Oak Park, Illinois’ newest affordable housing development, the 801 Apartments, consists of a single 4-story mixed-use building containing 37 rental apartments. The residential portion is positioned above a ground-floor commercial space, 2 live/work apartments, the building lobby, and a dedicated parking lot for residents.
Notable works by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright define the village’s reputation, and this rare new construction project is surrounded on all sides by historic 1920s architecture. In the earliest planning stages, brick was selected as the most appropriate material to intermingle the project amongst its vintage neighbors and ensure positive community feedback. By pairing this classic material with rectilinear contemporary forms, the building thoughtfully unites past with present.
A variegated, neutral color palette of cool grey tones was the primary design intent, realized here with a 3-color custom brick blend (“Pewter,” “Platinum”, and “Ash”) perfected through a series of mockups workshopped by our team, the architects at Design Bridge, and developers The Community Builders. Two rows of recessed “Obsidian” black brick above the first floor add additional interest and visually separate the building’s massing by function, while entryways step back from the street into welcoming alcoves lined with warm brown brick.
In opting for a long-format, 2.25″ x 16″ Emperor size from Interstate Brick, the architects were able to create eye-catching horizontality that pays subtle homage to the Midwestern Prairie Style so often associated with Chicago and its surroundings. The larger brick size also allowed the cost-conscious project to remain within budget without sacrificing aesthetics or material quality. Current and future residents, whose fixed incomes determine their eligibility to live here, undoubtedly appreciate the energy-efficiency of their new brick home, as well as its clean, crisp modernity.
This project was an epic, two-year labor of love for our staff, who worked closely with the client to workshop budget-friendly, high quality brick options. We’re proud to be helping create affordable residential buildings that look as beautiful as the impact they make!
Visit the apartment complex’s website here.
View a portfolio of images on the architect’s website.
Read about the development here.
LOCATION: 801 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
ARCHITECT: Design Bridge
DEVELOPER: The Community Builders
GC: Joseph J. Duffy Co.
MASON: RV Builders Corp
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick
