Project Overview
Stephen’s Commons in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood demonstrates how design ingenuity and precast concrete expertise intersect to transform a challenging urban site into a thriving senior community. Designed by LBBA Architects and brought to life by precast concrete producer Wells, this six-story, 73-unit affordable senior housing development redefines urban living for residents aged 62 and older. Combining architectural creativity with the efficiency of a total–precast concrete solution, the project delivers a vibrant, health-focused environment that fosters community engagement and sustainability, all while preserving affordability in a neighborhood where rising rents threaten displacement.
Rooted in Connection
From the moment residents enter the light-filled lobby framed by floor-to-ceiling windows at Stephen’s Commons, they are immersed in a design that prioritizes movement, connection, and comfort. At the heart of the structure lies an active circulation loop, transforming everyday movement into opportunities for social interaction and physical activity. Each floor is color-coded for easy navigation, and staircases feature calorie counts to encourage fitness, blending wellness into daily life.
The development’s rooftop deck serves as a crown jewel, offering sweeping city views and a green oasis for relaxation and community gatherings. This space was engineered with precision: deep precast concrete double tees support landscaping loads while maintaining column-free parking below, maximizing functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. Cantilevered panels and depressed slabs further enhance the rooftop’s footprint, creating a dynamic outdoor environment that feels expansive despite the tight urban site.
Precast concrete played a pivotal role in bringing Stephen’s Commons to life. The total–precast concrete solution—encompassing wall panels, spandrels, hollow-core, beams, and columns—delivered structural integrity, accelerated construction, and optimized costs. Off-site fabrication minimized disruption in the densely packed neighborhood, while year-round installation kept the project on schedule through Chicago’s harsh winter months. The result is a resilient, energy-efficient building that reduces heating and cooling costs, offers superior soundproofing, and promises long-term durability.
Aesthetically, Stephen’s Commons reflects the vibrancy of its surroundings. Inspired by local public art, the exterior features a bold palette of white and charcoal accented with colorful stained concrete and dynamic sunshades that animate the façade throughout the day. Intricate reveal patterns around windows add depth and texture, achieved through custom wood formliners that streamlined production without compromising design complexity.
Beyond beauty and performance, sustainability is woven into the project’s DNA. The building adheres to Fitwel standards, promoting health through active design and green features. Its rooftop garden manages stormwater retention and incorporates native, drought-resistant plants, while precast concrete panels reduce material waste and environmental impact during construction. These choices underscore a commitment to both ecological responsibility and resident well-being.
With a footprint of nearly 77,000 ft2, Stephen’s Commons exemplifies how precast concrete technology can address pressing urban challenges. In a city where affordability and quality can feel mutually exclusive, this project proves they can coexist, ensuring seniors remain rooted in a thriving community.
Mason Nichols is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based writer and editor who has covered the precast concrete industry since 2013. |