Led in partnership by the City of Chicago Heights and The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) Otto Veterans Square is an affordable and distinctive refuge for the housing challenged veteran population and is the first new development to emerge from the Choice Neighborhoods planning initiative. Because of the team’s reputation for designing quality affordable housing that is sensitive and responsive to unique populations, HED was selected as the designer.

The four-story building is designed to coincide with Chicago Heights’ new mixed-use district regulations aimed at creating vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. HED’s design strategies were tailored to the special needs of veterans, including calm color palettes, quiet spaces with heightened acoustic requirements, and units and common spaces with open plans that provide visibility with no hidden corners. Designed to complement the historical character of Chicago Heights, Otto Veterans Square includes 82 units, restricted to veterans only. Building amenities include exercise facilities, office space, and meeting areas, and service animals are welcomed with their own entry and activity spaces inside and out.

Together, HACC, the City of Chicago Heights, and HED have created new housing that will have a positive impact within the community by contributing to the lives of veterans and to the revitalization of downtown Chicago Heights.