Goals

LUCHA and Evergreen partnered to develop a 100% affordable mixed-use development located in the Logan Square community area, at the western end of the Bloomingdale (606) Trail, titled Encuentro Square. Formerly occupied by a manufacturing facility, the site was acquired by the Trust for Public Land in 2014, as part of the development of the 606 Trail. In 2019, the site was sold to the City of Chicago, which demolished the existing structures in early 2021 and undertook remediation of the site prior to donating the land for development.

Spurred by the construction of the 606 trail, this area in Logan Square has seen significant private investment, which has increased property values and displaced many long-time families and community-serving organizations. At the forefront of this project, Encuentro Square was conceived with the goal of preserving affordable housing and ensuring that the community’s diverse social fabric could remain intact.

Results

The project is a response to the changing neighborhood, preserving the diversity that is allowed by affordability. The design takes cues from its surroundings to create a sense of continuity within the neighborhood. The four and six-story buildings reflect the scale of adjacent buildings, establishing a natural dialogue with the existing streetscape.

Following a comprehensive community engagement process, stakeholders developed a Health Action Plan that incorporates a trauma-informed design lens, prioritizing safety, dignity, and connection for residents. From a site planning perspective, the relationship between buildings and open space was carefully composed to support visual connectivity while balancing public and private zones, helping residents feel seen and safe. This was achieved through inviting façade frontages, which were created by apertures in the site, and the absence of alleys or unintentional facades; landscaping throughout the site providing areas for rest, play, and community interaction; interior spatial organization with wide hallways, open site lines through lobbies and offices, and curved walls which promote accessibility and visual connection, making spaces intuitive and welcoming.