Amberleaf Home is excited to share that the Lawson House project has been honored with two prestigious awards from AIA Illinois in April 2024: the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award and the Capitol Award. These awards recognize the project’s exceptional contribution to architectural preservation and its transformative impact on the community.

The Excellence in Historic Preservation Award highlights the successful restoration of Lawson House, originally built in 1931. Through a carefully planned rehabilitation, the building was transformed into 409 affordable micro-apartments, preserving its Art Deco details while introducing modern amenities that meet the needs of today’s residents. Amberleaf Home contributed by supplying custom cabinetry for the kitchen and bath areas in all units. Our Prism WF450 Bergen Ash cabinetry was chosen to complement the building’s unique design, effectively bridging the gap between its historic charm and contemporary functionality.

In addition to the preservation award, Lawson House was also honored with the Capitol Award, the highest recognition from AIA Illinois. This award is given to projects that create transformative human experiences and contribute to cultural and social change. The Lawson House rehabilitation revitalized a key piece of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, addressing decades of deferred maintenance while preserving the building’s historic architectural beauty. Amberleaf Home’s Prism WF450 Bergen Ash cabinetry not only provided functional and durable solutions but also maintained design continuity with the building’s original aesthetic.

These two awards showcase the Lawson House project’s dual achievements: preserving Chicago’s architectural history while creating much-needed affordable housing. Amberleaf Home is proud to have been part of this transformative project, ensuring that the building continues to serve the community for generations to come.

For more details, visit the official announcement on the AIA Illinois website.