Woodlawn Social
Reversing decades of urban disinvestment and segregation requires change in the built environment. The City of Chicago’s Invest South/West neighborhood development program recognizes the need to link affordable housing, community resources, and wealth building for residents. Woodlawn Social is at the core of a development across six city-owned sites aimed at accelerating the rebuilding of the once-thriving Black neighborhood of Woodlawn.
Inspired by the rhythm of the surrounding residential cross streets with their faceted bay windows and side yards, a riff on the residential grain replaces expected urban commercial massing along 63rd Street. Substituting a big streetwall volume with five smaller volumes running perpendicular to the street yields a new neighborly and sustainable model.
The permeable organization provides a nuanced ground level open space, which includes both a public plaza and residential courtyard. It also allows sun to reach the north-facing side of the street. Public space is anchored by retail and has plenty of room for outdoor dining, lingering, and pop-up events featuring art, food, and music.
Key innovations were as much programmatic as spatial. Affordable rental units and for-sale housing are a rare combination on infill lots. This new mixed-use model goes further by using alternative massing that creates strong public space anchored by retail.
STATUS
Design Awarded through Competition, May 2023
LOCATION
Chicago, Illinois
CLIENT
Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) & KMW Communities
PARTNERS
HED Chicago
PROGRAM
60 affordable apartments & 10 for-sale townhomes, 8,500 SF retail, 19,000 SF open space (public & residential)