What Our Clients Say
At Berglund Construction, we understand that a successful project is the result of our ability to comprehend, interpret and embrace your vision. We listen to you and ask the right questions from the start, and then produce quality structures that stand the test of time. Take our clients’ word for it.
Click on a project title below to read the testimonial
5100 Marine Drive Condominium Association
Dave Szutenbach, 5100 Property Manager
I wanted to extend my gratitude and compliments to Mark Kamstra and his crew for their performance executing 5100's recent Critical Fayade Exam. Thank you as well for all of your assistance. I expected no less than the best and as always, Berlund delivered.
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Francis W. Parker School
Frances Judd, Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Yesterday, when I came to school I was delighted to discover the absence of the trucks & construction-staging that has been outside of my classroom for so long. I had forgotten the pleasure of opening my classroom door and letting my J.K. students walk out onto our beautiful playground and explore the “big toy” with joy and abandon.
I have been so struck, during each phase of construction, how safe & sound our teaching environment remained. I want to thank each of you for the extreme thoughtfulness and professionalism that you ensured during this l-o-n-g stretch of time in which you struggled together to keep standards of safety so high at Parker School.
Please forward this note to those members of your various teams that helped to maintain such a high level of excellence. As one who works with young children (who always notice any interesting, sharp or shiny object) I want you to know that this campus has been kept amazingly clear of safety hazards for the young children in our care.
With each of you thinking ahead and carrying a heavier load, the little children have made it through this period without the type of injury or stress that might have occurred without such vigilance on your part.
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University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration Curtain Wall Rehabilitation
Bany O’Quinn, Sr. Manager Building Envelope, Sheet Metal & Masonry
I am writing this letter to express my gratitude for Berglund Construction’s work on the University of
Chicago School of Social Service Administration Curtain Wall Rehabilitation project on which your
company served as the Restoration Specialists.
During the I5-week project, the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed building at 969 E. 60th St. was
repainted, fitted with new glass and metal stops, and restored to its original luster. The renovation of the
nearly 43-year-old building has enhanced the structure’s original purpose, which reflects that of the school:
To provide an open space where people from all walks of life gather. “The huge lobby of the building is a
great operation and community space, one that allows us to be flexible with all kinds of events. It really has
become a resource, not only for SSA, but for the University and the community,” said Keith Madderom,
Associate Dean for Administration, who helped oversee the restoration.
The replication of the floor-to-ceiling glass lites is a challenge all restorers of Mies buildings struggle with.
Berglund worked diligently with subcontractors and suppliers to find replacement glass that honored the
original aesthetics while maintaining the building’s structural integrity. “The glass Mies used in 1965 was
different than what you find now. Even one-eighth of an inch (difference in) thickness can create
engineering dilemmas,“ Madderom explained.
The replication of the paint finish presented yet another challenge. The paint finish utilized by Mies can no
longer be employed in part because of its high lead content. Berglund and the architectural team worked in
partnership with Tnemec to create a three-coat system that closely and safely approximated Mies’ vision.
Berglund has, without exception, completed this project with a high quality of workmanship, safely, on
time and within the project budget. Berglund brings to our projects at the University a high degree of
professionalism and a highly skilled staff of experienced construction specialists. The team leadership
proved knowledgeable, helpful and provided good communicators throughout the process. The company’s
collaboration with the architect, Krueck & Sexton, and the University during both the bidding phase as well
as during the construction period ensured a product of high quality. It is this professionalism that my
colleagues and I have appreciated throughout our years working with Berglund.
Thus Berglund Construction has my highest recommendation for any Restoration and Renovation Project.
I am happy to have the opportunity to recommend Berglund Construction for future University of Chicago
projects.
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