Cullen CM is a REjournals Illinois Real Estate Award Finalist 2026

Cullen CM is proud to have five team members and five projects recognized as finalists in the REjournals Illinois Real Estate Awards 2026. This year highlights the breadth of our work and the strength of the partnerships that bring these projects to life. We are thrilled with the 10x finalist nominations!

We’re proud to help align vision, budget, and execution every step of the way—and even prouder of the partnerships behind these successes. Congratulations to all our clients and collaborators. We’re especially grateful to support our clients as Owner’s Representative on these standout projects, which were all complete in 2025:

• Brookfield Zoo Chicago | Bramsen Tropical Forests  – The $66 million Bramsen Tropical Forests at Brookfield Zoo Chicago opened July 11, 2025 and is one of the largest primate habitats in the United States. The two-story indoor and outdoor experience features approximately 125,000 square feet of naturalistic habitats for gorillas, orangutans, and other primates, including a dramatic two-story glass viewing wall that creates a nose-to-nose guest experience with the Gorilla Dayroom. The project also includes new gorilla holding and training areas, upgraded primate transfer systems, and a 3,000-square-foot Education Center supporting Kings Academy programs. As Owner’s Representative, Cullen CM coordinated design, construction, and operations planning to deliver the complex project on schedule and within budget.

  
  

• Village of Tinley Park | Harmony Square – Harmony Square, Village of Tinley Park reimagined 3.5 acres of downtown into a dynamic 1.6-acre public plaza with three signature buildings: Teehan’s historic tavern reconstruction, Durbin's restaurant and rooftop bar, and a hospitality center with year-round programming. Completed in July 2025, the site features a performance stage, winter ice-skating rink, Studio 67 VIP spaces, and modern infrastructure upgrades. Cullen CM was Owners Representative for the Village of Tinley Park with coordinated design by Lakota Group and Tria Architects, construction by RC Wegman, and stakeholder coordination, balancing historic preservation with contemporary amenities. The project activates downtown, strengthens local business, fosters community pride, and enhances accessibility, earning the APWA Southwest Branch Structures Award (2026) as a bold, transformative civic development.

  
  

• VNA Health Care | VNA Bloomhaven, Weston Avenue

  VNA Health Care Bloomhaven transforms the historic Copley Hospital, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, into a 28,000 sf community medical center in Aurora. Serving as Owner’s Representative, Cullen CM guided this complex adaptive reuse, preserving a long-vacant landmark while integrating modern medical infrastructure, including exam rooms, behavioral health spaces, a pharmacy, and lab services. By avoiding demolition, the project reduced construction waste and preserved embodied carbon, while upgrading systems for efficiency. Despite strict preservation requirements, the project successfully blends historic character with contemporary care delivery, expanding access to essential healthcare and revitalizing a significant community asset.

  
  

• Oak Park Residence Corporation | The Pierce | 7 W Van Buren, Oak Park This outstanding net-zero, multifamily project sets a new standard for sustainable urban housing. The six-story, 44-unit building achieves PHIUS+ Source Zero certification, combining a high-performance envelope, advanced energy modeling, and a 204.6 kW rooftop and façade solar array to generate as much energy as it consumes. The 3,000-square-foot common and educational spaces enhance resident experience, while 20% of units are affordable to households at or below 50% AMI. By reducing energy costs, advancing climate goals, and demonstrating replicable net-zero design, The Pierce delivers lasting environmental, social, and community benefits.

  
  

• DL3 Realty | Thrive Englewood, Chicago – Thrive Englewood is a transformative mixed-use, mixed-income residential development located along Chicago’s 63rd Street corridor and delivered as part of the City’s INVEST South/West Initiative. Developed by DL3 Realty Advisors, the project delivered 62 new apartment homes for the first time in 50 years, including affordable units serving households earning 50–60% of Area Median Income, along with ground-floor retail and community-oriented spaces. Designed by Perkins & Will, with Bowa leading construction, the contemporary development activates the street with pedestrian-focused design and vibrant public spaces. Thrive Englewood replaces long-vacant land with housing, retail, and amenities that support neighborhood revitalization, strengthen the 63rd Street commercial corridor, and expand equitable investment in Chicago’s historic Englewood community.

We also celebrate the incredible Cullen CM team members recognized as finalists in the following respective categories for their experience and expertise:

1. Christopher Hume | Executive of the year

2. Heather Amro | Woman of the Year

3. Michelle Koclanis | Social Media Influencer of the Year

4. Tony Bohr | Project Manager of the Year

5. Jeffrey Maniaci | Project Manager of the Year

An achievement that already feels like a win.

For more finalist information or to purchase tix to the June 4 Awards Ceremony visit: https://lnkd.in/g5YhaMpE