Camp Porter Barracks and Infrastructure

This Design-Build project included the design of several new facilities, major infrastructure improvements and the demolition of 14 existing buildings. GRAEF was retained to provide complete structural and site/civil development design services as part of CBZG Design Builders, LLC. CBZG Design Builders, LLC is composed of Clark Construction Group, LLC, Blinderman Construction Company, Inc., M+W Zander U.S. Operations, Inc. and GRAEF.

Naval Station Great Lakes, located 35 miles north of Chicago, opened in 1911 and is now the only boot camp for the U.S. Navy. The Camp Porter project completes the Navy’s $787 million Great Lakes Recapitalization Program of the Recruit Training Command. The project includes the design and construction of three recruit barracks, a visitor center, simulated arms marksmanship trainer, new gate entry at the northeast corner of the site, an 850-car parking structure, demolition of 14 buildings, and major infrastructure work.

The new entry gate and parking structure will greatly improve entering and exiting the site during major Camp events, primarily graduation ceremonies, relieving congestion and backup along the adjacent Illinois Route 137.