Some projects are about more than restoring a building. They're about preserving history, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for future generations.
On October 13, Berglund Construction joined the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (GMSI) to celebrate the groundbreaking of its $22 million South Portico renovation, an exciting milestone that will reopen the Museum's historic south entrance for the first time in more than a century.
The project will introduce a fully accessible entrance, café, outdoor terrace and gathering spaces overlooking Jackson Park, creating a stronger connection between the Museum and the surrounding South Side community.
"We know this building, we understand the complexities of restoring historic structures, and we have the team and expertise to get it done. After decades of working with the Museum, it's exciting to take on a project of this significance and help bring a vision the community has wanted for years to life."
With roots in South Chicago and more than 115 years of building and restoring the places that shape our communities, Chicago's South Side isn't just where we work. It's a place we call home.
Berglund's extensive historic restoration capabilities, combined with more than 30 years of partnership with GMSI, position our team to take on the unique challenges of this transformation. From intricate masonry restoration and preservation of historic architectural features to managing complex renovations within active facilities, our team brings the experience and technical expertise needed to successfully deliver a project of this scale.
The South Portico renovation is another example of how we're putting that expertise to work, preserving the character of an iconic Chicago landmark while adapting it to better serve the people who use it.
As construction gets underway, we're looking forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with GMSI and delivering an exciting new chapter for the Museum and the South Side community. Watch the ABC 7 coverage.