Awards
2013 – AIA Design for Aging Review, Citation
2004 – American Society on Aging, Merit Award
2002 – Richard Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence, Third Place
Comprising facilities in four Chicago neighborhoods, Mather Cafes—lightheartedly referred to as “Starbucks for Seniors”—are a unique combination of a restaurant, gathering place, and educational center that offer programs and services for local seniors.
Developed as an alternative to regional facilities operated by governmental agencies, the facilities are are based on the core belief that seniors can live most happily and productively in their own communities. The cafes provide necessary services in the context of the fun, food, and friends of an intimate neighborhood café.
Adapted from vacant storefronts in the Chicago neighborhoods of Galewood/Montclare, Norwood Park, Portage/Cragin, and Chatham, each facility has a large dining area which serves as the social hub. Surrounded by an open plan reminiscent of a campus student union, the patrons can find comfort sitting by themselves, watching others participate, or by participating with a group.
Each patron is greeted warmly upon entry in the intimate context of a café. The main dining spaces are broadsided by open kitchens, allowing staff to converse with the first arrivals in the morning.
The bright chromas and hues of the palettes suffuse the air with an iconoclastic vitality. A variety of seating options in the cafe allow some to observe from a distance while others can actively participate in conversation with each other or staff.
Architecturally, priority was given to design elements that could allow patrons to establish ownership over the space quickly while avoiding the imagery traditionally associated with senior facilities. The main dining tables are custom made “shadow” box tables, with glass topped curio-like shallow compartments that are filled with memorabilia loaned by the patrons. The tables reflect the unique culture of each neighborhood and provoke conversation about common memories.
Additional Images
General Contractor: South Chicago Workforce
Photography: Steve Hall – Hedrich Blessing; William Kildow