PODER HQ - Chicago, Illinois
Located in Gage Park on Chicago’s south west side, PODER HQ aims to create an inspiring and state of the art immigrant integration, job center and public outdoor event space. To achieve this, a diverse program was developed to ensure PODER’s full range of services would be supported, and a targeted approach to adaptive reuse was employed.
PODER HQ is developed as a renovation and addition to an existing city owned property dating from the 1920’s which had been used for the repair of electrical equipment.
A central atrium is created within the structure, boldly capped by a new skylight set in PODER colors. The atrium acts to organize the program within a cohesive and light filled space.
To the east of the existing structure, a new public plaza is created fronting 55th street and within it, a glass clad pavilion is set. The addition supports PODER’s educational offerings and makes a clear priority of its civic engagement mission.
PODER HQ was developed in collaboration with design architect FGP Atelier, owner’s representatives baso, ltd, and general contractor KATTARA Construction.