Lawson House

Lawson House, a 24-story Art Deco building currently under renovation, dates from 1931 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Through this renovation, 583 single room occupancy (SRO) units have been de-converted to 409 studio apartments with private kitchens and bathrooms providing affordable housing in the heart of the Near North Side.

Notable building changes include transforming the former YMCA gymnasium into a fitness center and converting the pool area into an event space. Resident amenities include onsite social services, a green roof and terrace, computer labs, television lounges, and onsite laundry and storage facilities. Historic elements are to be preserved and restored throughout the building. The project is one of seven Living Building Challenge (LBC) Affordable Housing pilots chosen in 2015, seeking to marry affordable development with sustainable design. The redevelopment is led by co-developers Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation and Holsten Human Capital Development. Farr Associates leads the design team.

Staff will provide guided tours of the lobby and basement pool area to 10 visitors at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Since this is still an active construction site, access will be limited to these spaces.

There will also be before-and-after photos of spaces under renovation, and QR codes to lead people to additional information. Visitors will be asked to sign a liability waiver. Portable toilets will be available, and free bottles of water will be provided. Photography is allowed.