The ARK
Chicago, Illinois (West Ridge)
36,829 sf total
13,304 sf addition
12,736 sf parking lot | 31 spaces
The ARK is a nonprofit organization providing medical, legal, and social services to more than 4,000 Jewish families throughout the Chicagoland area. Founded in 1971, The ARK partnered with Eckenhoff Saunders to renovate and expand its facilities in preparation for the organization’s next 50 years of service.
The new two-story addition establishes a strong civic presence while reflecting The ARK’s role as a beacon within the community. Central to the organization’s mission was the creation of a welcoming environment that provides clients with privacy, dignity, and respect. Distinctive design features include abundant natural daylight filtered through laminated frosted and fritted glazing, along with custom millwork inspired by the wood construction of Noah’s Ark.
Entries to the food pantry, community room, and main conference room align with primary circulation routes to create intuitive wayfinding throughout the facility. A palette of earth and sky tones, accented by select bold hues, establishes a warm and inviting atmosphere that carries throughout the renovation.
The extensive renovation of the existing building required significant accessibility and life safety upgrades, including a new elevator, egress stair, and sprinkler system throughout the facility. The project also reorganized departments and service areas to improve operational efficiency, strengthen adjacencies, and better support The ARK’s programs and services.