Thrush Development
100 Units
Chicago, IL

Nearly 2/3 of a city block in size, the project combines a multitude of different unit types and building components to form an intimate community within the surrounding neighborhood. The project responds to its industrial context through its position on the edge of the sidewalk and use of red brick, limestone, steel detailing and large areas of glazing. Fenestration changes, terraces and balconies and extensive landscaping invigorate the facades and contribute to the unique dynamic of the complex. This contextual envelope is eroded away on the courtyard side to reveal a richly detailed structural framework and bolder, more playful color and form. The stair tower entries act as beacons on the street and courtyard side of the buildings, and help to anchor the building facades while providing privacy for the individual unit terraces. The garage ventilation shafts are cleverly incorporated into the entrance pylons from which the entrance canopy is suspended. Effective integration of bold new forms, and careful respect for context, help to transform what was once an underutilized environment into a vital urban community.