Skender & Collaborators Celebrate the Unveiling of the Aspire Monument

CHICAGO, IL – August 22, 2023 – Chicago’s premier real estate development firm Sterling Bay, in partnership with Chicago-based construction firm Skender and design firm Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC), is proud to announce the unveiling of ASPIRE, a new community monument located in Chicago’s historic Englewood neighborhood at 6701 S Wentworth Avenue. This remarkable installation, standing 25 feet tall and crafted by local art activist Maxwell Emcays, commemorates the legacy of the site, formerly home to Kennedy-King College. The artwork celebrates those who foster the academic aspirations of local students, and the promise of its future generations to achieve their highest potential.

Commissioned by Sterling Bay with construction and architectural design support from Skender and LJC, ASPIRE stands as a symbol of hope, inspiration, and achievement, capturing the indomitable spirit of all Englewood students who dream big. Environmental Systems Design (ESD) provided electrical and structural engineering support.

“ASPIRE was designed to celebrate the resilience and potential of Englewood's young minds, highlighting the transformative impact that education has on shaping a bright future,” said Andy Gloor, CEO of Sterling Bay. “With this monument, and the community-forward development plans we will soon announce for this site, we hope to create a legacy of positive change in Englewood, providing inspiration and opportunity to its residents for years to come.”

For over 18 months, the three firms and Emcays conducted several in-person meetings with neighborhood stakeholders to solicit feedback on various themes to inspire the artwork. Over the course of these discussions, it was agreed that capturing the spirit of achievement and ambition to foster pride and unity amongst local youth would be a meaningful message to memorialize. "My passion and hope for Englewood inspired the creation of this piece,” said Emcays. “It is a visual reference for the limitless potential of the community.”

Emcays was introduced to Sterling Bay by Andre and Francis Guichard, owners of the renowned Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville. “The Englewood monument by Maxwell Emcays is a powerful symbol that unites the community and inspires individuals to embrace shared values, cultural diversity, and a sense of historical continuity,” said Andre and Francis Guichard. “It can serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering unity, understanding, and personal growth among community members and visitors alike.”

The base of the installation features an embedded time capsule, which houses artifacts chosen by Englewood community organizations, illustrating the character of the neighborhood. “The 6th Ward is the ward of innovation, equity, and advocacy,” said Alderman William E. Hall. “This statue is a reminder of where we came from, and a beacon of hope for the future.”

The collaboration between Sterling Bay, Skender, LJC, and Maxwell Emcays exemplifies the power of corporate-community partnerships in supporting local arts and culture. “Englewood’s schools and its dedicated teachers have educated incredibly talented students over many generations, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless young people born and raised in this neighborhood,” said Alex Panici, Vice President at Skender. “We hope that by memorializing the achievements of students of the past, future generations are reminded of what’s possible with the power of education.”

Lamar Johnson, Founder & Executive Chairman of LJC, adds, “This memorial expresses the vitality, energy, and aspirations of the Englewood community. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this creative team and see this memorial shine day and night.”

Acquired by Sterling Bay in 2017, 6701 S Wentworth Avenue is an approximately five-acre site offering an opportunity to develop community space in an area that has historically experienced disinvestment. Through a partnership that fosters diversity in commercial real estate, Sterling Bay is speaking with local minority- and women-owned development teams that will work closely with all Englewood stakeholders to determine the best and highest use for the site. The firm expects to announce more details this Fall.

ABOUT STERLING BAY

Sterling Bay is a national real estate company known for its design-driven approach to creating spaces across the country. The firm’s team of 150-plus professionals manages a portfolio exceeding $20 billion in real estate assets across the creative office, industrial, residential, and life sciences sectors. By constructing connected and collaborative spaces for world-class companies such as Google, McDonald’s, and Dyson, Sterling Bay has garnered a reputation for enhancing culture and creating economic opportunity. For more information, visit sterlingbay.com.

ABOUT SKENDER

Skender is a full-service building contractor and one of the nation’s top 100 construction firms, according to Building Design & Construction. We combine Lean process with high-performing teams to deliver maximum value. Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender serves its clients in the Midwest and across the country. For more information, visit skender.com.