Latent

Hazel M. Johnson Institute for Sustainability + Environmental Justice

Project Description

Altgeld Gardens was built in the 1940s on the south side of Chicago, was constructed on a toxic waste site, creating a hazardous “toxic donut” around the development.  Despite environmental challenges, the community became known for its resilience, with residents advocating for improvements and environmental justice.  Building C was designed by Danish-born architect John C. Christiansen, is the largest and most notable of the historic Carver School Buildings, featuring unique Chicago school architecture.  Listed as one of Illinois’ 2021 Most Endangered Historic Places, it requires major rehabilitation, according to a recent architectural study.

PCR envisions transforming Building C into the Hazel M Johnson Institute for Sustainability and Environmental Justice, a dynamic educational hub at the heart of Altgeld Gardens, the birthplace of environmental justice. This revitalized space will inspire a new generation of leaders in environmental equity on Chicago’s far South Side.

Project Details

Location
Chicago, IL
Area
20,000 SF
Typology
Adaptive Reuse | Cultural | Research Institute
LEED Certification
LEED GOLD

Partners

Nurture | Historic Preservation + Sustainability WBE, Jima Studio | Landscape M/WBE, TYLin Silman | Structural Engineering, ediFel | MEPFP Engineering M/WBE
With community + local stakeholders the legacy of Hazel M. Johnson will be seamlessly integrated into a historically restored Building C that honors Sustainability + Environmental Justice.

Project Gallery

The relentless efforts for environmental justice define Hazel Johnson's legacy.
“If we want a safe environment for our children and grandchildren, we must clean up our act no matter how hard a task may be.”

Hazel M. JohnsonFounder HMJI

  1. 1 The Ripple Effect

    One small change can have an enormous impact.

  2. 2 Ripple Park

    A central story at the entrance can build the narrative beyond the building.

  3. 3 Preserving the Past

    To Change the Future.

  4. 4 Who Why How

    Latent Builds Community Resiliency.

  5. 5 Vision Statement

    Vision Statement

New skylights will introduce natural vegetation into the central spaces.
Former classrooms transformed into community labs.
Local community needs taken straight to the top.
“Every day, I complain, protest and object. But it takes such vigilance and activism to keep legislators on their toes and government accountable to the people on environmental issues. I’ve been thrown in jail twice for getting in the way of big business. But I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop as long as I’m breathing. … If we want a safe environment for our children and grandchildren, we must clean up our act, no matter how hard a task it might be.”

Hazel M. JohnsonExecutive Order 12898 060

LATENT, NURTURE, EDIFEL, JIMA STUDIO + TYLIN SILMAN COLLABORATIVELY RESTORE CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT ARCHITECTURE.
CAREFUL ANALYSIS + PRESERVATION TECHNIQUES GUIDE OUR TEAM.
FLEX SPACE
FLEX SPACE
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