What happens when CPL and CHA have a 1-on-1 about AARP’s? Aside from everyone breaking out their jargon dictionaries, they figure out how to achieve common goals with one building.
That’s how Chicago got its new Northtown Branch Library at 6800 North Western Avenue in West Ridge. The building opened recently with a Chicago Public Library on the bottom, and low-income senior housing on top, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel cutting the ribbon.
This is the second such building developed by Evergreen Real Estate Group, but the first designed by Perkins + Will. We told you about the other one, the Independence Branch at 4024 North Elston Avenue in Irving Park last month.
The library portion of the West Ridge building opened earlier this month. The residences will be ready next month.
There are 44 new homes in the building, with 30 reserved for Chicago Housing Authority clients. The rest go to people who meet certain age and income levels. It features a second-floor amenity deck, a gym, two lounge areas, two laundry rooms, and an interior courtyard.
Location: 6800 North Western Avenue, West Ridge
Editor founded the Chicago Architecture Blog in 2003, after a long career in journalism. He can be reached at chicagoarchitectureinfo@gmail.com.
