Building Confidence Before Construction: How Early Engagement Shaped a Transformative Adaptive Reuse Project

By Raffi Arzoumanian

Adaptive reuse projects offer opportunities that go far beyond craft and material choices. They are tests of insight, strategy, and early alignment with both client needs and municipal realities. When Upward Community, a not-for-profit organization focused on providing counseling and youth services, first approached us about repurposing a 10,000-square-foot former food safety lab in Lincolnwood, we began working together long before design started. That early engagement became one of the most valuable aspects of the entire project. 

"The renovated building was envisioned as an opportunity to create a home for community, connection, and growth. What emerged was more than an architecture project. It became a demonstration of how thoughtful pre-design consultation can reduce risk, build trust, and shape outcomes before a single line is drawn."

Joining the Conversation Before Design 

We were introduced to Upward Community during the property purchase process. The property posed several challenges. The intended community center use required special approval from the village. The parking count was below requirement. And the site abutted residential neighborhoods, raising questions about lighting and noise buffering. 

Instead of waiting to begin architectural design, we leaned into three strategic areas that were critical to project feasibility. 

1. Navigating the Approval Process Together 

This building required special use approval. Without it, purchase and occupancy would be impossible. Advising the client on how to articulate their vision to municipal boards was essential. We walked alongside them through preparation for presentations, anticipating questions about use patterns, hours of operation, and how the space would function day-to-day. 

One detail that proved vital was modifying the purchase contract so it was contingent on village approval. That ensured Upward had the information and protections needed to commit prudently. Helping a client navigate approval strategy at this stage isn’t typical for all firms, but it is a service that can prevent stumbling blocks later. 

2. Problem-Solving Site Constraints Early 

A consistent theme in pre-design was honest assessment and proactive problem-solving. 

Parking requirements initially did not align with the village code for the proposed use. Rather than treating this as a future design issue, we determined the precise parking count required and encouraged the client to begin conversations with neighboring property owners about potential solutions. 

A property immediately to the south had excess parking. We supported the client in evaluating how much of the neighboring site was needed to satisfy the ordinance, and what that would mean for their budget and approval timeline, if entering into an agreement with the site owner. 

In parallel, we helped the team anticipate neighborhood concerns. The site backed up to single-family homes. Lighting, buffers, and landscape considerations were flagged early so that decisions could be made thoughtfully, rather than reactively. 

3. A Thoughtful Approach to Program and Use 

Getting everyone on the same page about how the space within the building would be used was another critical part of pre-design. 

Before any design work, we brought together the director and department leads from Upward. Gathering these voices, understanding daily rhythms, and clarifying space needs helped refine the program and guide space planning. Some rooms became multifunctional. Others were deliberately tuned to support specific activities. Listening deeply in these conversations helped turn general aspirations into concrete priorities. 

Because the building was already standing, this pre-design exploration also allowed us to confirm something important: its physical structure could support Upward’s vision. That kind of early confidence — knowing the project can succeed — is priceless for a client. 

Transforming the Building with Budget and Purpose in Mind 

All this early work informed the design that followed. 

The 1960s lab had a utilitarian presence that did not reflect the warm, welcoming mission of the organization. The exterior was refreshed with new white brick and paint, bringing brightness and cohesion within budget. A contemporary sunscreen and new glass entry signal a sense of arrival and belonging without extravagance. 

Inside, the former lab was reimagined completely. Gutting the interior allowed natural light to penetrate deeper into space thanks to added windows. A central Enrichment Center becomes a flexible common area for youth, while adjacent spaces support counseling, administration, and community functions with privacy and clarity. 

These transformations were successful because the decisions that shaped them were not left for later. They were rooted in early understanding, honest constraint analysis, and collaborative refinement. 

Architects as Strategic Partners from Day One 

At its core, this project reaffirmed something fundamental: architecture is more than aesthetic resolution. It is about helping clients make choices that are informed, confident, and strategic from the outset. 

By engaging during property negotiation, municipal approval planning, and early program refinement, we were able to move beyond typical design services. The value we provided was not just a better building, but a more predictable process and a client positioned for success. 

For organizations like Upward Community, that kind of partnership matters. It allows design to be a tool for mission fulfillment, not just construction. And that is the kind of work we are continually honored to make possible.