Lanam Rapp Building

A new chapter in permanent supportive housing

The Lanam Rapp Building is a new construction, permanent supportive housing project commissioned by Impact Behavioral Health Partners. Named after the family of a major donor and supporter of Impact, it includes 16 units of affordable, long-term housing for people living with behavioral health or other disabilities. The mixed-use building has residential apartments on upper floors and commercial space and resident common areas on the ground floor, including a community room and therapy space.

Impact Behavioral Health Partners provides behavioral health services and affordable supportive housing to adults recovering from chronic mental illness and at risk of homelessness. In addition to providing safe and stable housing, the Lanam Rapp Building is designed to promote independence, community, and overall wellness. Conveniently located on Floral Avenue in Skokie, within walking distance of the library, shopping, healthcare services, and public transportation, it offers residents easy access to the amenities and services that support daily life and foster community connection. The building, scaled to suit the character of the existing built environment surrounding the site, serves as a bridge between the commercial activity of downtown Skokie and the surrounding lower-density residential neighborhoods.

The all-masonry design evokes a sense of stability and security for vulnerable residents. Dwelling units and common spaces follow trauma-informed design principles, allowing residents to have options and autonomy over how they engage with spaces in the building and with other residents and staff. All units feature Universal Design elements, and light-filled corridors follow biophilic principles to encourage a sense of connection to the natural world. The community room offers an engaging atmosphere for group gatherings, striking a balance between openness to the surrounding neighborhood and security.

As part of our ongoing evidence-based design practice, WJW conducted an intensive Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the building consisting of direct observations, detailed surveys of residents and staff, and follow-up interviews to determine what building elements are working well for residents, and where improvements could be made.

The Lanam Rapp Building was awarded Permanent Supportive Housing grant funding by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). This development is a vital step toward a healthier, more inclusive community—where everyone has a place to live and the support they need to flourish.