The Institute of Cultural Affairs
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Chicago Landmark

Originally a four story structure built for the Mutual Insurance Company by Fugard & Knapp in 1921, an additional four stories were added in 1926. The Chicago School styled building with Beaux Art ornamentation is clad in white, glazed terra-cotta. Long-time owner Kemper Insurance Group donated the 166,000 square foot building to the ICA/Ecumenical Institute in 1972. Officially landmarked in early 2013, the ICA GreenRise has been on the Open House Chicago tour 3 years in a row and part of the Sustainability Trail powered by ComEd.

​Architect(s): Fugard and Knapp (first four stories); B. Leo Steif (4 additional stories), 1921
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Community Resource

The 8-floor, 166,000 square foot building is home to many, including two intentional residential living communities and 25 different non-profits and social service providers. ICA is the largest non-profit and social services center in the Midwest, serving over 1,000 clients per week through an array of services including: 
  • Community Health: Mental Health Support, HIV/AIDS Prevention, ​Aid to the Homeless 
  • Senior Programs
  • Refugee Aid 
  • Sustainable Community Efforts 
The building is emblematic of ICA-USA's commitment to community and human development.  
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The GreenRise

Also known as the "ICA GreenRise Uptown Learning Laboratory”, the building demonstrates a creative culture for living and working among its diverse tenants, of nonprofits and 7th floor residents, while establishing an energy efficient eco-system that aims to take the entire building off of the grid.

​Volunteers and staff have been implementing environmentally 'green' elements into the building including a vertical ecosystem/urban farm and the second largest roof-mounted solar installation in Chicago.

For more information, please contact Lesley Showers at 773-769-6363

Historic Restoration Project

ICA is resisting the current trend of demolishing old buildings in order to build a newer, more sustainable model. Already the ICA GreenRise is a beacon of innovative sustainability and an energy efficiency demonstration for neighborhood leaders to learn from in order to establish sustainable programs in their own communities.

In order to continue as a community hub and demonstration site, ICA will be tackling a huge Historic Renovation Plan that lists $20 million in projected improvements.
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After the restoration and the rehabilitation, this building will better serve and honor the many individuals who pass through the doors. The new and enhanced space will respect the abundant building history while also providing comfortable environments for those who live, work, and come here in crisis.
Restoration Values Statement
  • Be a destination for cutting-edge sustainability
  • Be financially sound for long-term success
  • Connect communities within the building and neighborhood
  • Quality of space should represent ICA's Mission, Values, and Spirit
Project Overview

Live & Gather at ICA

ICA offers a variety of ways to live and work in a historic space.
Use the links below to find out more.
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Conference Center

Groups large and small can meet and retreat all in one place.
learn MORE
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Live at ICA

Find your home in our intentional communities.
learn MORE
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Lease at ICA

Join our nonprofit service center and host your business here.
learn MORE
Support GreenRise
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4750 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640

Copyright 2019 The Institute of Cultural Affairs. All rights reserved
  • About Us
    • Mission & Approach
    • History
    • Staff
    • Board
    • Annual Report
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
  • Programs
    • International
    • Global Archives
    • Facilitation Services
    • Chicago Sustainability >
      • Accelerate77
      • Sustainability Leaders
    • Uptown >
      • Uptown Garden Walk >
        • 2019
        • 2018
        • 2017
        • 2016
      • Uptown Coastal Initiative
  • ToP Training
  • Building
    • About ICA GreenRise >
      • Restoration Project
    • Conference Center
    • Live at ICA
    • Lease at ICA
    • Tenants & Residents
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Publications
  • Store
  • Donate