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Howard Brown Health Broadway Youth Center (BYC) has served Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community for nearly two decades. “The main focus is to support LGBTQ+ young people [ages 12 to 24] In terms of access to health care and comprehensive resources,” said Frankie Reynolds, director of business development, construction and real estate at Howard Brown Health, a federally qualified health center that operates 11 clinics in the Chicago area.
The center has occupied a variety of buildings throughout its history and recently rented space in Chicago’s lakeside community for programming, including everything from full-service medical and reproductive health care to social services, as well as temporary centers for basic needs such as heat meals, showers and laundry. “Many different services can be offered in one space, especially when the space is only 4,000 square feet,” Reynolds said. So when the center’s lease expired, the group decided to launch a capital campaign to raise funds to build a bespoke facility for it. The 5-story, 20,000-square-foot building will bring all of BYC’s services under one roof and provide space for increased healthcare and expanded services, such as a “shop” for donated clothing and a commercial kitchen for meals and culinary programs. “We set out to build a [center] This can serve young people in a stronger way and provide a permanent home for BYC,” Reynolds said.
Launched the project in the fall of 2019, wheeler carnes architects (Chicago) was tasked with helping BYC carry out its operations, organized in a one-story environment, into a new five-story building. “Earlier on, we decided to have the young people’s spaces on the upper two floors so they would have the best views, be safe and have their own space,” said Noah Luken, project architect Wheeler Kearns architect. Then, to maximize access to clinical services, examination rooms and reception areas are located on the first and second floors, while the third floor is entirely dedicated to staff with meeting rooms, lounge areas and open-plan office workstations. Convenient for clinic spaces and day programs. “A lot of our employees are dealing with very intense work every day,” Reynolds said. “Having a space where they can separate and take a short break is rejuvenating and also helps combat burnout.”
In addition to providing better support staff, the facility provides details large and small to meet the emotional and social needs of clients, some of whom do not have many resources or a history of accessing healthcare. “We used light, friendly, colorful materials that didn’t feel like a typical medical setting or childish,” says Lucan. “Having youthful energy is important to us.” For example, the lobby is designed to resemble a café, with bright yellow walls and local artwork. In addition, the dance and movement space on the fifth floor hosts classes and group meetings. “Having those spaces where young people can experience joy makes it a space where people want to return, continue to receive services and build relationships with their staff,” Reynolds said.
post proud moment first appeared in HCD Magazine.
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