Inspirations Kitchen
Chicago, Ill.

We provided structural engineering services to Wheeler Kearns Architects for the rehabilitation of a warehouse building into a restaurant and food service training center, which has won a SEED Award. The one-story, approximately 7,300-sf wood structure with brick exterior walls was built in 1906 in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood. In our investigations, we found that about a quarter of the roof needed to be replaced, the brick walls needed to be cleaned and tuck pointed and several timber post columns needed to be replaced or repaired for cracks. The not-for-profit Inspirations Kitchen provides free meals and social services to working poor families and individuals and also serves nutritious and affordable meals to the general public. The first annual SEED Competition showcases and promotes design that advocates for those with a limited voice, gives power to the community, engages stakeholders, promotes social equality, conserves resources and minimizes waste. The award is sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme.