Goals

Enlace Chicago is a non-profit organization supporting the Little Village community through violence prevention, education and community development programs. Canopy was commissioned by Enlace to develop a new design for their flagship facility to accommodate their primary organizational needs, as well as the greater community needs.

Results

The new 3-story building uses materials common to the neighborhood, brick and glass block, applying them in innovative ways to create a new, inviting, yet contextual aesthetic. The building features operable glazed panels that open the interior spaces to the street to strengthen the relationship between Enlace and the community, while blurring the relationship of interior and exterior. A roof deck, computer lab and interior multi-purpose spaces provide additional flexibility to accommodate a variety of programs that address the needs of both the community and organization.