News + Events
Just west of Union Park at the SE intersection of Washington and Paulina, McCrory Senior Housing is taking shape amongst a myriad of neighbors. Within the four blocks that meet at this corner, you can find historic mansions, contemporary 2- to 4-flats, apartments, condos, a learning center, and elementary school. McCrory’s community development partner,…
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AIA recently launched their third annual I Look Up Film Challenge; a competition that encourages collaboration between architects and filmmakers to share architectural stories. This year’s theme, Blueprint for Better, focuses on projects that are helping bring positive social change to communities. Thanks to filmmaker Mohammad Abassi, LBBA’s multi-phase Woodlawn Park project was submitted to…
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Surrounded by a crowd of smiling seniors enjoying their new outdoor patio, the Habitat Company and the Kenmore Plaza Tenant Association cut the ribbon on a fully rehabbed Kenmore Plaza, an affordable senior housing high-rise in Uptown. In 1977 the Kenmore Plaza Tenant Association became owners of the building with funding from HUD under the…
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What are the tools or incentives to preserve affordable housing in areas with heavy gentrification? How do we ensure that the public’s voice is heard? As part of the 2017 On The Table held in May, the Lawyers‘ Committee for Better Housing brought together people interested in affordable housing and community development to map a vision for Chicago’s communities…
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This text first appeared in “Ethical Redevelopment Salon Sessions: Written Reflections,” published by The University of Chicago and Place Lab. It documents our experience participating in the year-long Salon Series and our ambitions for architects to promote equity within the urban environment. Learn more about Place Lab’s work and the 9 Principles of Ethical Redevelopment…
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The experiences of residents in public housing often are unheard, forgotten, or treated with similar neglect that the buildings themselves face. In a recent Chicago Reader article, written by Maya Dukmasova, the story of The National Public Housing Museum’s (NPHM) fight to remember the people of the Jane Addams Homes is told. The article narrates…
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We are excited to announce cityLab 2017! In its 8th year, LBBA Labs hire high school students to research an issue facing a neighborhood and offer design recommendations through a current LBBA project. The focus of each Lab is developed in partnership with a community organization. In partnership with Heartland Housing, cityLab 2017 engages five high school students and three college mentors in…
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City Gardens, a 76-unit mixed-income development in Chicago’s Near West Side, is now officially open! The new development is made up of seven three-story buildings surrounding a large courtyard, where residents have access to the community garden, picnic area, grill stations, and community center. City Gardens also features various green features such as bio swales…
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The Phyllis and Perry Schwartz Center for Integrated Health, an integrated health and primary care center focused on social interaction and well-being, is now open. Owned by Thresholds and operated in partnership with Heartland Alliance, the center will offer services for people suffering from severe mental illness. The adaptive reuse project provides casual, flexible, and…
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La Casa Norte Pierce House was featured in a Curbed Chicago article by Jay Koziarz, highlighting the multi-use building’s amenities and sustainability. “More than simply a housing project,” the supportive housing facility and community center will have a food pantry, teaching kitchen, teen center, and many other spaces for critical programs and resources. The full…
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