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Good Design is for Everyone

LBBA is a Chicago-based architectural practice established in 1987 that is distinguished by its community-based approach. An innovative leader and hands-on champion of affordable housing and neighborhood planning, LBBA believes good design should be available to all. Together with clients and community stakeholders, LBBA co-creates inventive, inviting, and sustainable spaces and places that transform lives, revitalize neighborhoods, and regenerate cities.

Elm 551 at Parkside

As a part of the Chicago Housing Authority’s “Plan for Transformation” on the site of the former Cabrini-Green housing project, Elm 551 at Parkside of Old Town shifts the old high-rise public housing model to one of midrise and low-rise mixed-income housing. The goal of the project design was for community based, urban, sustainable, and well-designed buildings that say “housing”...

McCrory Senior Apartments

McCrory Senior Apartments is the development of a stretch of ten vacant lots on Chicago’s Near West Side into 62 units of affordable housing for low-income seniors. The project is a transit-oriented development located in a highly desirable area, just three blocks from United Center and walkable or easily accessible to restaurants, retail shops, supportive services, and healthcare facilities.

Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center

The Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center (REC Center) is a mixed-use development in Detroit’s Piety Hill neighborhood that will create 43 units of permanent supportive housing for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness within a larger mixed-use development offering social services, health care, and employment opportunities.

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News + Events

April Baby Shower

March showers bring spring and summer babies. Congratulations to Alexis, Ashley, and Jennifer. We can't wait to welcome more babies to the LBBA family!

Women’s History Month: Maya Angelou

As Women's History Month comes to an end, we're taking the opportunity to highlight Maya Angelou, an author, poet, and civil rights activist whose words have inspired generations. One of her best-known writings, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," ...

Firebird Community Arts

We had so much fun at Firebird Community Arts' hot shop yesterday, where we got the chance to craft glass-blown paperweights and bowls with the help of the Firebird artists. Firebird Community Arts is a wonderful organization that supports individuals ...

March Lunch & Learn: Design Committee

One of our favorite parts about being back in the office? Our lunch & Learns, especially if pizza is involved. This week, the Design Committee led an office-wide charrette to gather new ideas for a current project. This not only ...

Women’s History Month: Lucy Gonzalez Parsons

Today's highlight for Women's History Month — Lucy Gonzalez Parsons. A fierce activist and leading figure in the early Chicago labor movement, Parsons is known for her striking prose and unwavering political efforts. Parsons fought for the rights of the ...

2023 Illinois Affordable Housing Forum

Earlier this week we had the exciting opportunity to attend the 2023 Illinois Affordable Housing Forum. During the two-day event, panelists discussed issues surrounding affordable housing for marginalized groups, homelessness across Illinois, and the proposal for a new state tax ...

AIA Chicago Foundation to honor Breah Page, AIA with Dubin Family Young Architect Award

Miriam Apartments

Landmarks Illinois' Preservation Forwards awards and backdrop

Landmark Illinois Preservation Forward 2023

Preservation Forward, Landmarks Illinois' annual fundraiser, was so much fun! It was hosted last week at the Old Post Office building this year, where we had a great time celebrating the 2023 Influencers who’ve helped shape and preserve Illinois’ built ...

LBBA News + Events

CHICAGO HAS A SOLID COMMUNITY WORKING IN PUBLIC INTEREST DESIGN. LBBA IS ALWAYS AT THE TABLE.

KRISANN REHBEIN, MANAGER OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION

LBBA Studio