Chicago’s vitality and energy can be attributed to many things: its location, its economy, its history, its civic and corporate leadership. One factor, however, that stands tall among all others is the preeminence of the city’s architecture and cityscape design.
A grand vision coupled with excellent craftsmanship resulted in the greystones, brownstones, bungalows, warehouses and commercial buildings that arose to meet the demands of a growing city. The parks and parkways—built to connect the neighborhoods to the city’s core—expressed a spirit of possibility and greatness. These structures and spaces have been the building blocks of the city, both as it grew and as it was revitalized.
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design was established to recognize the importance of great architecture and craftsmanship to city life. The recipients are architects and project sponsors who, through restoration or new construction, have created buildings and spaces that enhance Chicago’s neighborhoods. The goal is to encourage tomorrow’s builders to honor and emulate those architects and builders who made Chicago what it is today. The impact is an even more beautiful city with neighborhoods that are home to all of Chicago’s citizens.
Project eligibility: To be eligible a development must be located in a low- or moderate-income neighborhood or serve a low- or moderate-income population; be nominated, endorsed or sponsored by a Chicago non-profit organization and have the written endorsement of the user, the developer/owner and the architect; utilize local community resources in the planning and construction of the project; and have been completed within the last three years.
Award criteria: Winning projects must demonstrate superior design quality within the constraints imposed on the development by funding and regulatory agencies; enhance or serve as an integral part of the comprehensive development of the community; exhibit a creative design solution that commends it as a model for projects in other neighborhoods; and provide an acceptable long-term strategy for issues of displacement, if relevant, of residents, businesses or community facilities.
The award amount is $15,000 to the top recipient and $3,000 and $2,000 respectively to the runners-up. The cash prize for the award will be given to the architect of record. Judges may also decide to divide the award among two or more developments. The award presentation date will be in conjunction with the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDA) annual event.
Selection process: The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation will name an independent group of judges annually to review nominees and select winners. Awards will not necessarily be made each year, but will depend on the quality and responsiveness of the developments recommended for consideration.
All applications are due Friday, Oct. 19. For an application or more information, contact Gary Huebner at (312) 697-6455.
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