Context
The City of Chicago and Alderman Joe Moreno’s office, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation, undertook this affordable housing project on a prime location along Milwaukee Avenue.
Concept
The project features:
Street Level: Retail and community spaces designed to activate Milwaukee Avenue with large, expansive storefronts.
Residential Floors (2–7): A mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units.
Design Approach:
Utilized the trapezoidal corner site to maximize street potential.
Upper levels clad in brick to provide abundant natural light and ventilation.
Facade design captures the essence of Chicago’s architectural style while ensuring affordability without compromising generosity in space.
Corner units emphasize openness by leveraging their unique positioning.
Team
Principal Designer: Cyrus Subawalla
Project Principal: Rahman Pok
Project Manager: Tejash Panchal
Project Data
Building Type: Residential (Multi-family)
Sustainability: Chicago Sustainable Development Program Certified
Location: Chicago, IL
Site Area: 13,987.4 sf
Project Area: 69,905 sf
Client: Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation (with City of Chicago & Chicago Housing Authority)
Completion Year: October 2020
Construction Cost: $17.42 Million
Recognition:
Chicago Architecture Magazine
NBC News
LGBT-Friendly Affordable Housing Units to Open in Chicago – NBC Chicago
ABC News
Housing project in Logan Square honors LGBTQ activist John Pennycuff – ABC7 Chicago
Inaugurated by Mayor Emmanuel