MaRCH 2025 Dinner Meeting
Wonder of Water – The Making of Shedd’s Newest Gem
In-Person Registration Closed!!
Chicago’s John G. Shedd Aquarium originally opened to the public in 1930, as part of the Century of Progress World’s Fair. Its mission was to give the City a world-class aquarium where people could come and learn about aquatic life from all over the world. The Shedd, as locals call it, has faithfully fulfilled its calling over the last nearly 100 years in operation. As it approaches its centennial, a massive renovation is underway to continue that mission with updated exhibits, or an “Experience Evolution.” The centerpiece of this renovation is the center rotunda exhibit, called “Wonder of Water.” This presentation will touch on the challenges involved in working with aquarium design, special detailing and design considerations, and working on historic buildings with modern loading criteria.
Learning Objectives
- Review the challenges of working in historic landmark buildings
- Review the special challenges of self-supporting aquarium construction
- Learn about the structural solutions to achieving the design objectives
- Identify special detailing for concrete in aquariums
Location
Cliff Dwellers Club
200 S. Michigan Ave, 22nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60604
Menu
- Caesar Salad
- Grilled Chicken Piccata Wild Mushroom Demi Glaze
- Key Lime Pie
Presentation time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Cocktail hour: 5 – 6 pm
Registration
In Person: Member - $75; Non-Member - $115
Live Streaming: Member - $35; Non-Member - $50
In-Person Registration Closed!!
Bring a Friend and Win a ticket to the May Dinner Meeting - Finalists Present!
Bring a first-time attendee to the March Dinner Meeting, and be entered into a raffle for a seat at the May Dinner Meeting, where the finalists for our EISE Awards present their entries.
About the Speaker
Bill Ipema
Associate Principal, Klein & Hoffman
Bill leads a creative and dynamic group of engineers where he serves as Project Principal on a variety of project types, including movable structures, large sculptures, building adaptations, office and hospitality renovations, health care renovations, and forensic investigation and repair. Mr. Ipema has 21 years of experience in design and analysis of building structures, specializing in the unique challenges of adaptive reuse projects and new structures. His experience in all types of building materials, old and new buildings, and knowledge of construction techniques allow him to creatively design for unusual situations. He is currently leading the team on the adaptive-reuse of Helmut Jahn's iconic Thompson Center, which will be occupied by a well-known technology company.
