Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Haven on Lincoln, a $14 million redevelopment of the former Diplomat Motel at 5230 N. Lincoln Avenue, will offer transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, focusing on long-term stability, mental health support, and medical care.
The 46-room motel will be transformed into 40 individual rooms, a safe, supportive environment for residents who have faced homelessness. A collaboration between the Chicago Department of Housing and the Chicago Department of Public Health, The Haven on Lincoln will provide wraparound health and social services, with special attention to those dealing with untreated physical and behavioral health issues.
Designed by Gensler, the renovation adopts a trauma-informed approach, integrating input from medical professionals. The design includes both indoor and outdoor spaces that promote stability and security. The site’s parking lot will be converted into a communal courtyard featuring raised garden beds, flexible furniture, and shaded pergolas, creating a healing environment.
The all-electric-powered facility will also incorporate a solar-powered battery system, allowing it to operate independently for up to a week. This renovation aims to set a new standard for resilient short-term housing, improving residents’ health and housing outcomes in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.
