Insights, News • March 6, 2024
Milhouse’s Impact on Chicago’s Smart Lighting Transformation
With the goal of enhancing Chicago’s urban landscape, Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. (Milhouse) played a pivotal role in driving CDOT’s Smart Lighting Program to completion. This transformative initiative aimed not only to brighten the city streets but also to improve public safety, elevate the overall quality of life in neighborhoods throughout Chicago, and reduce energy consumption.
A Bright Beginning
In the heart of the city, Milhouse took the lead in Phase III Construction Engineering Services, overseeing the task of upgrading over 270,000 street and alley light fixtures. With the goal of installing 75,000 light fixtures annually for the first three years, Milhouse demonstrated a commitment to widespread improvements. This initiative has yielded impressive results, boasting annual energy savings of $10,000,000 and slashing energy consumption by 50%, while enhancing visibility and safety for residents. These upgrades have rendered the city eligible for approximately $35 million in energy efficiency rebates. Looking ahead, they are forecasted to generate savings of $100 million for taxpayers over the coming decade through reduced electricity costs(Ameresco).
Shedding Light on Improvement
LED Conversion:
- Milhouse led the replacement of outdated High-Pressure Sodium lamps with reliable LED luminaries.
- Milhouse’s approach ensured smooth coordination and supervision of the massive LED conversion.
Targeted Infrastructure Stabilization Repairs:
- Milhouse assessed the condition of each light pole, evaluating wiring, pole conditions, and foundations, committed to their core value of fierce integrity.
- The dedication to constant quality ensured sustainable and reliable lighting infrastructure.
Lighting Management System:
- Milhouse’s intentional safety measures were evident in the implementation of a sophisticated Lighting Management System
- Real-time monitoring and control established a responsive system, contributing to improved public safety.
Engaging with the Community
Milhouse connected with the community in its role as the owner’s representative. Beyond the intricacies of construction, the team assumed a pivotal role in public relations, dedicatedly curating a project website, crafting informative materials, and developing exhibits for engaging public meetings. Milhouse demonstrated not only technical expertise but also a genuine investment in fostering strong, meaningful relationships within the neighborhoods it served.
Goals Aligned with Values
The Smart Lighting Program extended beyond the installation of new fixtures; it embodied a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the community. Milhouse’s unwavering dedication to delivering a more reliable and responsive public services seamlessly aligned with the program’s multifaceted objectives. This encompassed the enhancement of visibility, precise control over lighting direction, improvements in color rendering, a focus on energy efficiency, and a commitment to a longer lifespan for the lighting infrastructure. In embracing these goals, Milhouse contributed significantly to the transformation of Chicago’s urban landscape, creating a safer and more vibrant environment for all residents.
A Beacon of Transformation
In the midst of the Smart Lighting Program, Milhouse stood as a beacon of transformation. Upholding core values-active diversity, fierce integrity, constant quality, and intentional safety the team’s direct role in this project illuminated Chicago’s streets and embodied a commitment to building a safer, more connected, and vibrant community for all