The city wants both public uses to be housed in "eye-catching works of architecture."
A new initiative from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel calls for branches of the Chicago Public Library and public housing to co-habitate in three ambitiously designed buildings: a senior housing building in West Ridge and two mixed-income buildings in Little Italy and Irving Park. Designs for each will be selected after a competition.
"The idea is to mix uses as well as income groups, lessening the isolation of public housing residents," reports the Chicago Tribune. The "'wow' factor" of the architect-designed buildings could also placate those who might otherwise oppose the projects, the city hopes.
The new libraries would replace existing branches and be of normal size, ranging from 10,000 square feet to 16,000 square feet. They would likely be located on the ground floor of the housing developments and would offer programs targeted to children and families from public housing as well as those living in the surrounding area.
Co-location often combines libraries with another use "to lower building costs and increase the number of library patrons." As the Tribune notes, it has long been in use in the U.K. and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. But "marrying it with new, architect-designed buildings could be unusual, perhaps unprecedented."
FULL STORY: Mayor wants to build architectural library gems in CHA housing
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Alaska Village Becomes Test Case for Climate Change Relocation
The Yup’ik village of Newtok is the first Alaska community to begin a full-scale relocation necessitated by the impacts of climate change. Another 31 Alaska communities remain vulnerable.
Amtrak Takes Lead on Texas Central Rail
The high-speed rail project isn’t a done deal, but if it moves forward, trains could begin operating in 2030.
Maine Approves Rent Relief Program
Legislators hope the assistance program will help struggling low-income households avoid eviction.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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