Homan Square Community Center

Opportunity: Charles Shaw spent several years transforming the original Sears, Roebuck & Co. headquarters site on Chicago’s West Side into a new residential community. Shaw recognized the need for a community center that could provide its residents health care, family counseling, recreational sports, meeting rooms, special education, and social support.

Solution: After many meetings with community leaders, the goal of a lively, compelling place that would bring people together was conceived. Working with The Shaw Company and the Chicago Park District, Booth Hansen designed a sun-filled linear concourse that would connect all of the facility’s resources. The bright concourse, along with its glass and metal entry, invite the neighborhood to participate in the many programs housed at the Center. Booth Hansen integrated sustainable design philosophies, among them a 20.2 kW photovoltaic (PV) system.

Value: The community has embraced the new center, as evidenced by strong participation in Park District and service provider programs. The center was recognized by the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation’s prestigious Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design.