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A Safe Haven: Affordable Veterans Housing

Bold, contemporary forms mark these 35 infill units of housing in the Village of Melrose Park, Illinois. Each home is designed to serve the specific needs of veterans, with abundant daylight a key feature. A boxy brick, wood and glass front provides a contrast to an overall gabled form that relates to the predominant neighboring housing type. The dual forms of the exterior provide a theme for the overall composition of the house—defined and undefined spaces, visible and hidden security—all of which speak to the complex redefinition issues returning veterans face in contemporary American society.

The landscaping utilizes native plant species to provide a lush naturalistic setting. Additional facilities include a management office and playlot. The latter serves as a community gathering space, providing a safe child play zone for residents and their offspring.

AWARDS AND PUBLICATIONS:
2018 ALA Silver Award
2017 AIA Chicago Distinguished Building Award, Citation of Merit

LOCATION: Melrose Park, IL
CLIENT: A Safe Haven and West Suburban Housing Development Corp.
ARCHITECT: UrbanWorks, Ltd.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Karant+Associates
VISUALIZATION: UrbanWorks, Ltd. and Hoffman Visualization
PROJECT INITIATION: 2015
COMPLETION OF WORK: 2016