Beloit College turned a decommissioned coal plant into the award-winning Powerhouse - a stunning model of adaptive reuse and sustainable architecture. Designed by Studio Gang, the former Blackhawk Generating Station now blends historic preservation with green innovation, featuring river-powered heating and cooling, natural light, and LEED certification.

Chicago’s storied Bridgeport neighborhood has been the home of mayors, police, and firefighters for years. But hidden in plain sight is another feature of that illustrious neighborhood: the almost century-old Ramova Theatre, newly renovated and reopened for business. Now, it includes a 36,000-square-foot complex including a live music hall, banquet space, brewery, and restaurant. The upstairs banquet space, called the “Ramova Loft,” was once a karate/boxing gym. The Ramova Th