Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects

Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© James Florio

Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, FacadeIndependence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Interior Photography, ShelvingIndependence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Windows, Brick, FacadeIndependence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Image 5 of 30Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - More Images+ 25

  • Project Team: John Ronan, Marcin Szef, Andre Akins, Danielle Beaulieu, Sam Park, Eric Cheng, John Kerner, Courtney Arabea, Laura Gomez Hernandez, Will Corcoran, Wenda Wei
  • Developer: Evergreen Real Estate Group
  • Fire Protection: dbHMS
  • City: Chicago
  • Country: United States
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Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© James Florio

Text description provided by the architects. This hybrid library/affordable housing project in Chicago combines a 16,000 square foot branch library with a 44-unit affordable apartment complex for seniors. The two-story library element is slid forward on the site to the street to foreground its public nature, while the residential block, which hovers above, is set back from the street.

Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Interior Photography, Shelving
© James Florio

The two-story library supports reading and learning areas for all age groups, as well as a large community multi-purpose room which supports public lectures, gatherings and events. The second floor of the library extends out over the covered parking to form a park-like terrace space serving as an outdoor amenity space for residents as well as occasional library use.

Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Image 5 of 30
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Image 22 of 30
Ground floor plan - library
Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Image 26 of 30
Section B
Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Interior Photography, Shelving
© James Florio

All apartments feature brightly-colored balconies recessed into the façade speak to individuality amidst the collective, enabling residents to identify their house from the street in a conscious attempt to transcend the brutal pragmatism which has characterized Chicago’s past efforts in this area.

Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Interior Photography, Shelving
© James Florio

Sustainable design elements include green roof, storm water management, daylighting and passive ventilation.

Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Windows, Brick, Facade
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© James Florio

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Project location

Address:Chicago, Illinois, United States

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Independence Library and Apartments / John Ronan Architects" 01 Nov 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/927467/independence-library-and-apartments-john-ronan-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© James Florio

芝加哥独立图书馆+公寓 / John Ronan Architects

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