multi-disciplinary partnership transforms public housing to arts incubator

multi-disciplinary partnership transforms public housing to arts incubator
image courtesy of barry rustin photography

the rebuild foundation, in partnership with the chicago housing authority, brinshore development, and landon bone baker architects, have transformed an abandoned CHA property into the ‘dorchester art + housing collaborative’. located in the south side of chicago, the project has been five plus years in the making, and endeavors to create a neighborhood that is culturally based, artist led, and community driven.

entrance 
image courtesy of barry rustin photography

originally composed of 36 units, four were removed to create a 2,200ft² (205m²) arts center that serves as a hub for collaboration, education, performances, and the arts. planned programs are to be led by an artist-in-residence — the first of its kind in a public-housing context — who volunteer their time to develop and progress rebuild’s mission of artistic practice, individual and community empowerment.

the public-accessible arts center features a dance studio, work and tech shops, and public meeting space
image courtesy of rebuild foundation

evenly distributed at the ‘dorchester art + housing collaborative’ are low-income, affordable, and market-rate units. children living in the complex, and larger urban area as well, have unprecedented access to free arts education. partnerships with ‘DA +HA’ include the joffrey ballet, hyde park school of dance, and the nearby south shore fine arts academy. the project represents a highly successful collaboration between the private, public, and non-profit sectors, who are committed to transforming chicago’s south side into a place of creativity and social progress for americans young and grown alike. 

programs at the arts center focus on providing free arts education to south side youths
image courtesy of barry rustin photography

shuttered CHA dante harper townhouses 
image courtesy of landon bone baker architects

the properties were restored extensively, with updated landscaping by site design group, ltd.
image courtesy of barry rustin photography

‘DA+HC’ features an even distribution of low-income, affordable, and market-rate units
image courtesy of mark ballogg photography

to be within accessibility compliance, several homes were gutted and converted into flat configurations
image courtesy of mark ballogg photography

renovations are to energy star standards, and are super-insulated, with a focus on air quality & conservation
image courtesy of mark ballogg photography

all townhomes are two-or-three bedroom units, and range from 900 to 1100ft²
image courtesy of barry rustin photography 

during events, oversized doors pivot open, creating a welcoming entrance to engage passing audiences
image courtesy of barry rustin photography

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom