Healthcare Alternative Systems

LOCATION:

Chicago, Illinois

CLIENT:

H.A.S.

SITE   AREA:

0.17acre | 0.06 ha (parking lot)

SIZE:

29,905 sf / 2,778 sm

PROGRAM:

new new headquarters for a non-profit organization to include offices, behavior health, medicated assited treatment area, and communitiy meeting space

DESIGN:

2019-2020

CONSTRUCTION:

2020-2023

TYPE:

Healthcare

A new paradigm in Delivering Behavior Health Services

Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) understands the urgent need for mental health and substance use treatment and has been committed to serving the Chicago-land community since 1972. HAS believes that healthy individuals, healthy families, and healthy communities all depend on one another, a philosophy of caring and communal responsibility that defines their multi-faceted approach to behavioral health and as such is responding to the needs of the Austin neighborhood community. Austin is the second largest community area by population in Chicago and the second-largest geographically yet limited in healthcare related resources.

The new HAS Chicago Avenue location will take over an existing but vacant warehouse that will be rehabilitated and developed into a multi-functional healthcare based facility. The first phase of the work will bring to life a warm and welcoming behavioral health center that will provide culturally relevant mental health services. The design of the facility will be influenced by it’s sense of place and leverage as much of its existing interior elements as possible. The exposed timber beams and concrete floors will be complemented with additional warmth through use of warm materials and infused by vibrant colors and local works of art. Sculpted ceilings with integrated LED lighting will be utilized as a form of way-finding and to highlight quick access to the various departments within the facility. Additional windows and a large storefront entry, budget allowing, will be leveraged to infuse daylight throughout the space as much as possible. Essentially, the facility will be a place of respite where the community, staff, clients, and visitors alike feel a sense of warmth and welcome as the approach the building, walk through the front doors and experience the space.