Christopher House - Logan Square Chicago, Illinios

Christopher House is a 100-year-old not-for-profit social service organization, providing childcare and family services to families throughout the north and west sides of Chicago.  This project entailed the renovation and adaptive reuse of an existing building, formerly the Logan Square branch of the Chicago Public Library.  Program elements include a daycare and preschool for 116 children, a food pantry, a multifunction family resource and adult education classroom, a counseling room, a computer lab and offices for counselors and staff. The 14,000 square foot project features a new light court, created by selective demolition to provide light to the lower level classrooms and an exterior focal point for the building.  The project is in the process of attaining a LEED certification from the USGBC.  Green strategies include a green roof, day-lighting and high efficiency artificial lighting, FSC certified wood veneers on millwork, recycled rubber playground paving and permeable paving, bicycle storage and showering facilities, and low VOC paint, carpet, sealants & coatings.         

Please click here to view our renderings of the project. 

General Contracting services were by Clune Construction, Paul Stupka, Project Manager.
Photography by Christopher Barrett, Hedrich Blessing   

Main Entry

The main entry lobby overlooks the newly formed courtyard to the south, providing a place for interaction amongst the buildings diverse occupants.  The space houses a feature entrance wall enclosing the site manager’s office.

Preschool Classroom

A typical preschool classroom, featuring daylight controlled up-lighting, Linoleum floors and tackable wall surfaces.

Playroom

The gross motor playroom uses light tunnels to bring additional daylight into the space and a linoleum wainscoting protects walls from damage..

Lower School Age Classroom

The lower school age classrooms use mobile millwork cabinets as partitions to organize spaces.  A stage platform at one end is used for dramatic play and for special events.

Bathroom

Preschool classroom bathrooms use age-appropriate sized fixtures, dual-flushing, and automatic faucets & hand dryers to minimize water & energy consumption, and maintain hygiene.

Office

The second floor office houses the counseling staff and overlooks the green roof.

Interior of the Elevator Cab

Interior of the elevator cab.  In the interests of cost, Wheeler Kearns commissioned graffiti artist Alex Al-Hamdan to “tag” the cab, rather than refurbish it.