History
Bowman, Barrett & Associates Inc. (BB&A)
is a full-service engineering consulting firm founded by Louis
Bowman and John Barrett in December 1989.
The story actually begins more than 55 years ago when Mr. Bowman
and Mr. Barrett were paired up as lab partners at the University
of Illinois because of how their last names fell in the alphabet.
The two formed a friendship that lasted over the years as they
worked together at a large Chicago firm as president and vice
president, shaping the infrastructure of the City of Chicago.
Their accomplishments at
the time included the 83-acre Illinois Center development, planning
studies for the North-South Tollway, the reconfiguration of the
Lake Shore
Drive “S” curve
and O’Hare International Airport curbfront, taxiway and
runway improvements.
In 1989, they decided to venture off on their own to start a
more hands-on and client-focused company. With fewer than 10
employees
in 1989, the firm has sought out engineering challenges. One
of the firm’s earliest projects was to provide engineering
services for Central Station, a 72-acre mixed-use development
in the near
south Loop along the lakefront.
The company has grown steadily since its inception, providing
professional services to the transportation industry, architects
and builders.
Today, BB&A employs over 80 individuals, including civil
engineers, structural engineers, construction managers/engineers,
surveyors
and inspectors. The firm has had the opportunity to work on complex
and challenging engineering projects all over the country.
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