Westhaven Park Phase llB, Chicago, IL

Westhaven Park Phase IIB is the second phase of the Hope VI redevelopment of the former CHA Henry Homes housing project. The 7.23 acre development includes the demolition of existing CHA buildings, the construction of new infrastructure and the construction of low-rise residential units. The development plan calls for creating a mixed-income development comprising 127 rental units, 86 for-sale units and a management office. The development plan provides for a total of 213 units, of which 33% will be Chicago Housing Authority rental units, 21% will be affordable units and 46% will be market rate units. The rental buildings will be interspersed among the for-sale buildings, and the architectural materials and details are designed to be of similar quality.

Landon Bone Baker Architects, acting as the managing architect, worked with Brook Architecture, to guarantee diverse architectural styles. Buildings facing Washington Boulevard are of a traditional character, designed to complement the historic architectural style of the Near West Side community. Buildings along Lake Street, across from the manufacturing district and the Lake Street Elevated tracks, are intentionally more contemporary structures with large glass openings, a ground floor one bedroom unit suitable as an artist studio or small office and a two bedroom duplex upstairs. The buildings along Maypole Avenue combine both approaches, and blend seamlessly with the buildings built as Phase IIA East across Wood Street.

photo Shane Welch

The development is centered around a public space featuring wide sidewalks, enhanced landscaping and a long bench and art wall with a community art project lead by Archi-Treasures. The development was the first project of its type to participate in the Chicago Green Permit Program and features Energy Star certified buildings with high performance building envelope, high efficiency equipment and appliances, innovative storm water management strategies, and green roofs.