lathrop homes riverwalk mural project

Artist Request for Qualifications

Architreasures is seeking qualified artists to produce an outdoor painted mural on the Diversey Ave riverwalk viaduct adjacent to Lathrop Homes, located at 2000 W. Diversey, Chicago, IL 60647.

Project Site and Goals

Lathrop Homes is a 32-acre mixed income housing development located at the confluence of Lincoln Park, Logan Square and the North Center community areas, and adjacent to the North branch of the Chicago River.

The overall goal of the project is to produce a mural that highlights in its design the life and legacy of Julia C. Lathrop, while creating a distinct public artwork that compliments the riverwalk landscape at Lathrop Homes. The mural will be painted directly on the 1200 square feet area of the viaduct wall by the Diversey Ave riverwalk.  

See mural site photos here.

Julia C. Lathrop, the namesake of the housing site, was a leading civil servant, social worker, and fierce advocate for poverty alleviation, child welfare reform, and women’s rights during the progressive era. She is recognized for her accomplishments as an activist and social reformer, including serving as the first woman to head a U.S. federal bureau as the chief of the Children’s Bureau in the Department of Commerce and Labor from 1912-22. She earned the nickname “America’s First Official Mother” for her work bettering conditions for the most neglected members of society.

Originally built in 1938 as one of the first public housing communities in the country under FDR’s New Deal program, Lathrop Homes’ acclaimed design and remarkable trajectory of social integration makes it one of the most architecturally significant public housing projects and premier housing developments in Chicago. Lathrop serves as an important part of not only Chicago’s history, but the country’s history in public housing. The creation of a riverwalk mural featuring the life of Julia C. Lathrop pays tribute to the housing site’s namesake and contributes to its overall historic preservation efforts.

Project Timeline

6/5/23                             Artist RFQ due

6/15/23                           Short list of artists selected

7/22/23                           Artist mural concept designs due

7/24-7/28/23                 Artist presentations

7/31/23                           Winning artist and design concept selected

8/1-8/14/23                   Artist revises design based on community input

8/15/23                          Artwork design finalized

8/19-9/30/23                Artwork prep and installation

10/15/23                        Artwork complete

Project Budget

Artist finalists will receive $500 to develop their concept design proposals.

The artist fee for the mural design, participation in community engagement activities, and on-site installation of the mural is $25-30k, to be determined based on final artwork design. Project costs including materials, supplies, and installation equipment will be determined with and provided by Architreasures.

How to Apply

Complete an online application including submission of CV/resume outlining qualifications and related experience, sample portfolio images, and interest statement by 6/5/23.

Questions? Please contact Manwah at manwah@architreasures.org.