the studios I and II | Building Solutions

1801 S. Wabash- Chicago, IL
Clients: Central City Housing Ventures and Chicago Christian Industrial League
This is the first new SRO (Single Room Occupancy) to be built in downtown Chicago in over fifty years. It addressed serious concerns regarding the 80% loss of SRO housing capacity in Chicago in the prior 40 years. Most individuals housed earn less than 30% of the regional median income. It includes 170 furnished studios with full kitchens and baths. Much of the first floor is common area including a library, computer study area, recreational space and laundry. Also located there are counseling rooms, a job resource center, and general administrative space. Parking and retail space have been designed to provide revenue to support rent subsidies and counseling.

Building Solutions helped organize the non-profits involved, form the initial joint venture, and identify properties. As the project gained momentum, Building Solutions obtained seven different sources of financing, met with both adversarial and supportive neighborhood groups, selected and contracted with the design and construction team, managed the construction and draw process, and ultimately, leased the tenant spaces. The project had a waiting list of over 700 before the building was available for occupancy. It has received design awards and is shown as a model for new SRO’s by the City of Chicago.

The success of this project led the client and Building Solutions to design, construct, and rent and second SRO, also in downtown Chicago.