Ross Barney Architects Revitalizes Chicago’s Auburn Gresham Corridor with Community-Focused Design

Ross Barney Architects (RBA) has completed a significant revitalization project in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood, transforming two long-vacant parcels on the area’s “Main Street” into vibrant mixed-use residential buildings. The project, a key component of the City of Chicago’s Invest South/West initiative, emphasizes community collaboration and aims to create a dynamic future for the historic commercial corridor.

Community-Driven Vision

The development addresses a critical need for housing and amenities in Auburn Gresham, a South Side neighborhood historically impacted by urban renewal and economic disinvestment. The project’s genesis involved a deliberate effort to move beyond traditional top-down planning. Initially, a proposal for a large apartment complex on one vacant lot faced resistance from residents who felt their concerns about density and neighborhood character were not heard.

Recognizing this disconnect, RBA, in partnership with Evergreen Housing, initiated a more inclusive engagement process. This involved extensive virtual and in-person consultations, particularly during the pandemic, to actively involve community members in shaping the design. Through these discussions, the architects learned about a generational gap in the neighborhood: older residents often envisioned a return to the past commercial strip, while younger residents struggled to find suitable housing and amenities within their own community. This revealed a lack of opportunities for young people to live, work, and play in Auburn Gresham, leading many to leave the area.

Architectural Response

The design team, led by RBA, worked with the City of Chicago to secure an additional parcel of land, allowing for the distribution of units across two sites. This strategy enabled a more nuanced approach to massing and integration with the existing urban fabric.

The first site features 28 units spread across two segments along 79th Street. One segment presents a three-story facade clad in maroon and gray brick, while the other employs an undulating, three-story facade that zigzags over the ground-floor commercial space. A glazed bridge connects these blocks, and beneath it, a green space offers a respite from the bustling street.

The second, smaller site hosts a five-story, L-shaped building with 30 units. This structure incorporates recessed, sunflower-colored balconies that contrast with cream-and-gray cement board paneling, adding depth and visual interest. This building also includes significant amenities for residents, such as an expansive rooftop deck and a laundry room with views of downtown Chicago.

Future-Oriented Development

The impact of the project is already evident. According to David Block, director of development at Evergreen Real Estate Group, all residential units have been rented, with a majority occupied by younger tenants. This influx of new residents is crucial for the neighborhood’s future, enabling younger generations to remain or return to Auburn Gresham and contributing to the revitalization of local businesses.

A restaurant is slated to occupy the ground-floor retail space at the second site, promising to bring much-needed vitality and dining options to the corner. Ross Barney Architects is also reportedly designing an additional phase for the development, indicating a continued commitment to the neighborhood’s long-term growth. This project serves as a compelling example of how thoughtful design, coupled with genuine community engagement, can create inclusive and sustainable urban environments that cater to the needs of all residents, from long-time inhabitants to the next generation.

Key facts
| Aspect | Detail |
|—|—|
| Project Location | Auburn Gresham, Chicago |
| Architects | Ross Barney Architects |
| Developer | Evergreen Housing |
| Initiative | Invest South/West |
| Unit Distribution | 28 units on Site 1, 30 units on Site 2 |
| Occupancy | Fully rented, predominantly by younger tenants |

Source: The Architect’s Newspaper, https://www.archpaper.com/2026/06/ross-barney-architects-revitalization-chicago-commercial-corridor/

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