LA Stories
Workforce Spotlight: Tony Frizell
Tony Frizell is a lifelong Chicagoan, native to the South West Side. He graduated high school and started working in construction the very next day.
Enclosing the Building Marks an Exciting Chapter
This phase of work calls for different trades and subcontractors with the skills to meet the demands of a complex design using high-performance materials that are relatively new to the construction scene. It also provides the opportunity to shift the type of work that can be performed on the interior, especially as winter arrives.
Social Value Meets Construction at Chicago Build
Kelly and Ernest shared their insights and experience on a panel called “Implementing Social Value in Construction” — so read on to hear their advice for building a more inclusive, sustainable and healthy industry.
Subcontractor Spotlight: Cleveland Marble Mosaic Company
Cleveland Marble Mosaic Company (“Cleveland Marble”) celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024…On the Obama Presidential Center project, Cleveland Marble is responsible for engineering, supplying and installing the stone support system and granite cladding on the exterior of the Museum Building, Forum and the Library, as well as exterior site granite pavers and granite site walls.
Workforce Spotlight: Daniel “Danny” Mendoza
Danny got his official introduction to masonry in a Job Corps building trades program 20 years ago. Today, he’s a marble mason for Cleveland Marble, the subcontractor installing granite panels on the facade of the Obama Presidential Center. In this role, he is responsible for setting stones from the mast climbers and leading one of the setting crews — a job that requires not not only skill, but nerve. While working on the Center, Danny traverses heights of up to 225 feet.
Building Better with Bio-Friendly Geofoam
In November 2023, crews working on the Obama Presidential Center began placing large, white cubes of geofoam along the eastern side of the project site. Made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), this substance is 100 times lighter than soil, making it an ideal “site fill” material that can be used to add natural contours to the landscape without the need for the additional structural support that is required when using heavier earth materials.
A Summer at the Obama Presidential Center Introduces Interns to Bright Futures
While they each had a unique experience, one thing all six interns can agree on is that their summer with #TeamOPC is further proof that they have chosen the right career path. Hear more from Savion Miller, Peter Borzecki, Modupe “Mo” Arowolo, Aya Hassanein, Ian Baeza and Marco Rodriguez in their own words!
Team Spotlight: Moises Rocha
Moises Rocha has been a union laborer for 24 years, but the Obama Presidential Center project still represents a number of firsts in his career — including his first-ever project from the “ground up.” He is one of only a few team members who has been on the job since day one.
Major Construction Milestone: Museum Building Top Out
In May 2024, Lakeside Alliance achieved a major construction milestone on the Obama Presidential Center site: the topping out of the Museum Building at its final height of 225 feet. A culmination of two years of world-class work, the only thing that could top this milestone was a visit by President Barack Obama on June 10, 2024 to express his appreciation to the team.
AANHPI Engineers on Inclusivity and the Obama Presidential Center
For AANHPI Heritage Month, Lakeside Alliance caught up with three team members to discuss their journey in construction, how their identity informs their work and why it’s important to create more inclusive spaces in the industry.
Transformative Progress: Our 2023 Community Impact Report
As Brown recently put it, “For as much as it’s about the building that’s coming together, it’s about the building of lives that’s happening as well. It’s hard work but it’s also heart work.”
Subcontractor Spotlight: Mark Richey Woodworking
In 1981, Mark and Teresa Richey co-founded a full-service woodworking business that designs and builds precisely what their clients want – uber-customized, complex, high-end interiors and exteriors…The firm is certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise and committed to bringing its inclusive subcontracting and hiring practices to the historic Obama Presidential Center project. Equally impressive is the firm’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
Workforce Spotlight: Alyssa Radoicic
Alyssa couldn’t believe CWIT’s program was free, and after taking a quick test, she was accepted. Following the program, she applied for Local 130’s apprenticeship. Her first on-site assignment is a unique one – the Obama Presidential Center!
Meet Heather Yario Rice
For Women’s History Month, Lakeside Alliance spoke with Heather about how her journey in the industry, how working on the Center has impacted her and more.
Meet Elaine King James
For Women’s History Month, Lakeside Alliance spoke with Elaine about her journey in construction, overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field and more.