Kenmore Plaza is the moderate rehab of a 324-unit, 28-story residential high-rise for seniors in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. Originally constructed in 1973, the building was acquired by the Kenmore Plaza Tenants Association in 1997 with proceeds provided by HUD under LIHPRHA (Low Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act). LIHPRHA was enacted to preserve the existing affordable housing stock with an emphasis on not-for-profit and resident acquisitions.

Kenmore Plaza is now owned and operated by the Kenmore Plaza Tenants Association as a senior community. With the Tenants Association serving as the client, the design team worked closely with residents throughout the project to ensure the renovation met their needs. The residents and resident board worked through countless hoops to secure the necessary financing and approvals, bringing an impressive commitment and positive attitude to the process. The result is a fully rehabbed, upgraded, accessible, and secure building.

The residents were able to stay in their apartments during renovation, and the entire ground floor was expanded and fully rehabbed to provide more community spaces and a larger management office with on-site services. The private garden was fully reworked and replanted for accessibility, security, and beauty. Overall, the renovation will reduce operating costs and improve water and energy efficiency long term through the use of durable, easy-to-maintain materials and energy-efficient equipment.