Community motivated historic renovation of two 1880 buildings with new construction of 38 affordable live-work homes for artists
Following the decline of the American railroad industry, the Pullman neighborhood faded. This resulted in the 1930 demolition of a mid-block apartment on Langley Boulevard and a decades long construction hiatus. Designated as a National Monument in 2015, new industry and revitalization has followed.
Pullman Artspace Lofts is the neighborhood’s first new housing in more than 60 years. We were engaged to provide planning, architecture, and interior design along with National Landmark coordination. The project site contained two historically protected but physically endangered apartment buildings requiring extensive structural intervention. Restoring these and adding a third building would allow for affordable live-work homes for artists. The new building references traditional Pullman door, window, and masonry details and mansard roofs, while the dwellings feature open plans with moveable storage units and partitions. Set back from the street and positioned close to adjacent vintage buildings, the lofts respect the urban fabric of Pullman while providing privacy and a sense of community.
While there were complications in the funding process, the completed project is a celebration of local community initiative and engagement. Restoring the Langley Boulevard street façade, the ground floor of the new building features a public art gallery and studios for residents.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Awards
- Chicago Building Congress Merit Award, Renovation and Adaptive Reuse Under $15 Million, 2021
- Commission on Chicago Landmarks Preservation Excellence Award, 2020
- Article
- 7 approaches to creating affordable housing for artists
William Ketcham, Principal
I approach the opportunity to craft beautiful design concepts by integrating modern building technologies with end-user comfort.
Marie Kruse, Associate, Architect
As architects, we welcome the challenge of creating the best design solutions to benefit our clients, the community, and the environment.
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