WEST RIDGE — The city has selected three finalists to design one of the nation's first affordable senior housing/public library developments.
The finalists are: Perkins Eastman, Wheeler Kearns Architects and Perkins and Will.
The collaborative project between the Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago Public Library and Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office is going up at Western and Pratt avenues in West Ridge.
The Western Avenue branch is one of three new mixed-use libraries and housing facilities slated to open across the city, including others on Taylor Street and Elston Avenue.
The building is slated for completion in 2019, but is still in the early stages of identifying an architecture firm that can bring the city and 50th Ward community's vision to life.
Molly Sullivan, a housing authority spokeswoman, said winners will be chosen around March 10 and will be based on the quality of the individual designs, sustainability of building and materials, and innovation in the design's layout and landscaping.
Once the firm is selected it will begin working with developers to create designs for the buildings that can be presented to the community for feedback.
Learn more about the finalists below:
Perkins and Will has had its headquarters in Chicago since 1935 and has designed the Rush University Medical Center, O'Hare International Airport and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Firm Perkins and Will designed the Rush University Medical Center. [Facebook/Perkins + Will]
Wheeler Kearns Architects has made its presence in Chicago known through a number of community-oriented developments like the Old Town School of Folk Music, Intelligentsia Wicker Park and Lakeview Pantry.
Perkins Eastman is an international design firm with offices around the globe. It has worked with nonprofits, mixed-use developments, schools and health care campuses, major commercial projects and more.
A design by Perkins Eastman architecture firm. [Facebook/Perkins Eastman]
