Smithfield Properties, Inc.
56 Units
Chicago, IL

A railroad-switching yard in the heart of Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood was converted into an elegant, modernist townhome complex. The site design staggers the homes, minimizing the impact and creating landscaped courtyards with gateways to the homes behind. The architecture is strongly vertical. Large black steel cantilevered bays provide expansive views and light. Two colors of brick emphasize the design forms and massing. Each of the 56 units is capped with a penthouse terrace featuring spectacular views of the city. The site features a difficult challenge with a 20-foot rise from one end to the other created by the abutment of an infrequently used railroad line. This grade change was retained and the existing retaining wall was used on the front edge of the site with entry paved in brick and landscaped to soften the environment.