The Pierce at 7 Van Buren

The Pierce at 7 Van Buren is a six-story, 44-unit apartment community in Oak Park, Illinois, totaling 41,000 square feet. Offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, it is the first net-zero energy apartment building in the Midwest, producing more energy than it consumes. Designed to meet the rigorous PHIUS (Passive House Institute US) standards, The Pierce blends modern architecture with high-performance, energy-efficient systems that set a new benchmark for sustainable living.

GRAEF provided structural engineering for the project, helping transform this forward-thinking vision into reality. One of the building’s most striking features is its cantilevered balconies, which extend outward with no visible supports. GRAEF developed creative structural solutions to ensure these features are not only safe and functional but also visually distinctive. The team also designed the structure to reliably carry the full weight of six stories, ensuring long-term strength and stability.

In addition, GRAEF engineered the integration of solar panels on both the roof and the building’s façade, ensuring they were properly supported and seamlessly incorporated into the design. The team also ensured the building met key safety requirements, including fire protection for its exterior walls. Funded in part by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, The Pierce is designed to serve as a model for future multifamily developments across Illinois and the broader Midwest.