Designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects, the new headquarters for Common Pantry is now open at 3908 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. This is the first facility owned by the non-profit, which is the oldest continually operating food pantry in the city, serving Chicago’s North Side since 1967.
Common Pantry is committed to addressing the emergency needs of the local community by providing healthy food, kinship and support to overcome poverty-related challenges. In its new 6,252-square-foot home—more than double the size of its former location—Common Pantry has expanded access to services, including emergency groceries, monthly produce distributions, weekly meal services, home delivery for seniors, nutrition counseling, cooking classes and social services.
The adaptive-reuse project transformed a 1-story building that once was a nightclub, laundromat, and, most recently, a restaurant, into a thoughtfully designed home for the non-profit. Brightly lit and vibrant interiors, featuring custom graphics, custom wallpaper and striking green floors, welcome and uplift clients.
The design incorporates trauma-informed principles, such as the glass entry vestibule that provides sightlines into the space, leading to a friendly face at the reception and intake area. The fellowship hall, a spacious multifunctional space that acts as a waiting room, sorting/packing space, event venue and dining area, combines street-facing windows that let in natural light with interior plants that offer privacy from the street. The commercial kitchen, visible through a peek-through window, doubles as a demonstration area for cooking and educational events. Outside, a renovated courtyard becomes a protected public space that offers respite.
With its proximity to public transit lines, ADA accessibility and high visibility on a major thoroughfare, the existing building was the ideal space for Common Pantry to meet increased demand and enhance the quality of its services.
PHOTOS: Tom Harris unless otherwise noted
RETROFIT TEAM
ARCHITECT: Wheeler Kearns Architects
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: Bulley & Andrews
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Enspect Engineering
MEP ENGINEER: Primera
FOOD SERVICE CONSULTANT: Edge Associates Inc.