The National Public Housing Museum occupies the last building remaining from the historic Jane Addams Homes on a 0.8-acre site at the corner of Taylor and Ada Streets on the Near West Side. The original three-and-a-half-story building, with exterior masonry bearing walls and interior concrete columns, beams, and slabs, was built in 1936 and remained vacant from 2002 until its renovation. It has been renovated and expanded to house recreated exhibition apartments, galleries, public programming areas, and offices for the museum and related programs. The museum occupies the southern and western wings of the building, while the northern wing is designated for office space and 15 affordable housing units.

The project scope includes restoration of the existing masonry walls and concrete structure, as well as installation of a new roof, windows, MEP systems, and life safety systems to meet the museum's operational demands. A new entry canopy, vestibule, and lobby face Ada Street, while new elevator and stair towers off the courtyard provide access and emergency egress from all levels. The west side of the first floor has been lowered to provide accessible at-grade entry and create a larger entry lobby and event space with access to a courtyard. This courtyard houses seven restored historic animal sculptures by Edgar Miller that were the original focal point of the Jane Addams Homes. Thirty-eight surface parking spaces are provided in a new lot on the north side of the building.

The project complies with current national and local energy codes as well as the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development's Sustainable Development Policy. Sustainable design features include native landscapes, permeable pavement for stormwater detention, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, and energy-efficient lighting.