Congratulations 2022 Gold Circle Award Winners!

BOMA/Chicago announced the winners of the Gold Circle and “The Outstanding Building of the Year” (TOBY) Awards at their recent awards event held at the Mid-America Club on February 17.

Now in its twelfth year, BOMA/Chicago’s Gold Circle Awards honor individual excellence within Chicago’s commercial real estate community in six categories: Property Management Professional of the Year, Building Engineer of the Year, Security Professional of the Year, Janitorial Professional of the Year, Emerging Leader of the Year, and Affiliate Member of the Year. Nominees were judged on a wide range of criteria, including their professional accomplishments, involvement in BOMA/Chicago and positive impact on Chicago’s commercial real estate community.

“Despite the significant challenges facing our industry, our Gold Circle Award recipients continue to demonstrate tremendous leadership and professionalism,” said Farzin Parang, BOMA/Chicago Executive Director. “The extensive achievements of this year’s Gold Circle Award honorees are a testament to Chicago’s strength across the entire industry.”

The 2022 Gold Circle Award winners are:

Property Management Professional of the Year:
Michael Graham, MB Real Estate, One North Dearborn

Michael Graham, Senior Vice President with MB Real Estate and General Manager of One North Dearborn, oversaw $56 million dollars in building renovations and tenant fit-out projects which led to One North Dearborn winning the International TOBY Award in the Renovated Building category. Under his leadership, the building also achieved the eco-friendly LEED EBOM Gold rating and the digital-savvy WiredScore Platinum status. Throughout COVID, Mike coordinated and communicated regularly with his team and tenants about resources, conditions, and policies, while also mentoring other properties on how to acquire necessary supplies and equipment upgrades. In addition to serving as a panelist for BOMA/Chicago’s TOBY webinar, Mike is a Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster for Troop 6 and was named Chicago Leukemia and Lymphoma Man of the Year in 2017 after raising $140,000 through 10 weeks of commercial real estate fundraising events.

Security Professional of the Year:
Rob Holmes, Sterling Bay, One Two Pru

Rob Holmes is Security Manager at One Two Pru where he led over six different projects overhauling a replacement of all security systems equating to $1.3 million in this 2.2M square foot building over the past three years. Some of the new cutting-edge technology upgrades include a replacement of the outdated card access system with a new cloud-based access control and visitor management system, and a new key tracking system. Through his collaboration, visibility and direct communications with tenants, Rob’s devotion to security is evident across the board. In addition to required fire drills, Rob provides tenants with workplace violence education and shelter-in-place drills. Rob also devotes time mentoring officers at his building and across the Sterling Bay portfolio, with many being promoted to security supervisor or director at other properties. Rob is a long-standing member of the BOMA/Chicago Emergency Preparedness Committee and an active member of ASIS International and the Illinois Security Professionals Association. As a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, Rob spends much of his free time supporting Navy and Veteran related organizations including serving as Post Adjutant at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Alsip Post 450 and as a mentor in the Navy’s Season of Pride.

Building Engineer of the Year:
Andrew Peterson, Sterling Bay, 333 North Green

Andrew Peterson was promoted to Chief Engineer in less than a year where he oversaw operation and maintenance of a diverse portfolio of buildings, while also managing a mobile engineering team. Andrew is a member of Sterling Bay’s internal property management development program and is engaged with Sterling Bay’s trainee development program. Andrew opened 333 North Green, an exciting $150 million development in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, contributing to a very seamless construction and move-in for tenants. Committed to operational excellence, Andrew successfully achieved WELL Health-Safety Rating in 2020 and was instrumental in ensuring the building was awarded the RESET Air Standard. He is also using ComEd’s Monitoring-based Commissioning program to further optimize building operations, enhancing both air quality and tenant comfort. In his spare time, Andrew coaches junior level baseball teams.

Janitorial Professional of the Year:
Monika Zochowska, ABM and Zeller, The Wrigley Building

As the Director of Housekeeping, Monika Zochowska oversees all aspects of The Wrigley Building’s beautification, wellness, and health. Monika’s commitment runs deep; many days she can be found on-site in the evenings and even overnight to ensure the completed work conducted after hours matches the team’s high expectations. During the pandemic, Monika’s leadership, expertise, and knowledge in cleaning, wellness, and housekeeping industry helped this revered historical landmark earn its WELL Health-Safety Rating, Fitwel 2-Star Certification, and BOMA 360 designation. Monika’s initiative also led the housekeeping team to achieve eMist Certification to conduct disinfection cleanings in tenant spaces and common building areas. Monika is constantly researching the best Green Cleaning policies, and 100% of chemicals and equipment purchased for the building are Green Seal Certified or Ecologo/UL Certified and with USGBC LEED Compliance. Monika is a member of The Friends of the Chicago River, SEIU Local 1, and supports lessons and travel for talented young musicians through SILK and Applause programs. 

Emerging Leader of the Year:
Nikki Papazian, JLL, 231 South Lasalle and 200 South Wacker

Before moving to 200 South Wacker, Nikki Papazian, Assistant Property Manager with JLL at 200 South Wacker, quickly revamped and reorganized the property management office at 231 South Lasalle, streamlining processes and keeping tenant satisfaction top of mind. She also worked with the management team to market BOMA/Chicago’s Lunch on Lasalle, coordinated Open House Chicago participation, and assisted the building the in achieving BOMA 360. Nikki was critical to executing new COVID-related procedures and was a key contributor to the building’s TOBY effort resulting in the Local and Regional Awards in the Historical Building category. Nikki has earned her Real Estate Broker License and is more than halfway through her RPA coursework. She also won the BOMA/Chicago Foundation Full Designation Scholarship in 2021.

Affiliate Member of the Year:
Dave Pack, Titan Security Group

During the pandemic, Dave Pack, President and CEO of Titan Security Group, along with his team of essential workers, implemented thermo-scanning and other innovative technologies to ensure the safest environment for staff, tenants, and guests. He supported policy changes paired with customer service training and thoughtfully handled challenging situations including civil unrest. Under Dave’s leadership, Titan expanded their subject matter experts and training teams to include former law enforcement and hospitality professionals. This ensures greater insight and thought leadership along with a luxury workplace experience for both tenants and visitors. Dave also serves as the “eyes and ears” for his building portfolio, liaising with city officials and first responders, to provide timely and critical communications. An engaged member of BOMA/Chicago, Dave is a BOMA/Chicago Education Partner and Emerging Leader Partner, a supporter of the BOMA/Chicago Foundation endowment campaign, and an active member of the Preparedness Committee.

BOMA/Chicago also honored local buildings through the TOBY Awards, which recognize excellence in office building management. This year, 10 TOBY award finalists competed in five categories based on building size and facility type. They were judged on tenant relations initiatives, commitment to environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, budgeting, work order systems, security standards, staff experience, continuing education opportunities and more.

The following five buildings also earned TOBY Awards:

Corporate Facility
400 South Jefferson, Managed by The RMR Group, LLC and Owned by SIR Chicago, LLC

400 South Jefferson Street was constructed in 1946. The structure was designed as the Newman-Rudolph Lithographing Company Building by Alfred Alschuler and R.N. Friedman, two prominent members of Chicago’s architectural community. The building started out as an office and printing facility and remained that way until the mid-sixties. The lot itself occupies nearly two acres in Chicago’s West Loop submarket and is close to Chicago’s Union Station and the CTA. In 2012, 400 South Jefferson was fully renovated and was able to earn a 91 out of 100 EnergyStar rating and is now home to Tyson Foods as their downtown corporate headquarters. 

Historical Building
The Old Post Office, Managed by JLL and Owned by 601W Companies

The Old Post Office is a 2.56 million square-foot, mixed-use office building in Chicago’s West Loop and sits along the Chicago River. This Art Deco landmark was a vital part of Chicago’s downtown for decades. But times changed, and when the US Postal Service moved to newer facilities in 1997, the building fell into 19 years of neglect and decay. While it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, deterioration accelerated. In May 2016, 601 W bought the property and immediately acted to halt damage and address critical life-safety issues. 601 W then undertook an $800 million renovation, the largest historic redevelopment in the country. The new design preserves historic elements while transforming OPO into a modern workplace. The building now houses world-class tenant amenities, including a fitness center, food hall, lounges, conference rooms and The Meadow, which is a 5.5-acre rooftop green space. On February 28, 2018, the City of Chicago designated OPO a Chicago Landmark.

Renovated Building
Presidents Plaza, Managed by Glenstar and Owned by Glenstar & Angelo Gordon & Co.

Presidents Plaza offers a rare combination of a suburban setting with a Chicago address. The property is located minutes from the O’Hare International Airport and is steps from the CTA Blue Line. The building underwent a $20 million transformation in 2019, which included a complete renovation of lobbies and common areas, a new health club, an onsite café and the addition of a 12,000 square foot indoor-outdoor vintage-inspired tenant lounge. Presidents Plaza’s Energy Star and LEED Gold certifications reflect its dedication to sustainability.

250,000 to 499,999 Square Feet
Fulton West, Managed by CBRE, Inc. and Owned by Commerz Real, AG

Fulton West is situated near the end of Fulton Market and offers an incredible vantage of the skyline from its spacious green roof. The nine-story, 290,000 square foot building also has a beautiful landscaped courtyard and on the inside, Fulton West incorporates a mix of modern and industrial elements in its two-story lobby, highlighted by a glass atrium roof. Fulton West has both the LEED-CS Gold and O+M Platinum certifications.

500,000 to 1 Million Square Feet
150 N. Michigan, Managed by CBRE, Inc. and Owned by CBRE Investment Management

150 North Michigan is a 41-story, Class A office tower located in the heart of Chicago’s East Loop Business District. The 654,000 square foot tower overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan is one of the most enduring landmarks along the Chicago skyline. The building’s diamond face, which is actually two offset triangles, supports various charities throughout the year that are a part of BOMA/Chicago’s Illuminate Chicago Lighting Program. Its diamond perimeter is also lit at night, at times with color, providing the distinctive look that makes it unique within Chicago’s nighttime skyline. 

“We are very proud of our TOBY award honorees and their outstanding achievements in management and operational excellence” said Derrick Johnson, BOMA/Chicago President. “As leaders in the commercial office industry, their contributions are helping to reenergize Chicago’s Central Business District and drive economic growth across the city.”

BOMA/Chicago TOBY Award winners will be invited to participate in the North Central Regional TOBY competition, where they will compete against local TOBY winners from cities in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. Regional winners will then compete for the BOMA International TOBY Awards, one of the highest honors in the commercial real estate industry.