News

Referendums can be challenging and burdensome on district resources. That's why hiring a Construction Manager with successful referendum experience is critical to maximizing school budgets while providing valuable insight throughout the process. F.H. Paschen is proud to have been part of a successful March 2024 referendum with Union Ridge School District 86 and ARCON Associates. Union Ridge 86 had not ever gone to referendum with the last significant school addition coming more than 50 years ago. The school was at ...

F.H. Paschen is proud to announce that we have received the Best Project Award in the K-12 Education category from ENR Midwest for our work on the Niles Township High School District 219 addition and renovation project. Responding to growing concerns from students and the community about school safety and security, District 219 undertook a transformative project that not only addressed these concerns but also significantly enhanced the visitor experience. The project evolved into a comprehensive solution, encompassing a three-story, ...

West Lawn resident achieves milestone of landing his dream job straight out of college. In 2016, F.H. Paschen (FHP) and George Westinghouse College Prep (GWCP) joined forces to introduce the Paschen Scholars Program. This unique three-year initiative is designed to provide students like West Lawn resident Jose Reyes with hands-on activities that develop technical skills, foster problem-solving abilities, and offer real-world work experience. Reyes, a former GWCP student, was one of the first to embark on this STEM journey. His …

The newly constructed Damen station on the Green Line opened for service Monday morning, marking a significant milestone for Chicago's public transportation network. The opening ceremony was attended by Mayor Johnson, project leaders, and city officials, celebrating the culmination of a project designed to enhance connectivity and serve the community. Located at the intersection of North Damen Avenue and West Lake Street, the Damen ‘L’ station addresses a 1.5-mile gap in service that previously existed between the California and Ashland ...

Village of Bellwood, State of Illinois, F.H. Paschen and Mesirow Public Finance Collaborate On Transformative Housing Development Utilizing Workforce Housing Bonds in Illinois Community leaders, developers, and residents gathered to mark the groundbreaking of a transformative new workforce housing project today in Bellwood that signals the start of a first-of-its-kind project in the State of Illinois. Located at 2711 St. Charles Road, this new development is a collaborative project between the Village of Bellwood, construction manager and developer F.H. Paschen, ...

On Thursday, May 16th, six Paschen Engineering Scholars celebrated their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  It was the sixth group of CPS George Westinghouse College Prep students to graduate from the program. In addition to the senior class graduation, six freshmen from Westinghouse College Prep will be introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars. The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program curriculum includes hands-on activities to develop technical skills, building problem-solving abilities, and gaining real-world work …

F.H. Paschen is delighted to share the continuing success of the Mile Long Bridge, a project that has received an award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC). This achievement is a testament to our commitment to building and improving the highways millions of drivers use every year. Building the Mile Long Bridge was a monumental task. As a critical component of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) reconstruction, the project involved replacing and widening two 65-year-old structures ...

At F.H. Paschen, we are thrilled to celebrate the success of the 43rd Street Pedestrian Bridge, a project that has earned an award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC). This achievement is a testament to our commitment to innovation, technical ability, and collaborative problem-solving, as well as the positive impact we strive to make in the communities we serve. Constructing the 43rd Street Pedestrian Bridge was no small feat. Spanning over six active railroad tracks and ...

On February 08, 2024, the halls of George Westinghouse College Prep buzzed with anticipation as students, faculty, and staff gathered for the 9th annual P.I.E. (Paschen: Innovations in Engineering) Day event. Hosted by F.H. Paschen, this annual event serves as a gateway to the Paschen Engineering Scholars Program, an initiative that has been shaping the future of aspiring engineers since its start in 2015. The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program, now in its 9th year, continues to inspire and empower students. ...

In a testament to his unwavering commitment to the surrounding communities, F.H. Paschen is proud to announce that its Executive Vice President, Joe Scarpelli, has been awarded the March of Dimes Lifetime Legacy Award. The March of Dimes Lifetime Legacy Award is a distinguished honor presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to their community. Joe’s tireless efforts and long-standing commitment to various communities have made him a standout choice for this recognition. Throughout his career, Joe ...

The ENR Midwest Awards recognizes the mastery of construction and engineering and celebrates the positive impact these projects have on local communities. One such standout is the new Chicago Park District Administrative Headquarters and Fieldhouse acknowledged for its pivotal role in transforming an underserved community. Led by the Paschen ALL team, this award-winning joint venture brings together innovative construction, collaborative teamwork, and a profound commitment to community engagement. From the administration building to the meticulously planned outdoor recreational spaces, the ...

On Thursday, May 25th, four Paschen Engineering Scholars celebrated their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  It was the fifth group of CPS George Westinghouse College Prep students to graduate from the program. In addition to the senior class graduation, six freshmen from Westinghouse College Prep will be introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars. The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program curriculum includes hands-on activities to develop technical skills, building problem-solving abilities, and gaining real-world work ...

Five years after the opening of the 41st Street Pedestrian the 43rd bridge is now open in the Kenwood neighborhood of Near South Side of Chicago. This ADA bridge now gives the neighborhood direct access to the lakefront for pedestrians and cyclists. The 43rd Street Pedestrian Bridge is the fourth of five new or reconstructed bridge projects steered by the city’s Department of Transportation. This bridge was designed by AECOM in collaboration with Cordogan and Clark & Associates with F.H. ...

This year students, faculty, and staff of George Westinghouse College Prep attended the 8th annual P.I.E. (Paschen: Innovations in Engineering) Day event on Wednesday, February 1st. F.H. Paschen hosted the event at Westinghouse College Prep as an introduction to their Paschen Engineering Scholars Program.   The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program began in 2015 and exposes students to curriculum and hands-on activities that develops technical skills, builds problem-solving abilities, and offers real-world work experience as well as access to career opportunities in ...

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership), the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and F.H. Paschen are working together to create the talent pipeline needed to continue building a bright future for Chicago. The construction industry remains a driver of economic growth. The third week in September is designated as Construction Appreciation Week, during Workforce Development Month, celebrating the hardworking men and women of American construction who are instrumental in development of our infrastructure. CDOT is working on several roadway ...

F.H. Paschen began conversations with the Village of Schaumburg in July of 2021 to discuss various renovations at the Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, Wintrust Field. In the Fall of 2021, after the Schaumburg Boomers clinched their fourth championship in the Frontier League, the renovation plans to the 20-year-old stadium were approved. Due to baseball season spanning from May to September, F.H. Paschen had a limited timeframe to complete all construction. The best avenue for the Village in these circumstances was to ...

On Thursday, June 23rd, construction started on the 72,000 square ft., four-story senior housing apartment building for low-income seniors ages 62 and over in Bellwood, IL. The development and construction team made up of F.H. Paschen, Evergreen Real Estate Group, and Weese Langley Weese Architects LTD, who partnered with the Village of Bellwood to design and construct the 80-unit facility. “It’s a beautiful day in Bellwood,” said Mayor Andre Harvey. “We needed to do something more for the seniors in ...

On Wednesday, June 1st, six Paschen Engineering Scholars celebrated their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  It was the fourth group of CPS George Westinghouse College Prep students to graduate from the program. In addition to the senior class graduation, five freshmen from Westinghouse College Prep will be introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars. The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program curriculum includes hands-on activities to develop technical skills, building problem-solving abilities, and gaining real-world work ...

We are excited to announce that Ken Swartz has been promoted to Vice President! Ken will be overseeing our new office in Detroit, MI and our office in Lafayette, IN. With 39 years in the construction industry, Ken has developed a passion for building and expanding organizations. He has managed work in almost every sector of the industry. Some of his marquee projects include building West Palm Beach Airport from the ground up, new water treatment facility for the City ...

Students at George Westinghouse College Prep, along with staff and faculty, attended the 7th annual P.I.E. Paschen: Innovations in Engineering, event on Monday, March 14th (on PIE DAY!). F.H. Paschen hosted the event at Westinghouse College Prep as an introduction to their Paschen Engineering Scholars Program as well as the field of engineering for interested candidates. The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program began in 2015 and exposes students to curriculum and hands-on activities that develops technical skills, builds problem-solving abilities, and offers ...

F.H. Paschen kicked off 2022 by announcing the promotions of Bill Rocha and Wayne Thompson. We are pleased to announce the promotion of Bill Rocha to Vice President. Bill’s career began at F.H. Paschen following his internship over 15 years ago. Over the years, Bill worked diligently to earn promotions from Project Engineer to Project Manager, to Senior Project Manager, and most recently a General Manager. His ascension through the organization is a testament to Bill’s ability to lead and ...

F.H. Paschen, a national general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder has expanded their Midwestern footprint and opened an office in downtown Detroit. Located in the historic Globe Building, the new office address is 407 E. Fort Street, Suite 500, Detroit, MI 48226. In a parallel move, F.H. Paschen announced the hiring of Ken Swartz. As the Regional General Manager, Ken Swartz will oversee the operations of the new office. Ken brings 40 years of experience in the construction industry and ...

On Thursday, July 15th, City of Chicago officials, Park District staff, project team members and several community organizations met in Brighton Park to celebrate the beginning of the transformative project. In alignment with the City of Chicago's Invest South/West initiative, the new Chicago Park District Headquarters will bring both construction and permanent jobs as well as employees and citizens from around the city to the Brighton Park community. The new "L" Campus will not only feature the Park District's new ...

On Thursday, May 27th, six Paschen Engineering Scholars celebrated their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  It was the third group of CPS George Westinghouse College Prep students to graduate from the program. In addition to the senior class graduation, six freshmen from Westinghouse College Prep will be introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars.   The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program curriculum includes hands-on activities to develop technical skills, building problem-solving abilities, and gaining real-world ...

The County of Fairfax, Virginia Department of Public Works and Environmental Services awarded F.H. Paschen the Award of Excellence for the Building Design and Construction of the Central and Dulles Maintenance Facility – Salt Dome projects. “We’re honored to receive this award,” said Bill Rocha, General Manager of the F.H. Paschen Mid-Atlantic office. “It’s a testament to our project team, our subcontractors, and our great partners at the county.” General Contractor and Construction Manager F.H. Paschen has been in the ...

Known for spearheading many notable large and small-scale construction projects, F.H. Paschen is expanding their operations. Critical to the expansion was the location of their new office in downtown Aurora. “It was important to be downtown and be part of this community,” said F.H. Paschen Senior Vice President and Aurora resident, Leo Wright. “One of the goals of the Mayor and City Council was to bring more jobs and businesses to the downtown area, and we’re excited to be part ...

On Sunday, December 20th at IBEW Local 134, construction companies F.H. Paschen and Turner Construction Company handed out meals to one-hundred Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Chicago Builds students and their families. Chicago Builds is a citywide, two-year off-campus training program for CPS junior and seniors interested in pursuing a career in construction after graduating high school. Chicago Builds Campus Manager Isaac Carter emphasized the true team effort it took to pull the event together, “It is critical to the program's sustainability to secure and have active participation & support from industry partners. We are thrilled to ...

Runway 9C-27C at O’Hare International Airport is 2-miles long, 200 ft wide, and can handle the largest aircraft currently in operation. Our project team began construction of the Runway in May of 2017 following the low-bid award of Bid Package #1. The successful bidding and award of this project was an entry into the very competitive market of runway construction. The experience gained from constructing runways has led to three additional runway projects. The commissioning of 9C-27C was a big ...

Years of planning, meetings, and hard work were rewarded today. The F.H. Paschen Ragnar Benson Joint Venture (FHP/RB), with Jacobs as the lead designer, was awarded a contract with Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD). “F.H. Paschen Ragnar Benson Joint Venture is excited to move forward on the West Lake Corridor project,” said Jim Blair, F.H. Paschen CEO and President. “We look forward to partnering with NICTD and local businesses throughout the project and for many years to come.” The ...

The Paschen Engineering Scholars Class of 2020 celebrated their graduation from the program virtually at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  This is the second group of Chicago Public Schools students to graduate from the program. In addition to the graduation, six rising sophomores from Westinghouse were introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars. A total of 22 scholars and their families were in attendance for the virtual celebration. The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program curriculum includes hands-on activities to ...

The F.H. Paschen Safety Committee unanimously selected Jason Cox as the 2020 Johnny B. Golden Hard Hat Safety Award winner. To be eligible for this award, the individual must exceed in three categories: 1) successfully execute our Safety and Quality Control approach, 2) lead the men and women on our jobsites with a proactive, safety-focused approach, and 3) carry-out the legacy of John Barkowski. The same people who described Johnny B as a detailed-oriented and solutions-driven man, say the same ...

During Q1 of 2020, F.H. Paschen developed and hosted two workforce development events to improve the process for those who are looking for employment in certain construction trades: Opportunity Day and Career Pathways Day. The two inaugural workforce events were the first in a series of programs aimed at discovering, training, and developing the construction workforce of tomorrow. For those affiliated or already in a union, interviews with hiring managers will occur three times a year; these will be advertised ...

Parents and students gather at GWCP for F.H. Paschen’s P.I.E. – Paschen’s Innovations in Engineering – event for a night of information, engineering challenges, and pie! Students at George Westinghouse College Prep, along with parents and faculty, attended the 5th annual P.I.E, Paschen: Innovations in Engineering, event on Thursday, February 27. F.H. Paschen hosted the event at Westinghouse College Prep as an introduction to their Paschen Engineering Scholars Program as well as the field of engineering for interested candidates. The ...

Students at Westinghouse College Prep who are in the Paschen Engineering Scholars Program visited two active job sites managed by the Scholars’ program sponsor F.H. Paschen. Their first stop was at Midway International Airport, where construction is underway on the new 80,000SF Security Checkpoint Bridge. Following a tour of the job site, the Scholars met with our Virtual Design and Construction team stationed at the Midway job site office and examined BIM and 4D Models with our technical staff. After ...

On Tuesday, December 10, F.H. Paschen invited members from 3 local social impact organizations to a holiday event filled with powerful discussions, a drive for empowerment, and a delicious meal. The discussion included participants from Chicago CRED, Safer Foundation and Revolution Workshop and highlighted future opportunities for career networking events and industry seminars to start them down the path for a career in construction. F.H. Paschen led the conversation on what the path to success looks like. “We’re not just ...

The commitment to building capacity for women, diverse, small and veteran-owned businesses was instituted by Bud Paschen over 30 years ago. Bud recognized that by collaborating with these businesses and communities he was not only growing their business, but Paschen’s as well. Paschen’s consistent and meaningful engagement has led to the contracting of over 200 diverse subcontractors in 2018.  In September alone, Paschen attended and/or hosted 10 outreach events for diverse businesses. Outreach events allow our team to meet and educate new diverse businesses on how to do work with us and the ...

Did you know that over the past five years over 75% of interns hired are still with Paschen?  During final presentations at the end of the summer, interns recognized employees who went ‘above & beyond’ to enhance their internship experience with the ‘More Paschen’ award. The ‘More Paschen’ Award is presented in front of Senior Leadership and winners are given $50 Bud Bucks.  Thank you for your hard work and for creating an exceptional experience for our interns. F.H. Paschen 2019 Summer Interns

F.H. Paschen is proud to be one of the few general contractors selected to participate in the largest modernization program that the City of Chicago has ever commissioned. Together with Turner Construction, as Turner Paschen Aviation Partners, we were selected as a Construction Manager At-Risk for the O’Hare 21 Program.  2019 began with an exciting opportunity with the City of Chicago and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) for their O’Hare 21 project. This is an $8.5 billion investment for the redevelopment and modernization of O’Hare International Airport to provide ...

The inaugural class of six Paschen Engineering Scholars celebrated their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony.  This was the first group of CPS George Westinghouse College Prep students that graduated from the program. In addition to this inaugural class graduation, six freshmen from Westinghouse College Prep will were introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars. A total of 23 scholars were in attendance. “To have all of these amazing students in one room together ...

F.H. Paschen accepted the 2019 Project Award from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) for the American Airlines Concourse L/Stinger.  We constructed a new concourse capable of handling five regional aircrafts with a pedestrian bridge tying into existing Terminal 3. The new facility includes hold rooms, concession areas, restrooms, airline support spaces, mechanical spaces, and circulation areas.  In addition to the complex nature of building on an active airfield, Paschen had to devise innovative methods for erecting a nearly 600’ long ...