Innovative Architecture: Community Development and Affordable Housing in Chicago

15 Mar 2007

Incorporating sleek design, community-building aesthetics and energy-efficient features, a variety of inspiring neighborhood projects cropping up around Chicago prove that affordable housing and other community facilities can be cutting-edge.
 

One literally shining example is the Near North Apartments, a new single-room occupancy building designed by star architect Helmut Jahn. The five-story structure resembles a glistening, streamlined train. Tiny but bright and airy rooms with great views of the downtown skyline serve some of Chicago's most vulnerable citizens - the homeless and the disabled. In addition to providing shelter, the building incorporates a community room and social services on the ground floor, where floor-to-ceiling glass windows welcome neighbors to come inside. Rooftop turbines heat water in the building and supplement its electricity needs, while cisterns collect rainwater for on-site irrigation. A model of sustainability and design, the $14 million, 96-unit building was developed by Chicago non-profit Mercy Housing Lakefront. The project received $6.5 million in equity from LISC affiliate, the National Equity Fund (NEF), a $250,000 pre-development loan from LISC/Chicago, and a $70,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation and LISC towards the wind turbines.

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Other standouts in innovative architecture were acknowledged at this year's Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards. These awards recognize outstanding achievement in neighborhood real estate development and community building by community-based organizations and for-profit developers in the Chicago metropolitan area.

For more information about the winners:

Article Type: News