Overview

About the Competition

The housing crisis in Chicago is real, but so is our opportunity to innovate. Single-stair buildings offer a promising solution, enabling higher density without sacrificing the quality of life that makes our neighborhoods special. As policymakers consider new legislation, this competition will demonstrate what's possible through collaboration, creative design, and community-focused planning.

The typical Chicago lot leaves little room for inefficiencies. Since the Great Chicago Fire of the 19th century, the city has applied some of the strictest stair and egress requirements in the country — pushing developers to combine lots and lock smaller builders out of the market. Single-stair designs, as demonstrated in Baltimore, Austin, Seattle, and New York, allow for smaller, more efficient footprints that better fit Chicago's narrow lots.

Eligibility

Who Can Enter

Anyone over 18 years of age is eligible to participate. Teams up to 4 people are welcome. All entries are reviewed anonymously — jury members will not know entrant identities until winners are decided. Immediate family members of jury members' design firms are not eligible.

Site & Program

Building Design Criteria

Find a real site in Chicago that matches one of the two lot configurations below. Infill development and land use are critical — be prepared to document why you selected your specific site.

Example single stair massing diagram — 5 stories, lot setbacks shown

Single Stair Requirements

Building Program

Primarily residential. A variety of unit types is encouraged. Elevators may be employed (ASME A17 sizing guideline). Minimum 5% of units must be accessible. Bedrooms must have access to natural light. No parking requirements; car and bike parking at team's discretion.