John Ronan Architect LLC

Independence Library and Apartments

Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio

Independence Library and Apartments 

John Ronan Architects

MANUFACTURERS
Alpolic, Centria, Gate Precast, Kawneer, Pittco, Traco

LEAD ARCHITECTS
John Ronan Faia

LEED
Dbhms

LANDSCAPE
Terra Engineering

CIVIL
Terra Engineering

LIGHTING
 Dbhms 

STRUCTURAL
Thornton Tomasetti

FIRE PROTECTION
Dbhms

CONTRACTOR
Leopardo Companies

ACOUSTICIAN
Shiner Acoustics

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

MEP
Dbhms

DEVELOPER
Evergreen Real Estate Group

MEP/FP
Dbhms

PHOTOGRAPHS
James Florio

AREA
60000 Ft²

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
Chicago, United States

CATEGORY
Mixed Use Architecture, Library, Sustainability

Text description provided by architect.

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.

Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio

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.

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.

Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio

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.

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
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio

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


Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio


Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio
Independence Library and Apartments
© James Florio


Independence Library and Apartments
Axonometric diagram


Independence Library and Apartments
Ground floor plan - library
Independence Library and Apartments
Second floor plan - library
Independence Library and Apartments
Residential floor plan
Independence Library and Apartments
Site plan


Independence Library and Apartments
Section A
Independence Library and Apartments
Section B
Independence Library and Apartments
Section perspective
Independence Library and Apartments
Section sketch

John Ronan Architect LLC
T +1 312 9516600 F +1 312 9516544
John Ronan Architect LLC
610 N Fairbanks Ct, Chicago, IL 60611, United States