Note: CNU and Public Square are closed the week of June 5, following a successful CNU 31 in Charlotte.

When neighborhoods revitalize, full-time artists are often squeezed out by skyrocketing rents. The goal of Pullman Artspace Lofts in the historic Pullman neighborhood on the Far South Side of Chicago is to provide stable housing for working artists in a lively urban community.

“This project demonstrates excellence in adaptive reuse, contextual infill, neighborhood revitalization, and affordability,” comments the CNU Charter Awards jury, which recognized the development. Jury members were also impressed that Pullman Artspace Lofts stem from grassroots demand and change in the neighborhood.

The team acquired and renovated two 140-year-old historic structures, and added a third building between them, to create 38 homes where artists can live and work. All the living spaces are affordable and accessible. It also contains a public art gallery and event space so that artists can showcase their work. “The social and cultural impacts of the programming at the art gallery and community event space and having Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives as the operator serve as  stabilizing anchors to the community,” observes the jury.

Built in 1881, the Pullman neighborhood was originally conceived by George Pullman as a company town for his train car factory but was eventually absorbed into Chicago. The district and its existing buildings are recognized as landmarks at the local, state, and national level, and Pullman was designated a National Monument in 2015. Despite its significance, the neighborhood struggled economically in the latter part of the 20th Century, due to the loss of industrial jobs. Pullman is also constrained geographically by Interstate 94 and a rail line. Today, the population is majority African American with an unemployment rate of 17 percent, and a median household income of $36,000. The quality of this renovation and new addition help anchor and stabilize the surrounding Pullman neighborhood, the jury emphasizes.

The past ten years have seen Pullman welcome jobs and commercial investment, sustainable industries, and a visitor center, but little new housing. “No new affordable housing or renovation of multifamily dwellings or apartments has taken place in Pullman in more than 60 years, until now,” the team reports.

The design team was challenged to create durable and desirable units that allowed for customization, alongside community and gallery space while preserving and restoring important elements of protected historic landmarks. “The design had to meet these goals on a responsible budget while complementing the architectural heritage of a unique urban place,” the team explains.

This project was deeply informed by community engagement workshops initiated by the stakeholders, architect, and developers. More than 380 artists and community members supported the development of a live-work space for artists and their families.

“The historic buildings that today house Pullman Artspace Lofts had long been neglected and abandoned and faced possible demolition,” notes David Doig, president of Chicago Neighborhoods Initiative. “Today, they are a new home for artists and their families, and the units' affordability is ensured for at least 30 years.”

Historic tax credits made the project financially viable. Details of the new infill building respect the neighborhood heritage: the traditional Pullman door, window, masonry details, and mansard roofs. 

The urban form of the neighborhood was also respected—re-establishing the street edge and placing the art gallery entrance on the first level of the lofts connects to the grid and reaches out to the public. New, articulated front porches and front yard green spaces emulate the historical character of the neighborhood. 

The development, which opened in 2019, has been well received by residents. "Living here has just been extremely inspiring,” agrees one occupant. “I've been in a lot of lofts in the past and this by far is the best because it's all new. I love the fact that I can exhibit my artworks right here in my home or even in the main building areas.”

View Pullman Artspace Lofts' Charter Awards ceremony video here.

Pullman Artspace Lofts, Chicago, Illinois

• Stantec Architecture Inc., Principal firm
• Pullman Artspace Lofts LLC (Artspace, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, PullmanArts), Client
• Pepper Construction, General contractor
• Brown & Momen Inc., General contractor

2023 Charter Awards Jury

• Megan O’Hara (chair), Principal, Urban Design Associates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Andre Brumfield, Principal and Global Director for Cities and Urban Design at Gensler in Chicago, Illinois
• Krupali Uplekar Krusche, Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame School of Architecture in South Bend, Indiana
• Jennifer Settle, urban designer, architect, and Senior Associate with Opticos Design in Chicago, Illinois
• Patrick Siegman, transportation planner, economist, and Principal of Siegman & Associates in San Francisco, California