Consulting has a history of serving as a trusted partner to major institutions across Chicago and the Midwest,� says Anne Cotter, President of Cotter Consulting. �We look forward to overseeing similar types of ventures as we move forward with our continued growth.�

In above image from left to right: James Vaughan (Asst. Director, Access and Facilities Services, Regenstein Library, University of Chicago), Connie Walker (Project Manager formerly with Cotter Consulting), Mike Natarus (Senior Project Manager, University of Chicago), Steve Wiesenthal (Assoc. VP and University Architect, University of Chicago), Jan Turner (VP of Buildings, Cotter Consulting), Laura Leber (Senior Project Manager, Barton Malow).

Note from Anne

2011-09-27 12:24:00

Though we were a little unlucky with the weather, I was so pleased with the turn out for the family picnic on September 18th. It was wonderful to see all of our employees and their families getting to know each other better and watching the children's excitement during the magic show. Although we are growing in number every year, maintaining close-knit employee relations will always be a priority at Cotter.

I hope you all had as much fun as I did at the event and enjoy this "back-to-school" edition of Cotter Connections with informative stories on our current projects with Chicago Public Schools and Loyola University Chicago, and newsworthy company and employee updates.

Cotter Makes Inc. 5000 List Again

2011-09-14 01:32:00

Cotter Consulting was selected for the second year in a row by Inc. magazine to be included in its fifth annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy-America's independent-minded entrepreneurs. Cotter joins online retailer ideeli, Spirit Airlines, television maker Vizio, Honest Tea and Dunkin Donuts, among other prominent brands featured on this year's list.

Cotter's impressive revenue and employee growth over the past three years merited a spot on the 5000 list as well as a ranking in the top 200 of those selected in the construction industry. Cotter is proud to be included in this list that celebrates growth and perseverance in a troubling economic climate.

"Now, more than ever, we depend on Inc. 500/5000 companies to spur innovation, provide jobs, and drive the economy forward. Growth companies, not large corporations, are where the action is,� says Inc. magazine Editor Jane Berentson

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/5000.

Cotter Selected for Inc. 5000 list for Second Year in a Row

2011-09-14 08:58:00

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/5000.