The master planning process for Chicago Housing Authority’s Altgeld Gardens included an extensive public outreach program, implemented as part of CHA’s new strategic initiative called “Plan Forward: Communities that Work.”

Brook was one of the planning team’s two architectural firms. The residents distrusted the planning process and the planning team and they disagreed with CHA’s Plan Forward strategy. The team had to complete the work quickly, making the process even more of a challenge.

Sensitive to the community’s position, Brook gave community members ample opportunities to voice their opinions as Brook patiently led public workshops, town hall meetings, focus groups, charrettes on housing and education, and then presented alternate plan options. Their presence and level-headed approach with the community throughout the planning and design process helped to build consensus and acceptance of the final plan.

Brook assisted with developing:

• assessment of current site amenities

• master plan options

• housing approaches for specific groups – seniors, young families, grand families and those needing assisted living

• concepts for recreational areas for young adults by creating graffiti gardens and life-size chess boards