2015 Bruce Abrams Award Winner: Buffett Place

A rehabilitation of the former Diplomat Hotel into modern, affordable housing, Buffett Place is a unique addition to the Lakeview area. With 51 fully-furnished apartments for individuals with special needs who are at risk for homelessness, 3208 N. Sheffield Ave. serves a need in the neighborhood. However, it also beautifies it, with a rooftop deck and garden created and maintained by the Chicago Botanic Garden, who teach residents how to care for the plants. Eventually, the flowers may be sold in the ground – level Urban Meadows floral shop, giving residents an opportunity for a roof over their heads as well as a chance to gain job skills. Buffett Place earned the Bruce Abrams award – the top honor – at the 2015 Good Neighbor Awards, 
for transforming the former hotel into an exciting, vibrant living and training space for those at-risk in 
the community. An environmentally-friendly renovation preserved many unique features and architectural details of the 1920s-era building, while bringing the residences up to 21^st century standards. The secure and supportive environment includes unit amenities, such as furnished studios with full kitchens, bathrooms and climate control, some of which are specially equipped for individuals with physical disabilities, as well as community features like front desk security, a common lounge, rooftop deck and garden, fitness room, computer room, art gallery, bicycle storage, salvaged wood finishes and mosaics by Archi-Treasures and the Urban Meadows flower shop. Beyond that, the on-site management and services only enhance the safe, supportive environment that Buffett Place strives to provide residents. Mental health services provider Thresholds offers supportive and 
mental health services to residents, and links them to health-care. And with additional on-site programs for employment, education, and counseling and support, residents have access to greatly-needed medical care and job skills opportunities. Buffett Place is community-friendly, as well as environmentally conscious. Sustainable building features include a Chicago Green Homes 3-star rating, a green roof, solar thermal hot water system and energy efficient systems and appliances. The building is Green Communities Certified and smoke-free. In many ways, Buffett Place continues the innovative legacy of Bruce Abrams by giving at-risk individuals a community, a home, and a host of services to better their lives. It is a great example of Commercial New Construction that enhances and improves the greater neighborhood and inspires an abundance of community pride.