Brook Architecture Inc.

Brook designed a comprehensive renovation of the Seaway Bank Building, a historically significant structure once home to the country’s largest Black-owned banking and lending institutions. As a way to engage the community in the design process, Brook led a visioning session with local elected officials, community organizations, realtors, developers, and non-profits, where it was agreed that the renovated building should maintain its iconic modern façade and serve as a community hub. The current building owner, Self-Help Federal Credit Union, views the renovation as a way to deepen the community’s connection with the the building and what it represents for its patrons.

Exterior renovations included a new curtain wall, roof repair, site work, MEP replacement, and a new drive-through. The building's first tenant, National Housing Services, occupies 4,000 square feet on the street level. The credit union's first-floor space features a customer lobby, teller counter, offices, and conference rooms. Additional Self-Help management offices occupy part of the second floor, with more than 9,000 square feet available for future tenants. The lower level includes a multi-purpose room available for tenant use and rentable for community events .

A Brookite (brook·ite/noun) is a term created for the people of Brook. The term celebrates our employees, each of whom possesses an extraordinary combination of innovation, creativity, inspiration, and visionary prowess within the discipline of architecture. These remarkable individuals exhibit a unique essence, transcending conventional boundaries and leveraging their exceptional talents to help our clients reach their goals. Comparable to generational definers such as Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Z, and Millennials, Brookites represent an undeniable force driving forward architectural excellence and enriching the built environment with bold vision and ingenuity.

📢 Attention all community members! 🙌🏼 Are you ready to make a positive impact and join our public presentation? 🎤🌎 We're on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to sign up and be a part of our friendly and welcoming team! 💫 Let's work together towards creating a better and stronger community. 💪🏼 RaMona Westbrook

Interested DuSable Park community member, please attend the May 16th DuSable Park Community Meeting A DuSable Park Interim Community Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 6:00PM. Please register now for this virtual public community presentation via Zoom. The DuSable Park Design Alliance will present updates to our park concept.

🎙️ Tune in to the ROIClear Podcast and hear from our respected leader, RaMona Westbrook! 🌟 With her wealth of expertise and professional insight, she shares valuable lessons on success and leadership in the business world. 💼 Don't miss out on this episode, available now !🎧

Youtube: https://youtu.be/1R8LnRAuyFc
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ramona-westbrook-crafting-communites-building-dreams/id1593774119?i=1000654950682
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/65SyTBttDI6EKTnzvLYoPX?si=x9FVwaHMS2-HsS_44ixRUw



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This week, we had the exciting opportunity to leave our mark on progress by signing one of the beams for our new project. Our team is working hard to reach our and we could not be more proud. Let's keep up the great work and make 2024 a year to remember!

Feeling empowered and inspired after attending the BMO Women's History Month event at the iconic Drake Hotel!

The panel featured amazing women like Falotico, Operations at ; Emily Smith, Founder of Female Strong ; Kelsey Hansen, CEO of Nexus Distribution; and Stephanie Hickman, CEO of Trice Construction . Leading the discussion was Kimberley Goode, Chief Communications and Social Impact Officer at BMO Financial Group .

The event was brimming with valuable insights, and the stunning Palm Court provided the perfect backdrop for mingling and networking with fellow . Here's to honoring the fearless women who have blazed trails for us and to
forging a brighter future for the next generation.

Chicago's architectural scene is alive with excitement! Lee Bey's insightful article illuminates the 400 N. Lake Shore Drive Development, while mentioning the contributions of Carol Ross Barney and RaMona Westbrook, who are designing the planned DuSable Park. 🏙️🌳

It takes two to make a thing go right: Construction starts on a pair of towers at old Chicago Spire site A pair of tapering, faceted towers designed by architecture firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill that holds the promise of finally delivering the come-up the historic 3-acre parcel has always deserved.a

We are thrilled to announce that we have become a proud signatory of the The American Institute of Architects 2030 Commitment! Sustainability lies at our company's core, and this commitment provides an invaluable opportunity to elevate our efforts. Prioritizing design approaches emphasizing efficiency and conservation is essential to fostering energy savings and sustainable practices within our projects.
Every month, all members of our company participate in what we fondly refer to as Brook Magic Time. This dedicated period allows us to discuss design topics that impact us individually and as a cohesive team. In January, our focus was brainstorming our new Sustainability Action Plan, beginning with the first milestone: Design and Approach. Our February & March topics cover the Chicago Building Plan Review Permitting Processes updates.
Reflecting on the recent Brook Magic Time discussions, it is evident that nurturing a company culture centered on sustainable design and ongoing learning fosters environmental stewardship and encourages innovation. This dedication accentuates our commitment to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future.

Currently under development near the mouth of the Chicago River and the shore of Lake Michigan, DuSable Park honors Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, a Black man of Haitian-French descent who was the first non-Native American settler in Chicago. DuSable established a trading post near what is now Pioneer Court, just north of the river.

Learn more about the development of this park: https://bit.ly/42VxDIB

At Brook Architecture, our mission is to design spaces that inspire and uplift. We are dedicated to community engagement and prioritize giving back through active volunteering. During Black History Month, we were honored to sponsor and participate in the rescheduled 6th Annual King Day of Service volunteer event organized by Organic Oneness . It was a privilege to contribute to the painting of different areas at Carter G. Woodson Elementary School. The Brookites had a wonderful time and are excited for next year's event.

Let us continue to create vibrant inclusive spaces where we live, learn, work, play, and heal.

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Full building permit issued for Bronzeville Advanced Outpatient Care Center A full building permit has been issued for the Bronzeville Advanced Outpatient Care Center at 4822 S. Cottage Grove. Planned by Northwestern Medicine, the development will occupy a currently vacant parcel that sits at the southwestern corner of W. 48th St and S. Cottage Grove Ave.

Allow us to reintroduce ourselves... We are Brook Architecture.

Brook Architecture is a business-centered company founded in 1995 by RaMona Westbrook. Our Chicago-based practice provides design services to public, private, and non-profit organizations. We design buildings and spaces for living, learning, and playing.

We commence our work with careful listening, comprehensive analysis, and an appreciation for the context of each project. We believe this approach will always lead us to straightforward and honest responses to the complex problems our clients bring to us. We transform buildings into places where people can thrive!

A couple of weeks ago, we were honored to host the I-NOMA Design Build 2023: Session 02 Design Charrette. 🌟 Our President, RaMona Westbrook, not only opened our doors but also shared her incredible journey through the world of architecture.

The event was a melting pot of creativity, with participants and mentors coming together to exchange ideas and explore the beautiful language of architecture. It was truly inspiring to witness the passion and enthusiasm as everyone learned to express themselves through design.

A big shoutout to RaMona Westbrook , the I-NOMA Design Build 2023 team, and all the participants for making it an unforgettable experience. Here's to fostering creativity, collaboration, and a future filled with architectural wonders! 🏗️🎨

Leaving Our Desks for Inspiration! 🌟💼

Yesterday, we had the incredible privilege of attending an event hosted by Toni Preckwinkle, and it was a true source of inspiration and joy! 🙏 Thank you, Toni Preckwinkle , for creating this empowering space.

During our lunch, Desiree Rogers shared numerous nuggets of wisdom that resonated with us deeply. Among them, the most significant takeaway was the importance of lifting each other up instead of tearing one another down. 💪

Let's create an environment where we can thrive, dream big, and shatter glass ceilings. 🚀 It's about fostering a culture of encouragement and understanding, where support and empowerment flourish, and criticism is left at the door.

Together, we can achieve great things! 💬🚀

Who knows the answer?

Our Biennial team has worked through rain, sleet, and now snow to produce this remarkable icon now sitting on the site of the future DuSable Park!

Taking a much-needed caffeine break to refuel and conquer the day! ☕

Uno breaks at work? Count us in! Break up the workday with a little Uno action. 🃏💪😎

It's wonderful to be a part of events like the BWA Brunch in Chicago. Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black women in architecture is essential, especially considering the underrepresentation in the field. These events and networks provide valuable support, resources, and a platform for empowerment and networking.

Thank You to all the attendees and everyone who helped make this event successful. Special acknowledgement to our fellow local sponsors: AIA Chicago, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Cooking with Curves is also important, as their support contributes to the success and growth of such events.

Kudos to Katherine Williams for creating the Black Women in Architecture Network and for her efforts in making events like this possible throughout the United States. It's fantastic to see a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the architectural community. Here's to more successful and empowering events in the future!

AIA Chicago Lamar Johnson Collaborative Cooking with Curves RaMona Westbrook

Michelle Dokes Photography has a unique talent for capturing the essence of individuals and groups in her photography. Thank you for capturing Brookites Jacques Cadet III & Kavya Suvarna through your lens.

The beauty of Chicago architecture never fails to amaze. 🏢

Summertime in the Windy City is a great time to take in all of the incredible architectural wonders. From skyscrapers to historic landmarks, Chicago is a feast for the eyes. This time we got to enjoy Chicago with our team members from IA Interior Architects, JLL , and our client TIAA

Foundation permit issued for Bronzeville Advanced Outpatient Care Center A foundation permit has been issued for the Bronzeville Advanced Outpatient Care Center at 4822 S. Cottage Grove. Planned by Northwestern Medicine, the development will occupy a currently vacant parcel that sits at the southwestern corner of W. 48th St and S. Cottage Grove Ave.

Building new communities one construction project at a time. 🏗🚧‍🦺

Our team recently visited a construction site in Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood to see the progress being made with our new affordable housing project. Want to know more about the progress of this project?

Follow us for updates!

Looking Good !

We are excited to share along with our project partners, The Community Builders (The Community Builders ), West Side United, and CANOPY. Architects + Designers (Canopy / Architecture + Design, LLC ), our proposal for development in West Garfield Park. Together, we imagine Garfield Gather; a vibrant, mixed-use community hub for the neighborhood.

Rendering Credit: Tango Studio

DPD reveals West Garfield Park RFP designs The Department of Planning and Development has revealed two competing designs for the 1.8-acre site at the southwest corner of W. Madison St and S. Hamlin Blvd. The site consists of a former grocery store and parking lot that were recently purchased by the City of Chicago, as well as privately owned...

"Choo-choo! All aboard the train with the Mayor of Chicago! 🚂✨

📸 Brookite Susana Retana

CDC approves TIF for 520 W. Hobbie The Community Development Commission has approved TIF funding for mixed-income housing at 520 W. Hobbie. Located on a large site, the new development will occupy a site bound by W. Hobbie St to the south, N. Cleveland Ave to the east, and N. Cambridge Ave to the west. Developed as part of the Parksi...

DuSable Park is a former commercial and industrial site, at the mouth of the Chicago River that has been the subject of environmental remediation and is awaiting redevelopment into a park. The project, first announced 36 years ago by Mayor Harold Washington, is named in honor Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, who settled nearby in the 1780s and is known as the "Founder of Chicago".

Join the Chicago Park District and DPDA for the second DuSable Park Community Meeting, Tuesday, April 11th at 6pm. We will share the current design concepts for the park and receive your feedback.

Register today: https://bit.ly/CPDDPDAC2