Technical Challenges
As can be imagined, there were a number of technical challenges in executing this project. The renovation of the former hospital included removing all interior walls, finishes and mechanical systems down to the structure. Sections of floors needed to be infilled while others needed to be opened. The previous mechanical floors at levels 8 and 9 were especially challenging, given the vast number of existing floor openings and existing changes in floor level that were present.
The original structural design primarily consisted of a concrete frame with non-load bearing exterior walls of CMU and brick. It was discovered that there were significant structural issues with these walls. The CMU was not reinforced sufficiently to handle the wind loads created by the new large windows that were to be added. The solution was to install steel tubes on the interior around each new masonry opening to reinforce the concrete block.
Interior Design
The interior design celebrates the structure of the existing building, which included poured-in-place concrete ceilings and columns. These elements were left exposed in the public corridors and within the units, accentuating the high ceilings that existed. All the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were new and left exposed in many areas to create a modern, industrial interior environment. The fabric drum light fixtures, stained wood trim, warm furniture colors and vibrant accent walls helped create an inviting and stimulating juxtaposition to the exposed structural and mechanical elements. With this approach, the existing structure was celebrated but adapted for a senior living use.
Among the many goals for this development, providing functional spaces to meet the changing needs of the residents was critical. Amenities, such as a welcoming lobby with a cozy hearth, comfortable dining room, as well as a fitness center, salon, library and computer room, offer an inviting, full-service living environment for residents. An in-house space for doctor visits brings necessary services within easy reach for the supportive-living community.
Two main intersecting circulation corridors were designed on each level to help with wayfinding for residents and guests within the large interior spaces on each floor. One of these corridors connects directly with the main elevator bank, which also includes linear LED lighting that helps to identify the vertical circulation. In addition, intersections of the corridors include feature walls and lowered ceiling soffits painted in different vibrant colors, providing another wayfinding tool for residents.
To reinforce wayfinding within the now 223,000-gross-square-foot building, the flooring materials of the ground floor create noticeable zones between the expansive corridors and common spaces. Broadloom carpeting in the resident corridors provides a quiet and upscale experience, leading to each residential unit. Vibrant accent paints are strategically placed to queue residents to specific areas of the building, such as the elevator lobbies and common areas.
The artwork installed in the common areas and corridors utilizes the rich architectural history of the Ravenswood neighborhood. The art was creatively themed around hobbies, music, park scenes, etc., including many vintage photos of the neighborhood. In many locations, common-area room signage also utilizes the artwork themes, providing yet another wayfinding opportunity to help the residents feel at home.
To reinforce the urban feel of the renovated building, furniture selections utilize a mid-century modern aesthetic that naturally resonates with these Chicago residents, aged 55 and over.
Neighborhood Enrichment
Thanks to the collaborative design process, today, Ravenswood Senior Living represents not only the adaptive reuse of a building badly in need of rescue and without a sustainable alternate use, but the realization of its potential to provide new homes for Chicago’s seniors in need. The development, which was completed in May 2021, stands as a shining example of how adaptive reuse can not only revitalize a dilapidated building and community eyesore, but also impact the lives of countless community members and families, enriching the neighborhood for generations to come.
PHOTOS: Andrew Bruah Photographer
Retrofit Team
ARCHITECT: WJW Architects
- Michael Jerabek, AIA, partner-in-charge
- Keith Criminger, AIA, LEED AP, project manager
- Albert Wang, AIA, project architect
- Lauren Eckberg, AIA, project architect
- David Zielinski, AIA, project architect
- John Schoonmaker, architectural designer
INTERIOR DESIGN: Strong Design Consultants LLC
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
MEP ENGINEER: Diligent Design Group
CIVIL ENGINEER: Eriksson Engineering Associates Ltd.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Laflin Design Group Ltd.
GENERAL CONTRACTORS: Leopardo Companies Inc. and Evergreen Construction Co.
CUSTOM MILLWORK: Art Magic Carpentry
Materials
INSULATED ALUMINUM PANELS: Metl-Span
WINDOWS: Vinyl Windows from Pella
WOOD DOORS: VT Industries
LUXURY VINYL TILE: Patcraft, Shaw Contract and Mannington Commercial
PORCELAIN TILE: Stonepeak Ceramics Inc.
FIREPLACE SURROUND AND MOSAIC WALL TILE: Marazzi
BROADLOOM AND MODULAR CARPET: Patcraft
WALL BASE: Roppe
WALL PROTECTION: In-Pro
STOCK CABINETS: Procraft Cabinetry
CEILING GRID SYSTEMS: Rockfon
ACOUSTIC CEILING TILES: Certainteed and USG
SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOPS: Livingstone
INTERIOR PAINT: Sherwin-Williams
NEW ELEVATORS: Otis
CIRCULAR PENDANT FIXTURES: Abra Lighting
DRUM PENDANT LIGHT FIXTURES AND VANITY LIGHTING: Modern Forms
LINEAR LED LIGHT FIXTURES: Cooper Lighting
EXTERIOR SITE LIGHTING: Eaton
RETAINING WALL: Reading Rock
DINING CHAIRS: Holsag
DINING AND ACTIVITY TABLES: Falcon and Groupe Lacasse
RESIDENT ACTIVITY CHAIRS: Groupe Lacasse and Krug
LOUNGE SEATING: H Contract and Kellex
OFFICE FURNITURE: Groupe Lacasse, Via Seating, Great Openings and OFS
OUTDOOR FURNITURE: By the Yard
WINDOW SHADES AND DRAPERY: Insolar Window Treatments