LBBA Architects

Yesterday's ribbon cutting at Stephen's Commons, a 73-unit affordable housing development for seniors, was a celebration of what can be accomplished through determination and collaboration. Stephen Somuah, as Lakeview Towers West Resident Association, Inc. (LVTRA) president, made the bold move to acquire land next to Lake View Towers, creating vital affordable housing in the rapidly gentrifying Uptown neighborhood. This achievement was named in his honor. Thank you Brinshore Development, LLC and LVTRA for trusting us with this special project as well as Leasing and Management Co., IHDA, and the many consultants, including Linn-Mathes, Wells, and McKay Landscape Architects, whose stunning rooftop design looks amazing even in November.

We had a great time celebrating the HOOPcycle mobile art installation at the Open House + Public Play event at the National Public Housing Museum! This event is part of the ongoing renovations at this historic site in Little Italy, where we’re working in partnership with LBBA Architects to convert the last-standing building of the Jane Addams Homes into a permanent museum space. Nearby, we are working with HED and Related Midwest on a new affordable housing development. The HOOPcycle and our collective design efforts continue to highlight the importance of community, art, and public space.

Since its inception, LBBA's practice has been centered around relationships--weaving together existing community bonds while constantly widening our circle to welcome new voices and perspectives. This approach ripples outward, creating a sense of ownership for residents and fostering a deeper community connection to the building. ? Take The Belray, one of our latest collaborations with Mercy Housing to revitalize?and expand?a historic SRO (single-room occupancy) building in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. We recently held a charrette with Belray residents, staff, and Mercy Housing to gather feedback on the design. Through this process, we were able to gain valuable insight from people whose opinions matter most--those who will be using the spaces daily. ? Our team was excited to learn about?a fun, internal?physical fitness and health competition?among Mercy's SROs, The Belray?residences were proud to tout their current winning streak, and wanted our design and programming to focus on supporting their ability to continue on this path to personal health (and winning the competition!).

Please welcome our newest Architectural Designer, Shraddha Jain! Drawing from her global education—a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and a Bachelor of Architecture from Sushant University in India—Shraddha brings a unique perspective that marries creative design with a sharp eye for detail across diverse scales. Before joining LBBA, Shraddha spent three years working on large multi-family and healthcare projects on the south side of Chicago. She’s excited to further her passion for designing human-focused solutions at the intersection of housing, wellness, and community enrichment.

History was made yesterday in Chicago's Medical District. The Foglia Residences at the Chicago Lighthouse held its ribbon cutting, marking a transformative moment in accessible housing design. As the first Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) development in America specifically crafted for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, the Foglia Residences represents more than just a building – it's a beacon of innovation and independence. Strategically positioned next to The Chicago Lighthouse's headquarters, this development creates a seamless connection between home, work, and essential services for its future residents. Since 1906, The Chicago Lighthouse has been at the forefront of advancing vision care, rehabilitation, education, employment, and technology. Until now, the organization has never built housing, but they hope the Foglia Residences will be a guide for similar developments nationwide. Building on our experience with universal design, the project team collaborated with future residents, The Chicago Lighthouse, and our consultants to ensure true accessibility for all, regardless of visual ability. The result is affordable housing that doesn't just accommodate – it empowers. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our clients: The Chicago Lighthouse and Brinshore Development, LLC, whose knowledge guided our inclusive design approach; the skilled teams at McShane Construction Company and Ashlaur Construction Inc.; our committed consultants; and the city and state leaders who recognized and supported this important development. We can't wait to see what the future holds for The Chicago Lighthouse and its future residents. Read more about the Foglia Residences here: https://lnkd.in/gJPs8JmM

I generally stick to projects I'm directly involved in, but this article is too encouraging not to share. With so many challenging headlines in real estate, I'm all about finding the silver lining. Foglia Residences, Chicago’s first apartment building designed specifically for individuals who are blind, just opened in the Illinois Medical District Commission. This is what real estate should be about—developments that genuinely improve the lives of those it serves. The Chicago Lighthouse | Brinshore Development, LLC | LBBA Architects

Congratulations to Alternatives For Girls on the opening of the new Dr. Maya Angelou Village, a 50,000SF multi-family building designed to support at-risk girls and young women. Located in #Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood, this new construction features with 45 affordable units, a community room, activity room, and an attached daycare facility. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience collaborating with Alternatives for Girls, Full Circle Communities, Inc and LBBA Architects to create this space which offers hope and a fresh start to those facing homelessness, violence, early pregnancy, and exploitation. The Dr. Maya Angelou Village will not only empower its residents, but also uplift the entire community. #AffordableHousing #MEPEngineering #CommunityImpact #EngineeringForGood #SupportiveHousing https://loom.ly/2jFE2oc

City Council approves city funding for SACRED Apartments Interfaith Housing Development Corporation | Claretian Associates | LBBA Architects

With the presidential election less than 3 weeks away, the team spent yesterday's lunch writing postcards to voters in swing states. We divided into four groups to design the postcards, each focusing on an important theme: community, sustainability, housing, and the future. With the election just around the corner on Tuesday, November 5th, we need to remember that every single vote matters. We urge you to spread the word and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to exercise their right to vote!

With 99 units—half affordable and half market rate—43 Green is the first phase of a multi-phase, equitable transit-oriented development aimed at revitalizing 43rd Street in Bronzeville. Be sure to stop by 43 Green for Open House Chicago this weekend! Clients: Habitat and P3 Markets PC: Mark Ballogg