Brook Architecture Inc.

07/10/2026

Brook Architecture is proud to announce that RaMona Westbrook has been appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson to serve on the Chicago Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. This appointment reflects both a significant honor and an important responsibility to support the residents and communities that make Chicago strong.
Bringing more than three decades of experience in architecture and affordable housing, RaMona remains committed to advancing thoughtful, sustainable, and community-centered development that expands access to safe, stable housing across the city. Brook architecture looks forward to supporting RaMona's work alongside fellow appointees, CHA leadership, and residents to help strengthen neighborhoods and ensure that every Chicagoan has a place to call home.

12/05/2025

From Vision to Reality: 51 Inclusive Units Coming at Oakwood Shores

Brook Architecture, designed two new multi-family residential buildings for the Oakwood Shores community: a 30-unit and a 21-unit three-story walk-up with double-loaded corridors. Each building features Juliette balconies, alley-access parking, and fresh landscaping, plus a small playlot at the 21-unit site.

Built on the former sites of Ida B. Wells, Madden Park, and Clarence Darrow Homes, Oakwood Shores is set to grow to 3,000 units, offering a mix of rental and for-sale housing.

The design thoughtfully reflects the surrounding architecture and historic buildings, with input from the city and local community groups. The timeless façades honor Chicago’s traditional neighborhood character while blending seamlessly into the streetscape.

The project team coordinated closely with multiple reviewing agencies, tracking overlapping requirements from various funding sources to keep the design on track.

Completion: 2024
Units: 51 for-rent, including 15 affordable and 15 accessible units with universal design features

11/27/2025

Community-Driven Design in Bronzeville

Brook Architecture partnered with The Lamar Johnson Collaborative to program and design the Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center. In addition to assisting with the medical planning, design detailing, and documentation from September 2021 to February 2022, Brook led a deeply collaborative engagement
effort to help shape the Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center.

We listened. We learned. And we built with intention.

That idea inspired the building’s signature woven bronze metal façade, a visual reflection of uncovering what truly matters to the community, from programmatic needs to the emotional quality and aesthetic character of the building. One powerful theme that emerged: Bronzeville is a tightly woven community.
That idea inspired the building’s signature woven bronze metal façade, a visual reflection of strength, unity, and resilience.

Our goal: Create a center that not only delivers quality healthcare but also strengthens partnerships, supports education, and uplifts the entire community.

This project is more than a building. It’s a shared vision. Built with our design partner The Lamar Johnson Collaborative, our client, Northwestern Medical, and the community Bronzeville.

05/01/2025

Chicagoans already enjoy one of the world’s best urban shorelines—Navy Pier, the Lakefront Trail, and other assets make for impeccable destinations, at least during the warm months. Now, Ross Barney Architects is improving upon existing Chicago green space.

05/01/2025

Plans for a park honoring Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, Chicago's first non-native settler, took a step forward this month. See the latest renderings here.

04/30/2025

New details have been revealed for the long-anticipated DuSable Park, located at 401 N DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville.

04/24/2025

Chicagoans have waited 38 years for this park honoring DuSable. But now the wait appears to be ending.

03/26/2025

03/24/2025

Check this out!