15 Elizabeth, an urban infill project on a quiet, pedestrian street in Chicago’s West Loop, represents a forward-thinking approach to multifamily living.
The project features five unique, two- to three-bedroom units and two multilevel penthouses, with each unit prioritizing privacy, daylight, and direct access to outdoor spaces. The project’s site benefited from an alley right-of-way on its side, enabling the incorporation of windows and access to daylight along the south end of the building.
A focus on budget necessitated the exterior materials chosen for the project be cost-effective, low maintenance, and elegant. Utilizing steel and glass, the design adheres to budget while also drawing inspiration from the industrial vernacular of the surrounding neighborhood. The exterior façade is composed of a series of shifting corrugated metal planes placed according to the natural light and transparency requirements of the units, according to architect firm Miller Hull Partnership.
Each unit features dedicated elevator access that opens into the unit’s foyer and spacious open concept living kitchen area. Ceiling truss accents help define the living spaces, while wide plank oak flooring and glass expanses integrate the interiors with the urban environmental surrounding area. The penthouse units feature floor-to-ceiling windows, high-end finishes, outdoor terraces, and roof decks revealing views of the West Loop in all directions.
The Miller Hull Partnership says the project is “lean and direct,” with an efficient and economical form. The project challenges the prevailing conceptions of dense urban infill housing, illustrating such projects can provide connections to daylight and nature while also delivering privacy and a sense of enclosure.
Project Details
Award: Merit
Category: Multifamily, Duplexes, and Townhomes / Mixed-Use
Architect: The Miller Hull Partnership
Developers: Ranquist Development Group, JODI Development, and Campbell Coyle
Interior Design: Jennings Creative Studio
Location: Chicago
Size: 18,450 square feet
