In recent weeks, plans have been released for the creation of a LEED Certified, transit-oriented, mixed-income, mixed-use community on the site of the existing Atrium Village housing complex at Division and Wells Streets in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. Currently a low-density, outdated facility, the proposed multi-phase development will minimize off-site displacement by transitioning residents directly to new units on the site. In total, the plan calls for five phases ranging from eight to 44 stories, with 1,673 residences in all and more than 2,000,000 square feet of total building area.
Designed with 21st Century urban design principles in mind, the site calls for a rich variety of outdoor and outdoor spaces with a variety of uses; from a 2 acre public park(s) to residential rooftop vegetable gardens. There will be community gathering spaces, convenient shops and cafes, and a restaurant-on”the-park that will offer outdoor dining. Plans also include space for a neighborhood grocery store and a new facility for the Bright Horizon School which provides quality early childhood education to residents and neighbors. This development will be flush with amenities and sustainable design features and will featuring public, private and shared rooftop terraces, swimming pools, fitness, laundry, and party facilities in each of the buildings.
Here, at FAA, we see this as an opportunity to redevelop this unique, mixed-income community into something more reflective of what this once-forgotten location has become while remaining true to the vision that has made it a success for over 35 years. We are happy to partner with Bumgardner Architects, from Seattle, Hitchcock Design Group and a distinguished group of expert consultants in the creation of a plan that combines the best ideas of what urban living has to offer with Chicago’s long tradition of innovation.
