Award Winner

Residential

Stephens Commons

Chicago, Illinois

Projects // Stephens Commons

Senior Living for the Modern Age

Stephens Commons is a 73-unit affordable housing multi-family development nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Uptown in Chicago, IL. Specifically designed for seniors aged 62 and above, the development aims to provide comfortable and accessible living spaces while fostering a sense of community within the building and the surrounding area.

The total precast space comprises a parking garage on the first floor, with five floors of residential units above. The design seamlessly integrates various community amenities, including a community room, fitness room, lounge, management office, and an expansive rooftop deck and garden, all thoughtfully arranged to encourage social interaction and well-being among residents.

license

2026 PCI Design Award: All-Precast Concrete Solution Honorable Mention

Learn More arrow_right

Contractor: Linn-Matthes
Architect: LBBA arrow_outward
Engineer: CE Anderson arrow_outward
Owner: Brinshore Development arrow_outward
Year: 2024
Size: 76,870 sq ft
Building Systems: Structural
Design Features: Acid Etch, Architectural Textures, Painted/Stained

Connection Through Design

The design of the Stephens Commons is deeply rooted in the concept of connection, both within the local community and through the aesthetics of the building itself. Situated in a prime location with views of Lake Michigan and Chicago, the space features an inviting entrance that welcomes the surrounding urban environment into the living space. The development utilizes an L-shaped design that opens to both a co-owned neighboring residential building and a second-floor rooftop terrace facing the lake, creating a neighborly relationship with its surroundings and enhancing the sense of openness and connection to the natural landscape.

Vibrant Design. Vibrant Community.

Inside, the design prioritizes circulation and community engagement, essential for a senior population. A thoughtfully designed walking loop extends from the entrance to the terrace and beyond, encouraging residents to remain active and interact with one another. Each floor is color-coded – the “orange floor” – aiding residents in easily identifying their living space. The design promotes the use of stairs as a healthy option, with color-coordinated environmental branding that outlines the caloric expenditure for each step taken. The green rooftop area, directly accessible from the stairs on the second floor, serves as a primary socialization area, reinforcing the building’s focus on active living and community.

The exterior of Stephens Commons features a colorful palette of five colors, integrating three brightly stained concrete accents with two main colors, white and charcoal, achieved through the concrete mix. These bright colors not only add visual interest but also complement the building’s dynamic sunshades, which are positioned on windows around the structure. These sunshades, designed for aesthetic appeal and functional shading, contribute to the building’s unique identity within the community. The use of a precast exterior streamlined the integration of the sunshades due to the simple connection details, providing a simplified installation process compared to other building materials.

To ensure that the building blended seamlessly with its neighborhood, the architects incorporated public art influences, drawing colors from local murals and street art. The design also thoughtfully addresses the impact of urban development by softening the visual presence of the first-floor parking garage. This was achieved by incorporating design elements that make the entrance and ground level appear more inviting and less like a traditional garage, thereby enhancing the pedestrian experience and maintaining the community-focused ethos of the development.

A Simplified Solution

One of the project’s most notable features is its use of total precast construction. The building utilizes architectural solid wall panels and spandrels on the exterior, provided by International Concrete Products. These panels were designed with intricate reveal patterns and recesses around windows, creating a visually dynamic exterior. Structurally, Wells utilized a prefabricated system throughout the entire development.

A total precast multi-family development offers numerous advantages. The durable and fireproof nature of prefabricated materials ensures low maintenance costs and added safety. Additionally, they provide excellent thermal performance and sound control, enhancing energy efficiency and ensuring a peaceful living environment, particularly important in urban multi-family settings. In addition to improving building performance and longevity, Wells kept the extremely tight urban job site clutter-free of construction waste and significantly expedited the construction schedule. This expedited construction schedule allowed for other trades to be brought in faster, resulting in opening Stephens Commons to senior residents sooner.

Availability for the Future

Stephens Commons represents a significant step in preserving affordable urban housing near Lake Michigan, an area experiencing considerable gentrification in recent years. Historically, Uptown was known for its affordable housing, but rising property values and redevelopment projects have gradually displaced many long-term residents. By introducing 73 affordable senior housing units, Stephens Commons restores much-needed options, ensuring older residents can continue to live in a vibrant, well-connected community. This development addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in a desirable location and helps maintain the area’s social and economic diversity.

Overall, Stephens Commons provides shelter and protection, offering important senior living housing options for decades to come. It represents a successful fusion of affordability and community-centric design, offering seniors a comfortable and engaging environment in the heart of urban living.