The new five-story Broadway Youth Center (BYC), designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects, is now open at 1023 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. The new facility greatly increases the scope and size of the non-profit’s comprehensive social and healthcare services for Chicago’s LGBTQI+ youth.
Sited on a narrow lot at a vibrant intersection with an El station immediately behind it, the building serves as a welcoming, inclusive beacon for the community. The 20,000-sf facility quadruples the physical footprint of the organization and arranges the programs vertically, including a health clinic, a pharmacy, a cafe, day-time community spaces, and private spaces for counseling, career, and social services.
Staff at a reception desk greet clients upon entry in the context of a cafe, where they can sit while they wait for services. Several Chicago LGBTQ artists and allies will soon install new murals that represent the community’s creative, youthful, and energetic spirit in this space, as well.
The building’s street facade is a quilt composed of masonry panels in varying hues and textures that wrap around the building. Punched windows at the lower floors allow each clinic space and office to receive natural light. Large expanses of windows allow for panoramic views from gathering rooms and drop-in spaces on the upper floors. At the rear of the building a video installation projects video artwork reflecting BYC’s mission onto upper-story double height windows at night.
Related Stories
University Buildings | Sep 16, 2020
A new interprofessional hub opens on U. Minnesota’s campus
The Health Sciences Education Center includes two floors for simulation and immersive training.
Healthcare Facilities | Sep 16, 2020
New Foster + Partners-designed hospital begins construction in Cairo
The project focuses on natural light, greenery, and views of the outside.
Healthcare Facilities | Sep 10, 2020
Easing the oncology journey: The role of urgent care
Oncology patients are better served when they’re connected to the right staff.
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 27, 2020
A hospital addition in Maryland was designed and built in 120 days
Lean practices, and early engagement with the county’s permitting department, moved this project forward quickly.
Building Team | Aug 21, 2020
A healthcare project in Wisconsin benefits from including MEP subs in early design discussions
Prefabrication played a major role in quickening construction.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 13, 2020
New VA care center showcases the agency’s P3 approach to financing healthcare facilities
Clinic programming enhances patient privacy.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 5, 2020
New Shenzhen Children’s Hospital will be covered in sky gardens
B+H Architects is designing the project.
Healthcare Facilities | Jul 16, 2020
University of California San Francisco selects HDR and Herzog & de Meuron to design new hospital
The hospital is part of UCSF’s academic medical center.
Coronavirus | Jul 1, 2020
Are hospitals prepared for the next pandemic?
Caught off guard by COVID-19, healthcare systems take stock of the capacity and preparedness.