| Company Profile > |  |
Services | |
Press Releases | |
|
| Projects | |
People | |
Media | |
|
| Contact | |
History | |
Awards | |
|
|
|
Press > | |
Design Profile | |
2010
2009
|
Chicago, September 11, 2008 –Epstein, the Chicago-based architecture, interiors, engineering and construction firm, announced that its employees have founded the Epstein Community Foundation to partner with communities for improved schools, safe environments and sustainable design.
The first major Epstein Community Foundation project is with McNair Academy, located at 4820 W. Walton Street in the South Austin neighborhood. The K-8 student body of 650 (including 150 special education students) is composed almost entirely of African-American students from low-income households.
“We created the Epstein Community Foundation to help build brighter futures in areas that need help,” said Christine Paccione-Anderson, Epstein’s senior vice president and director of human resources. “McNair School is embarking on positive changes, including significantly improved test scores. The percentage of students who meet or exceed standards for their grades grew from 23% in 2005 to 41% in 2007. We wanted to support the efforts of the principal, teachers, students and the community to continue the momentum of these improvements.”
Currently underway at McNair is the Epstein-sponsored program, “Real Men Read.” Epstein employees regularly visit McNair to participate in reading sessions with students, aimed at demonstrating that “real men” read and value education. The program aims to encourage and improve literacy skills of students, provide mentoring opportunities, and reinforce the importance of student achievement as well as community partnerships.
The Epstein Community Foundation has put in place a number of other programs for McNair students, including:
• Letters to Santa (wishes fulfilled by Epstein employees) • 3,500 items donated in a school supply drive • Summer Build program, in which students learned design, engineering & construction techniques at Epstein offices • Architectural Field trips
As part of its fundraising efforts, Epstein will hold the First Annual Cornhole Tournament for architecture, design, engineering and construction professionals at Joe’s Sports Bar, 940 W. Weed Street, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24. There is a $125 entry fee for a two-man team and $30 fee for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. All proceeds go to the Epstein Community Foundation. For more information contact Jason Fried at (312) 429-8196 or via e-mail at jfried@epstein-isi.com.
“Going forward, we have a number of long-term, larger projects in the works, such as playground improvements, bathroom/water fountain repairs, IT assistance with classroom computers and upgraded science textbooks,” said Ms. Paccione-Anderson. “By the end of 2008, we aim to have donated $75,000 and 750 professional hours. We’re well on the way to meeting those goals.”
About EpsteinEpstein was formed in 1921 and provides architecture, interior design, engineering, and construction services worldwide. Headquartered in Chicago, the firm maintains offices in Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Warsaw, Poland; and Bucharest, Romania. Epstein consistently ranks among the leaders by well-known industry media including Engineering News Record, Building Design + Construction and Midwest Construction. The firm is well-known for its commercial, industrial, high-rise office, residential, municipal, and transportation projects. Epstein is also a leader in sustainable design, developing "green” solutions and technologies across all building types. More information is available at www.epsteinglobal.com.
|
|
