Affordable housing developer wins major real estate award
Over The Rainbow Association, a nonprofit developer of affordable, barrier-free housing and the owner of the Gustafson Apartments in Waukegan, won the 2016 Vision Award for its newest building, Southwick Place, a 40-unit apartment community located in Matteson, at the Urban Land Institute of Chicago's fifth annual awards event June 1.
The ULI of Chicago's Vision Award recipients exemplify the best in innovation and creativity in real estate projects in the Chicago region. The award winners must meet a high standard of excellence in areas reflecting the entire development process, including design, construction, economic viability, marketing, and management. Winners received a commemorative award and will be featured on the ULI's website.
"OTR is enormously honored to receive ULI's Vision Award and stand among the company of such other outstanding winning projects as Maggie Daley Park and the Chicago Athletic Association," said Eric Huffman, OTR's executive director. "It's a result of our entire team's shared philosophy to build something that would give others a sense of dignity and independence. We also wanted to convey that affordable housing doesn't have to be so basic - it can be exciting."
The Chicago architectural firm of Weese Langley Weese conceived of the project as a departure from the more traditional appearance of affordable housing. Southwick's strong geometrical lines, a mixture of materials, bold color palette, and an abundance of natural light through a floor-to- ceiling glass vestibule combine for an uplifting atmosphere throughout the three-story structure. The design team prioritized residents' self-sufficiency and safety by exceeding ADA compliance standards and incorporating a variety of innovative features. Details include wider hallways and doorways, matching thresholds, spacious roll-in showers, roll-under countertops, lower fixtures and light switches, and easy-to-open windows. Southwick Place also contains common areas that strengthen a sense of community and support adult learning and enrichment, including a furnished community room, a well-stocked library, a computer room, and an outdoor gazebo and grill and adjacent to landscaped grounds. The project was made possible through the support of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Housing Authority of Cook County, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, and the Corporation for Supportive Housing.
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Evanston, the Over The Rainbow Association develops, builds, and owns and/or manages 10 apartment communities throughout the Chicago and Northern Illinois region for people with physical disabilities and/or mobility impairments. During the fall, the organization will break ground on its 11th affordable, barrier-free apartment community called Midtown Crossing in Des Plaines.