This mixed-use renovation in West Town gave a classic Chicago building new purpose as a modern, sustainable live-work space. We worked with our clients from the start, first helping them find the right property, and then renovating it from the ground up.
Our clients weren’t just looking for a building—they were looking for a project with a clear purpose. They wanted to create a sustainable residence above a street-level commercial space that could serve as a neighborhood hub. Acting as their real estate broker, we toured several properties together before finding the perfect, dilapidated building. A neglected mixed-use property with a hair salon on the first floor and an apartment above that had seen better days.
We were there for the closing, popped some Champagne, and got to work. As both architects and general contractors, we took on the full renovation of the mixed-use building, addressing structural issues, replacing outdated systems, and rethinking the space from the inside out. Now, it’s a light-filled, energy-efficient apartment over a ground-floor storefront, designed for the way people live now. And yes, the resident cats fully approve—they’ve been supervising the whole way through.
Reviving Old Buildings with Sustainable Design
The project began with a review of existing conditions, which revealed concealed structural damage beneath the roof. We removed deteriorated roofing material and replaced the undersized support system with a reinforced steel lintel capable of supporting new loads, including a revised glazing system at the storefront. Structural integrity was a prerequisite for further architectural interventions.
We reconstructed the street-facing facade using a US Aluminum storefront system with thermally broken framing and high-efficiency, dual-glazed operable panels. We selected the windows for their combination of performance and flexibility, which allows for passive ventilation while reducing operational energy loads. A new entry door system completed the thermal envelope improvements at ground level.
Apartment Entry & Renovation
The existing second-floor apartment had all the telltale signs of a tired Chicago flat: three cramped bedrooms, a single undersized bathroom, a dark and narrow entry staircase, and an unsightly, hastily added rear porch. The layout didn’t flow, the windows weren’t pulling their weight, and the kitchen felt more like a pass-through rather than a gathering space. It was boxed in with barely enough storage cabinets, no island, and little room to tackle a coq au vin. Our renovation of the mixed-use space addressed all these issues.
We removed the rear porch and reworked the entry sequence by creating a dedicated residential entry off the street with a proper door and interior double glass doors for cat safety. The kitchen and bathroom were fully renovated with new fixtures, properly sized plumbing, and a completely new lighting design.
To bring more light deeper into the apartment, we installed skylights and replaced the existing street-facing windows with new aluminum grid units that frame the views. These windows not only improve daylight access but also visually connect the apartment to the commercial storefront below. The revised interior layout supports a more open and functional kitchen, as well as a generous living area, while increasing storage and circulation. We installed radiant floor heating for added comfort and warmth. Additionally, we upgraded all systems to be electric and efficient, including a 2.5-ton all-electric heat pump for both heating and cooling, as well as a 50-gallon electric heat pump water heater.
Remodel Systems Upgrades for Energy Efficiency
New plumbing infrastructure was installed beneath a fresh concrete slab in the retail unit. The electrical system was completely upgraded with a high-efficiency service. Designed in collaboration with the client, it supports a rooftop solar array and accounts for time-of-use energy patterns. Separating the residential and commercial loads allowed for right-sized, efficient system design.
Community Integration and Streetscape Activation
As part of the facade restoration, we worked with the West Town Special Service Area (SSA) to secure funding for architectural preservation and exterior enhancements. This included full tuckpointing, facade restoration, and the commissioning of a mural by local artist JB Snyder. This colorful design element stands out as a visual anchor along the corridor. The updated street-facing elements not only improve thermal performance but also contribute to the walkability and character of the neighborhood.
The first-floor commercial storefront is flexible for any future tenant, such as a vintage clothing and furniture shop, an event space, or a venue for hosting artist pop-ups, fundraisers, and community gatherings. This programmatic layering—residential above, commercial space below—extends the building’s utility beyond its walls. Our clients see the benefit in having a retail tenant below versus a residential unit – they feel that an apartment wouldn’t create the level of public engagement that they experience with the commercial space.
Designing for Density and Efficiency
This project shows the lasting value of small-scale urban infill. By activating a single lot with both commercial and residential uses, it adds energy to the neighborhood. The mix of uses invites a broader range of people to share space, contributing to a more dynamic urban fabric.
Instead of tearing down and starting over, we focused on adapting, preserving, and upgrading the existing building. Through structural interventions, high-performance systems, and a thoughtful design approach, the renovation transformed an overlooked building into a sustainable, community-oriented space for living and working.
Before-and-During Mixed Use Renovation: Site Conditions and Construction
Exterior view at top; kitchen and main living area shown below
