Vavrek Architects is a commercial architecture firm established in 2005 based in the Chicagoland Area (20 minutes from downtown Chicago) that has been built upon relationships and a reputation for good design, practical solutions, enriching communities and environmental stewardship.
In 2008, Thomas Vavrek purchased the historic hotel building at 1522 East 119th Street which was constructed in 1898 and served as a temporary residence for day laborers of the nearby Standard Oil refinery, now owned by BP.
Construction on the new building for the Mascot Hall of Fame is currently under way. The 25,000 sq. ft. building, located at the corner of 119th and Front Streets, is on track to be completed by the end of the year.
Founder and principal of Vavrek Architects, Thomas Vavrek, was interviewed on WJOB AM Hammond Radio along with the MVP Builders team to discuss an exciting new project in Whiting.
A news article focusing on development in Whiting was recently published in the local paper, the Times of Northwest Indiana. The Chicago developers, along with local architect Tom Vavrek who is working with the group and designed their first major project, are featured in the article. View article at the following link: Developers take chance on Whiting
Construction is complete on Lobby and Lower Level Renovations to the Whiting Community Center. Fitness equipment and furniture are now in place in the new space that will be run by the Crossroads YMCA Whiting branch. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on March 30th, as the Center officially opened its doors for the first time since closing for construction. The project included the historic renovation of the lobby area and transformation of the lower level into a modern fitness environment. View articles at the following link: Y Ribbon Cutting News Articles 03_30_15
The City of Whiting hosted a kick-off event for the National Mascot Hall of Fame Museum on October 8th at the Oil City Stadium. The 25,000 sq. ft. building will contain a dramatic 3-story atrium, allowing patrons to capture views of the Chicago skyline as well as Whiting’s own historic 119th Street. Slated to open in 2017, the museum will be a showcase for national sports mascots and the perfect venue for interactive family exhibits and activities. View news article at the following link: wacky-brilliant 10-23-14
Construction is under way on a multi-million dollar development in Whiting by Chicago developers, MVP Builders, LLC. The four story, mixed-use building will contain 24 high-end apartments and retail space. It was designed to fit into Whiting’s historic downtown while offering modern amenities and views of Lake Michigan. Slated to be one of many new future developments in the City, it will complement the already constructed Oil City Stadium and $50 million lakefront improvement project. The building should be ready for occupancy in the Summer of 2015. The project is being financed by a consortium of lenders led by Centier.
Vavrek Architects was presented with an “Investor Award” at the Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce installation dinner on February 26. The award recognizes owner Tom Vavrek’s accomplishment in 2009 for the rehabilitation of his office building and the addition of new retail space. The building is located at 1522 119th Street in downtown Whiting. Tom purchased the building in September of 2008 and has successfully managed to carry out extensive renovations to both the interior and exterior, acquiring a new tenant in the process.
The new office building for Will-MC, LLC was voted “New Construction Project of the Year” by the Munster Chamber of Commerce. An award was presented to the building owners at the Munster Chamber’s Annual Dinner on Jan. 30. The 16,000 sq. ft. office building, designed by Vavrek Architects and built by Hasse Construction, is located at 10010 Calumet Avenue in Munster, Indiana. Construction of the building was completed in November of 2008.
Tom Vavrek was recently appointed by Mayor Joseph Stahura as an advisory member of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Whiting. Tom created a set of standards to be used as a guideline to developers, builders, and architects for future development along the 1500 block of 119th Street. He will aid the Whiting Redevelopment Commission in reviewing designs that are submitted in an effort to promote the future of Whiting’s business corridor.
The Whiting-Robertsdale Monthly News Magazine features an article in their October 2006 issue on the restoration of the Whiting Park Pavilion. Tom Vavrek provides insight on the restoration at hand. View article at the following link:
Tom Vavrek is featured in the July 2006 issue of The WRite Stuff Monthly News Magazine. Click on the link below to learn more about the principal architect and founder of Vavrek Architects who is “building” his business. View article at the following link: tom_july06
