Washington Park artist residences ready to move forward

An unorthodox-looking four-story affordable housing development is ready to break ground in Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood. Designed by Chicago-based JGMA, the translucent, multi-colored project at the corner of South Michigan Avenue and Garfield Boulevard has landed its first construction permit. Dubbed the KLEO Art Residences, the mixed-use development will feature ground floor retail topped by 58 residences marketed toward artists and their families.

According to the city of Chicago—which is providing both land and TIF subsidies for the project—49 of the apartments will be offered at an affordable rate for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The remaining nine units are expected to be rented at market rate. Amenities include a fitness room, bike storage, and a communal gathering space. The permit also specifies the inclusion of 33 parking spaces.

Rendering courtesy of JGMA

Rendering courtesy of JGMA

Rendering courtesy of JGMA

The Washington Park development joins a growing list of Chicago projects from architect Juan Gabriel Moreno’s busy firm. Notable examples include a new community health complex in Brighton Park, comprehensive overhaul of Chicago’s Richard J. Daley College, an adaptive reuse of two Pilsen warehouses into office space, as well as a project to convert an abandoned Waukegan Kmart into a school.

• New construction permit at 5504 S. Michigan Avenue [Chicago Cityscape]
• Funky, translucent Washington Park artist residences clear key city hurdle [Curbed Chicago]
• Washington Park archives [Curbed Chicago]