Pepper: Civic and Cultural Venue Construction Case Studies

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Designed by world-renowned architects, custom-engineered by specialists and crafted by artisans, civic and cultural spaces bring communities together through exhibits and programs that educate and engage. They preserve the past, sustain the environment today and build connections for tomorrow.

We appreciate the complexity and purpose in each distinctive design and philanthropic story, and we embrace the heart behind the vision. That's why we use visionary tools, like mockups, 3D models and immersive reality, to help bring them to life.

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Experts

Mike Stensland Senior Vice President, Illinois

Mike Stensland Senior Vice President, Illinois

As senior vice president Mike leads our teams on hospitality, cultural, civic and retail projects. He is responsible for the overall profitability and growth of the markets he supports, as well as supporting and developing the teams in his group. Over his lengthy career at Pepper, Mike has been instrumental in expanding our geographic reach, developing new clients, and taking existing relationships to a new level. Through his leadership, Mike and his team have significantly grown our institutional and higher education markets. Mike earned his construction engineering degree from Iowa State University and his MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Greg Leofanti Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Greg Leofanti Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Greg began his career in construction in 1995 and joined the Pepper team in 2000. He has championed our work at museums and zoos. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management & Technology from Bradley University and is a LEED AP BD+C.

Ben Nikolin Project Director, Illinois

Ben Nikolin Project Director, Illinois

Ben serves Peppers civic, cultural and retail clients with a unique perspective. Drawing on his experience at Homan Square and with historic museums and other high-end retail projects, Ben recently led our team to complete the RH Gallery at Three Arts, which has been recognized nationally for its design and historic preservation.

Ben began his career with Pepper in 1998, after earning his Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University. In 2007, Ben was recognized as a Friends of Downtown award recipient.

Greg Speidel Project Executive, Ohio

Greg Speidel Project Executive, Ohio

With nearly 20 years in the industry, Greg specializes in civic, cultural and entertainment construction markets. He enjoys working with owners and architects to provide creative solutions for their one-of-a-kind projects. Throughout his tenure, Greg has played an instrumental role in more than a dozen LEED certified projects. Most recently, Greg has worked with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to maintain their reputation as the "Greenest Zoo in America." Other notable projects include the Newport Aquarium's Stingray Hideaway and the University of Cincinnati's Stratford Heights mixed use project.

Greg holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Toledo. His passion to improve communities through entertainment and cultural enrichment does not stop once the projects are complete. Greg is an active member of the Reds Community Fund -helping in this year's coordination of volunteers and construction schedules for the Fund's field renovation projects. In addition, he participates in the annual Little Miami River Clean up and Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church food drives.

Civic and Cultural

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Christ Church of Oak Brook

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A historic renovation brings a new retail concept to life in a Chicago landmark

Building a close encounter

Experts

Mike Stensland Senior Vice President, Illinois

Mike Stensland Senior Vice President, Illinois

Greg Leofanti Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Greg Leofanti Vice President, Project Director, Illinois

Ben Nikolin Project Director, Illinois

Ben Nikolin Project Director, Illinois

Greg Speidel Project Executive, Ohio

Greg Speidel Project Executive, Ohio