5423 N. Winthrop
Ave., Chicago IL
This building was one of the pilot projects for the “Four Plus One
Facade Program” sponsored by the 48th Ward, the City of Chicago
Department of Housing, the East Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and the
Edgewater Community Council. The purpose of this program was to
promote economical means by which existing 4 +1’s appearance and
environmental performance could be enhanced. These pilot projects are
to serve as examples of the redevelopment potential of approximately
60 4+1’s in the Edgewater area.
A radically improved appearance was achieved by utilizing some of the
“lucky” accidents occurring in the existing construction. Among these
was the existing concrete beam spanning the front face of the building
which projected beyond the exterior face of the existing brick wall at
the upper four floors. This provided a ready-made “brick ledge” that
was used to support an additional wythe (layer) of brick which was
laid in panels of contrasting brick colors. This introduced a new
sense of dimension to the existing bland facade, which was further
enhanced by reworking the existing window openings to accommodate
sliding patio doors with sidelights and decorative railings. The front
lobby entrance was accentuated with a new pergola, plantings, and
garden furniture. This project received a “2004 Good Neighbor Award”
from the Chicago Association of Realtors.
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