Related Midwest and Illinois School of Architecture Announce Partnership
Through a sponsorship by Related Midwest, each participant will receive a full scholarship and have the opportunity to experience architectural tours, visits to area firms, and a day-trip to the Urbana-Champaign campus.
The weeklong Discover Architecture-Chicago program, a commuter program for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending Chicago high schools, is an extension of the Discover Architecture pre-college program offered at the Urbana-Champaign campus. Students will be introduced to architectural drawing, design, and modeling and will learn to see the city of Chicago through the eyes of an architect.
“As we continue to make critical investments in architectural education for students throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods, we can build an industry that is inclusive of all voices and construct a city that is the pinnacle of architectural excellence because of its diversity,” said Ann Thompson, Senior Vice President of Architecture and Design at Related Midwest. “As an alumni of UIUC, I am particularly honored that Related is partnering with the University of Illinois to ensure that teens across Chicago who are interested in creating and designing beautiful buildings have the tools and support to be able to do so.”
“The Illinois School of Architecture is very fortunate to partner with Related Midwest on this endeavor. It supports the greater mission of the school, the college, and the university to create opportunities for all citizens in the State of Illinois,” said Jeffery Poss, Interim Director of the School of Architecture. Discover Architecture-Chicago has been conceived in conjunction with Illinois Commitment, the university’s new program to provide access to quality higher education for high-achieving students from all backgrounds.
The program will be held at the Stantec Chicago Studio in downtown Chicago and will expose students across the city to the various opportunities that exist for them throughout the building trades. Related Midwest and the University of Illinois School of Architecture share a mutual commitment to increasing opportunities and access to higher education for Chicago students, supporting diversity in the building industry, and strengthening communities.
About Related Midwest
Related Midwest, the Chicago office of Related Companies, is the preeminent developer of mixed-use properties, affordable housing communities, and luxury condominium and rental homes across Chicago. For more than 30 years, Related Midwest has been dedicated to the highest standards of architecture, design, engineering, and development. Related Midwest developments in Chicago include the Robert A.M. Stern Architects-designed One Bennett Park, a 70-story luxury residential tower and adjacent park by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates; luxury condominiums and rental apartments including 500 N. Lake Shore Drive and OneEleven; Landmark West Loop, a 300-unit tower; and mixed-use and affordable housing communities including Marshall Field Garden Apartments and the historic Julia C. Lathrop Homes. Related Midwest has developed, acquired, and preserved more than 6,500 affordable residences and currently has an additional 3,600 in development. Over the past 10 years, Related Midwest and its affiliated entities has awarded more than a quarter of a billion dollars to minority- and women-owned businesses and hired nearly 500 community residents. The company has also helped 15 small businesses launch and grow by awarding them their first contracts.