Access Health and Housing
Maywood, IL
Promoting independence with community-based housing for adults with disabilities
Created as part of IFF's Home First program and completed in 2023, Access Health and Housing is a scattered-site development of accessible, affordable apartments for adults with disabilities. The project transformed six vacant lots in Maywood, IL into a set of 2-story apartment buildings as well as one mixed-use building on the corner lot. With office space on the ground floor and two residential units above, the mixed-use building now houses a wellness center operated by development partner Trinity Health. Funding support for the project came from IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing grant program.
Access Health and Housing's brightly lit, modern apartments provide a welcome alternative to nursing homes for disabled Illinois residents seeking more independence while maintaining access to community-based health services. The neighborhood setting and small scale buildings offer a sense of home and independence that would not otherwise be available. The six buildings are designed to fit seamlessly into the existing streetscape while also providing a beautiful, accessible space to call home. Public transportation is easily accessible.
Similar to Access West Cook, a sister project that also created apartments on scattered sites in multiple western suburbs, each building is unique but connected by rhyming design elements. Accessible features are found throughout, such as floating canopies over the doorways that create a sheltered transition from outdoors to indoors without columns that would interfere with wheelchair access. Inside the units, barn doors are used throughout to enhance accessibility, a feature well liked by residents interviewed in WJW’s post-occupancy evaluations.
Energy efficiency is also a key component of the design, which was created to meet the standards for 2015 NGBS Silver certification. The appliances are energy star rated and insulation in the walls and roof exceed Energy Code requirements.
Access Health and Housing is part of a broader effort to create new housing options for vulnerable populations that promote dignity, independence, and community, while also revitalizing the neighborhoods in which they’re built.
