HONORABLE MENTION - REGIONAL/URBAN DESIGN
Wabash Crossing Residention Development - Phase I

“Pristine on a Budget” – This HUD funded project required the demolition and replacement of dilapidated public housing, which had fallen into the hands of gangs, and other factions detrimental to raising children and the fostering of positive neighborhood ideals. Spread over 120 acres within the heart of this Illinois city, our challenge was to root out the fear of living in this area by designing structures sensitive to the needs of children and potential families while also being affordable. The urbanistic design intentionally strayed away from formal multi-story housing so prominent in the multi-family public design thinking of the past. Porches, balconies, playgrounds and other green areas were introduced promulgating a sense of neighborhood and unity, while encouraging its residents to freely enjoy their surroundings without fear. Single family homes, duplexes, four-plexes, and Townhouses partner with one another to offer residents ample choices as to apartment size and location without overwhelming the site with mammoth structures. Thus, the single thirty something can live alongside the family of four in harmony.

The average unit size is 1,200 square feet and the total construction cost was kept to under 95$ per square foot. The use of varied building materials, roof lines, and porch structures in concert with universal while complimentary colors produced a consistent theme in the neighborhood while providing a degree of separation and differentiation, allowing each resident the ability to “choose” the apartment and/or building design that best suited their taste. Long gone are the endless rows of sister buildings where each looks like the other. This creates a tremendously positive psychological effect upon the residents as each feels his space is unique (i.e. a home) as well as attracting residents with different income levels. Each building type has its own set of amenities and character, with some buildings possessing balconies, while others are located adjacent to playgrounds. The net result is the creation of a neighborhood, not public housing, mixing residents of varying demographic groups where affluent live adjacent to poor, families live adjacent to singles etc.

The verdict is in and the public has proven this concept to be successful. This three phase project has begun construction on the second phase as the first phase was 95% occupied within six months. The success of the first phase has spurred the development of another 175 units currently under construction in the second phase with talk of a third phase to follow. A new public school was constructed to serve the children of this neighborhood.

The sounds of children playing have replaced the sounds of sirens wailing. Residents relaxing on balconies, cooking on patios, and visiting with neighbors on their porches have replaced drug addicts, prostitutes, and gang members. Brick and mortar of various sizes, shapes, and color have replaced the stark shadowy figures of box like public housing.

Good design is more than magazine ready pictures and the use of talented photographers. Great design results in lives changed. The scores of families now enjoying this neighborhood, once left for dead, are living testaments to what architects seek out of their lifelong commitment to this profession…..not to be publicized or even recognized but rather to forever change the lives of others for the better, to impact their surrounding environment in a positive manner. If that is the definition of good design, than we feel at least for this project, our mission has been accomplished. We hope you concur.

Project Data:

Site Size – 120 Acres
Units in Project – 206
Rental Price – varies
Construction Cost - $94.00 per square foot