We wanted this to be a part of a larger neighborhood, rather than being segregated, or separated, or isolated outside of a neighborhood.

Rev. Faith Fowler
Cass Community Social Services

Details
Chicago / Detroit / Nashville
+/- 400 sf / New Construction
Completed 2017, plus ongoing design studies

Architect Notes
Since winning the Tiny Homes Competition in 2016, Via Chicago has been involved in several tiny home projects across the Midwest. A replica of the original competition design was constructed in Detroit as part of the Cass Tiny Homes project, which offers an innovative rent-to-own model for low-income residents.

B.L.I.S.S. Dwellings was introduced in response to an RFI issued by the City of Chicago that sought ideas for constructing new, affordable housing geared towards families and seniors. Rather than fighting a drawn-out policy battle to address outdated sections of the zoning ordinance, our proposal focused on Chicago’s uniform lot dimensions and special townhome exemptions to demonstrate how these can be built “by-right” on nearly any city lot. The plan uses a modular approach to key systems that reduces risk to the developer by allowing a quick transition between a 1-bedroom “single” and a 3-bedroom “double” unit, depending on local market conditions and expected residents. Lower risk means quicker implementation, opening the door to more affordable housing options on scattered sites across the city.

Bootstrap Village is a new tiny home community planned for a vacant lot in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. Each individual unit - which can house two to three residents at one time - has been designed to create a generous living space within a footprint measuring no more than 335 square feet.

Recognition
AIA Emerging Professionals Award 2018

Featured in Detroit Free Press, August 2019
Featured in Politico, July 2019
Featured in Yes! Magazine, April 2019
Featured in Curbed Detroit, March 2018
Featured in Bostonia, March 2018