Neighborhood News

Lakeview Pantry Wins Design Award

Posted on March 7, 2017

Congratulations to Lakeview Pantry! On February 28, Wheeler Kearns Architects was presented with the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award at the Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards for its design of the new Lakeview Pantry.

“Wheeler Kearns’ outstanding design work allows us to forge a new chapter for Lakeview Pantry, so we can continue to serve our neighbors in a dignified and efficient manner,” said Executive Director Kellie O’Connell. “The new building allows us to expand our impact in the community and put down enduring roots so clients can feel hope for the future.”

Wheeler Kearns winning design doubles Lakeview Pantry’s headquarters to 7,500 square feet, providing more room for its food distribution and social service programs.

After 45 years serving Chicago’s North Side, Lakeview Pantry outgrew the one-story building it rented and in 2015, launched a capital campaign to purchase its first permanent home. The two-story brick masonry building sits beneath the Sheridan “El” station at 3945 N. Sheridan on Chicago’s North Side.

The new building allows clients the experience of receiving food in an uplifting and enjoyable environment, or, as one client said, entering the building made him forget he was poor because “spaces for poor people are usually not this nice.” The new facility combats the stigma associated with receiving food assistance with a warm, welcoming, efficient, and functional environment.

“The (Lakeview Pantry) project is about trying to create an environment that has the power to build up those who are dealing with food insecurity and faced with an undignified duty of asking for help,” says Danny Wicke, Project Architect at Wheeler Kearns Architects. “If it achieves that and people can feel it, I think we’ve been really successful.”

 

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