I like to highlight some choice suburban projects, not just because they are of interesting or unique design, but also because they potentially contribute to the overall development of the region, and I also feel that whether you love or hate the suburbs, they are an integral part of the success of Chicago and the entire region as a whole.
I think these two science projects help reinforce the region as a major science and technology force, the world over. Although Fermilab is currently operating as a far more scaled-back version of it's former self (thanks in large part to the Large Hadron Collider in Europe), it still has the potential for significant scientific research and discovery.
Argonne's newly completed
Energy Sciences Building, completed this summer I believe:
Oct 23, 2013
http://www.flickr.com/photos/argonne/10610730013/
The new
Illinois Accelerator Research Center at Fermilab, almost done (?)
August 14, 2013
http://iarc.fnal.gov/