Introduction
Fodor Engineering & Design, LLC (FE&D) is a Chicago-based structural engineering and design firm providing a wide range of services to assist and provide building owners' and property managers with their structural and architectural related needs and requirements. FE&D's services include exterior and structural conditions assessments, building restoration analysis and design, cost evaluations and project management of exterior restoration construction projects to provide our clients with the effective repairs for their construction dollar and a greater assurance that the work is installed according to industry standards. FE&D also provides biannual ongoing reports, critical examination reports, engineering reports and iron inspection reports to fulfil reporting requirements mandated by various city and village Municipal Codes and Ordinances. FE&D has designed and overseen a multitude of restoration projects in the Chicagoland area to successful completion in a timely manner and within budget. Past and current clients include building owners and property managers of commercial/office buildings, residential apartment and condominium buildings, hotels, schools, churches and parking garage structures.
Having more than 40 years of experience in the restoration industry and structural engineering and architectural community, John R. Fodor, founded Fodor Engineering & Design, LLC in 2012 that has continued to provide building owners' and property managers with the same architectural and structural engineering services as for those in the past. John R. Fodor is a licensed Structural Engineer in the State of Illinois as well as a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin, Michigan and Arizona. Mr. Fodor has a distinguished background in the construction restoration industry and structural engineering and architectural community that also includes 20 years as Principal of Eskenazi, Farrell & Fodor, P.C. and Past President of the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois. Mr. Fodor graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle with a Bachelor of Architecture in Structures and previously an Assistant Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago teaching Structures in the School of Architecture and is a current member of ASCE, ACI, ICRI and ABOMA trade organizations.
Park Michigan - 1212 S. Michigan Ave.
The Jewelers' Building - 35 East Wacker Drive
Michigan Avenue Towers II - 1400 S. Michigan Ave.
St. Luke Catholic Church
The Alfred - 30 E. Adams St.
Services
A structural engineering and architecturally related services firm focused on providing a multitude of building owners' and property managers with quality service.
These Services include:
- Condition Assessments:Evaluation and analysis of exterior walls and enclosures and other structural components, visual examinations from afar and from hands-on critical examinations, preparation of reports and recommendations for repairs and water infiltration investigations.
- Restoration and Structural Analysis and Design: Complete engineering analysis using standard principles with a sound and practical approach. Recommendations for required exterior repairs based on field assessments, preparation of design documents for restoration work and project management of exterior restoration construction projects to provide our clients with the cost-effective repairs and a greater assurance that the work is installed according to industry standards.
- Cost Evaluation: Capital reserve studies and estimated cost evaluations to provide recommendations and assure our clients with the most effective repairs while working around fiscal budgetary restrictions. All cost evaluations are made using industry standards as a guide to clearly define scopes of restoration work and competitive bidding by qualified contractors.
- Reporting: Preparation and filing of required biannual ongoing reports, hands-on critical examination reports, structural engineering reports and iron inspection reports mandated by various City and Village Municipal Codes and Ordinances.
Projects
Also known as the "Carbide and Carbon Building" and claimed to have been designed to resemble a champagne bottle as viewed from Lake Michigan, this historical Landmark building is unmistakable in Chicago's skyline. Terracotta restoration and rehabilitation work installed over multiple years on an as-needed basis with an extended exterior repair maintenance program implemented to preserve and restore the prominent historical features while working with the owners' budget while not interrupting the commitment as a hotel. Exterior restoration and maintenance work includes terracotta rebuilding at the 39th floor mitered walls, 38th floor water tables, 37th floor lintels and 24th floor parapet walls as well as as-needed remedial repairs at the base and upper tower of the building. Additional repairs have been installed at the beaconed light atop the gold-leaved campanile, preservation of the gold-glazed terracotta units that accent the jade green terracotta wall areas, and reconstruction and refinishing of the historical bronze storefront and entrances.
Providing years of service to preserve the historical terra cotta wall surfaces for another one of Chicago's best known Landmark buildings. "The Jewelers' Building", named for its original use with car elevators to securely unload valuable goods, is being restored on an extended exterior repair maintenance program at the terra cotta exterior walls while being conscience and sensitive to the owners' budget and needs. Significant terra cotta repairs and replacements and steel restoration and replacements have been installed at the dome and oculus, upper tower, 24th floor water towers and cupolas, projecting cornices and terra cotta walls at the of the base building on a continued basis for long-term preservation strategies.
A prestigious 29-story hotel building prominently situated in the heart of Chicago’s iconic Magnificent Mile corridor, water infiltration in multiple guest rooms prompted ownership to have a comprehensive, multi-year exterior wall and maintenance program developed, designed and implemented. The adopted exterior wall and maintenance program, installed over serval years, included hands-on critical examination drops, concrete repairs at the exterior walls, columns, and sills, along with window perimeter joint sealant replacements to maintain water tightness and preserve the service life of the exterior walls and enclosures. The ongoing exterior repair program developed preserved the exterior walls as required and allowed for the planning of a more comprehensive scope of repairs work at the remaining exterior walls. In addition to the exterior wall restoration work, extensive repairs were required at the concrete floor slabs, undersides of the concrete floor slabs and concrete columns of the 3-level concrete vaulted parking garage at the lower-level floors of the hotel. State-of-the-art concrete patch repairs at the floor slabs, drain and pipe replacements and application of a waterproof traffic bearing membrane system were completed where a carefully coordinated phasing plan was developed to allow the parking garage to remain operational throughout construction, minimizing disruption to hotel operations while maintaining safety and accessibility for guests. Development and design of the scope of repair work installed for both the exterior walls and enclosures and 3-level parking garage, along with providing ongoing construction oversight for phased restoration efforts spanning multiple years. Most recently, a significant exterior repair program on the east and west elevations was completed, further enhancing structural durability and water tightness. Through careful coordination and phased implementation, the completed work ensures continued performance, operational continuity, and long-term preservation of this prominent hotel property along the Magnificent Mile.
Michigan Avenue Towers II is a 29-story residential high-rise that brings strong vertical articulation and modern structure to the Michigan Avenue corridor in the South Loop. The exterior walls and enclosures of the tower are defined by exposed concrete columns, concrete spandrels and expansive glass panel framing with inset concrete balcony tiers along all elevations. A pool deck is located at the 7th floor amenity level on the south side of the building. Required, hands-on critical examination drops performed on all elevations of the building allowed for the finding of concrete deterioration at the columns, slab edges and open window perimeter joint sealants and it was determined that extensive repairs were required at the concrete exterior walls and recessed balcony tiers. This allowed for the development of a comprehensive exterior repair program including preparation of a detailed scope of repair work and design documents, coordinating restoration strategies and overseeing the exterior concrete wall and slab edges repairs and concrete balcony slab repairs and restoration throughout the complete exterior restoration program The exterior repair program was phased over a four (4) year period due to budgetary requirements, to accommodate occupancy and to minimize disruption. Schedule to be completed in 2026, the implementation of the comprehensive restoration program will ensure long-lasting repairs and water tightness at the exterior walls and inset balcony tiers and preservation of the building’s structural integrity and appearance.
This prominent 12-story residential, student housing building constructed with exposed concrete columns and spandrel beams and brick masonry spandrels making it a key presence within the Loyola University’s student community and surrounding campus and neighborhood. Hands-on critical examinations allowed for the finding of concrete deterioration at the columns and slab edges. This prompted the development of a comprehensive scope of work, preparation of exterior restoration design documents and oversight of the installation of state-of-the-art concrete patch repairs at the spandrels and columns, along with replacement of window perimeter joint sealants around the entire building. The completion of the extensive exterior wall repair program provides long-lasting repairs, watertight conditions and the improvement of the buildings appearance.
A preliminary parking garage evaluation at the concrete slab of the parking garage allowed for the determination that the parking garage was beyond repair and that the replacement of the concrete slab in its entirety would be the most cost-effective approach that was designed and installed in a timely and effective manner and to the owners' satisfaction. After hands-on critical examinations at the exterior walls of this 21-story building it was also determined that the severe concrete deterioration at the columns and slab edges needed to be addressed for which design and extensive restoration around the entire building was designed and installed to provide long-lasting repairs and to restore safe and watertight conditions and improvement of the appearance of the building.
At this 12-story distinguished historical Landmark building constructed with brick masonry exterior wall with extensive decorative terra cotta ornamentation, hands-on critical examinations were performed at the exterior walls, and a comprehensive report was prepared and filed. During the hands-on critical examination drops, deteriorated terracotta units were found to be present and with the exposure to Chicago’s weather causing accelerated deterioration. Prompted by the existing conditions found, a detailed scope of work for the exterior restoration program was developed for a future repair and maintenance program to be installed. The repair program included working with Landmarks to match the existing selective terracotta replacement units, stabilization of adjacent materials, and targeted masonry repairs to restore both structural integrity and architectural continuity. The proposed work ensures that deteriorated components are properly addressed while preserving the historic character of this landmark structure.
After evaluating and sounding this 4-level concrete parking garage in the South Loop, it was determined that portions of the post-tensioned concrete slabs, ceilings, and columns required state-of-the-art concrete patch repairs, along with localized post-tensioned cable repairs, to restore safe conditions at the parking garage. Deterioration within the concrete slab system required specialized repair procedures to address both concrete distress and compromised tendons while maintaining structural performance. The work commenced with the intention of keeping half of the parking garage open during construction requiring phasing of the repair work and extensive coordination between all parties involved. The repair program was carefully phased to allow approximately half of the garage to remain operational throughout construction, requiring extensive coordination between ownership, contractors, and all stakeholders. FE&D was retained to developed and designed a comprehensive scope of work, detailing concrete floor slab repairs, post-tensioned cable repairs and concrete column patch repairs as well as application of a waterproof traffic bearing membrane system. Construction phase engineering services to oversee the repair work while it is being installed provided the owners with a greater degree of assurance that work is being installed according to the design documents. The successfully completed restoration restored structural integrity to the slabs and columns, enhanced durability of the post-tensioned system, and extended the service life of this critical South Loop parking garage.
A prestigious social club on Michigan Avenue and Van Buren Street, rehabilitation work at this 10-story stone masonry building has been installed over multiple years based on recommendations for required repairs found during hands-on critical examinations and visual examinations from afar. The ongoing exterior repair work has been performed and designed working with the yearly fiscal budget and allowing for use of the new outdoor patio, successfully completing the exterior repairs with the allowed timeline for repairs.
This 15-story prominent residential building was restored to good standing after the previously installed stabilization repair work prompted the City of Chicago Department of Buildings require ownership have a scope of exterior repair work developed and more permanent exterior repairs installed at these distressed wall areas. The installed exterior repairs work to remediate hazardous and potentially unsafe conditions was completed while aligning with the owner’s budget and project timeline. Oversight of the exterior repairs during installation provided the owners with a greater assurance the work is being completed according to the intended scope of work and up to industry standards. The completed brick masonry rebuilding, terracotta repairs and state-of-the-art concrete patch repairs at the concrete spandrels and columns eliminated any unsafe conditions, restored architectural and structural integrity of the exterior walls and extended the service life of the building — all delivered within the owner’s financial and scheduling constraints.
The Alfred is a 12-story terracotta residential building prominently situated in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, adjacent to the elevated “L” tracks. Defined by its richly detailed facade and early 20th-century character, the building features glazed terracotta ornamentation, rhythmic window openings, and a pronounced base that reinforces its strong urban presence within the dense downtown corridor. After reported deterioration at the exterior walls and enclosures prompted the owners to develop and design a scope of work for exterior repairs, FE&D was engaged for design phase engineering services for the exterior restoration of building and oversight of the repairs to be installed. Following the investigation, we developed a detailed scope of work and exterior restoration. The repair program includes terracotta repairs and replacements, and the scope was strategically developed to preserve the building’s historic architectural character while maintain the structural integrity and water tightness of the building. FE&D’s services included facade evaluation, repair scope development, preparation of restoration drawings and specifications, and construction-phase oversight to ensure proper implementation of the work. Through careful planning and preservation-focused design, the completed restoration program reinforces the structural integrity, water tightness, and long-term performance of this distinctive Loop residential property.
5051 North Broadway Parking Garage is a 6-level reinforced concrete parking structure defined by its open-air configuration and horizontal bands of exposed concrete slabs and columns. The structure’s repetitive framing system provides essential urban infrastructure while withstanding constant vehicular loading, weather exposure and de-icing salts typical of Chicago conditions. Extensive deterioration at the concrete floor slabs and columns required concrete patch repairs at the concrete floor slabs and columns. FE&D was retained to review the repair scope, ensuring that the specified methods addressed active deterioration, corrosion-related damage, and long-term durability requirements. FE&D provided oversight throughout the restoration process to confirm proper surface preparation, material selection, placement techniques, and curing procedures were followed. The successfully completed repair program restored structural integrity and appearance of the to the parking garage.
Loop Transportation Center is a 27-story commercial tower distinguished by its strong horizontal expression of concrete spandrels and expansive glass panel framing. The building’s facade creates a clean, modern rhythm, with continuous bands of glazing reflecting the surrounding skyline and reinforcing its presence within the urban core. The first two floors of the building are retail, lobby and transportation facility and there is a parking garage with concrete floor slabs and columns from the 3rd through 12th floors. FE&D was retained to develop a comprehensive scope of repairs and oversee the exterior restoration and repair program for the structure. Over a two-year span, FE&D oversaw the exterior repairs as they were being installed to ensure quality workmanship, proper installation, and adherence to project objectives. The successfully completed restoration enhances the building’s structural integrity, weather resistance, and overall aesthetic presence within the Loop.
The front entrance and 8-story decorative and prestigious bell tower of this well-known structure in the west suburbs is made of both Juliet and Indiana limestone masonry exterior walls with prominent stained-glass windows and large wood doors. Unsafe conditions found at the bell tower upon closer examination prompted design and installation of repairs at the stone masonry exterior walls including grinding and tuck pointing, stone replacements and resetting of large, decorative stone buttress units to restore safe and watertight conditions. The stained-glass windows were also repaired, and large wood doors refinished without harming the original appearance that was adopted during the exterior restoration program.
With limited budget and big needs, the exterior walls and enclosures were restored to their original condition using the best resources in the industry. Innovative design at the open porches provided expanded office space to satisfy the store and brick masonry surfaces has provided a noticeable upgrade in the buildings' appearance much needed work now turns to the eaves of the upper roofs at the main building to remedy serious deterioration from prior roof leaks.
Contact Us
BY EMAIL
John R. Fodor, S.E., Principal
jrfodor@fodorengineering.com
jrfodor@fodorengineering.com
Elizabeth O. Fodor, Managing Member
lofodor@fodorengineering.com
lofodor@fodorengineering.com
Samuel J. Fodor, Project Engineering Manager
sjfodor@fodorengineering.com
sjfodor@fodorengineering.com
Emmett Boblick
eboblick@fodorengineering.com
eboblick@fodorengineering.com
John E. Fodor, Controller
jefodor@fodorengineering.com
jefodor@fodorengineering.com
Administration
admin@fodorengineering.com
admin@fodorengineering.com