Mike was interviewed for two recent features produced by CBS highlighting Hope Manor Apartments. WJA has been proud to partner with Volunteers of America Illinois in the development of Hope Manor Apartments in the 27th Ward of Chicago. Hope Manor Apartments will provide housing and extensive support services for more than 80 veterans a year.
Hope Manor Apartments on CBS.com
December 22nd, 2011
Bill and Elizabeth attend launch of Home First Illinois
December 21st, 2011Bill and Elizabeth recently attended the press conference announcing the launch of the Home First Illinois Initiative. Governor Pat Quinn was on hand to announce commitment of funds from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program to provide support for the new initiative that plans to create new independent living opportunities for Illinoisans with disabilities. In addition, the Illinois Housing Development Authority provided financing to develop the program.
WJA is proud to be partnering with IFF in this new venture. Once complete, IFF, along with their partner Access Living, will collaborate to manage units and place individuals with physical disabilities currently living in institutions into the newly accessible community settings.



Congratulations to Elizabeth, Heidi, and Zubin
December 9th, 2011Elizabeth, Heidi, and Zubin have all completed and passed their Architect Registration Examinations, and are in the process of completing their membership with the American Institute of Architects.
WJA extends a heartfelt congratulations to all three on their licensure and their fantastic accomplishment!
Heidi completes her EDAC certification
December 7th, 2011Congratulations Heidi, who recently passed the EDAC examination.
The Center for Health Design’s internationally recognized Evidence-based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) program awards credentials to individuals who demonstrate a thorough understanding of how to apply an evidence-based process to the design and development of healthcare settings, including measuring and reporting results.
Heritage Woods of Gurnee Groundbreaking
November 10th, 2011Alexis recently attended the Heritage Woods of Gurnee groundbreaking in Gurnee, Illinois. Heritage Woods of Gurnee is a 105-unit supportive living facility for seniors. The project is expected to open in July 2012. The large number of attendees included the mayor of the Village of Gurnee, Kristina Kovarik, and Andrew Field, aide to Senator Mark Kirk.

Developer Steve Barron talks about the project


Wield those shovels!
Heritage Woods of Charleston Grand Opening
November 7th, 2011Bill and Diane recently attended the grand opening of Heritage Woods of Charleston in Charleston, IL. The project is a supportive living facility designed to combine residential apartment home living with personal assistance and support services.


Don and Jeremy Yost, dedicating the facility in honor of Don's wife Louise who passed away Sept 2010

Bill and Diane host Welsh School of Architecture students
November 7th, 2011Bill and Diane in Champaign recently hosted students from the Welsh School of Architecture. The students were in America studying post-industrial societies.

Alexis’s art selected for a.DOT exhibition
October 19th, 2011A piece of Alexis’s artwork is currently on display at the office of Ross Barney Architects as part of the a.DOT (architects Doing Other Things) exhibition presented by Chicago Women in Architecture. The exhibition features artwork by female architects in the area and is being held in conjunction with Chicago Artists’ Month. Alexis’s piece, entitled “sometimes i get (thirsty)”, is a mixed media composition of sectioned straws and cups and explores ideas of consumerism and exuberance. The exhibit opened October 6th and continues through October 28th.



Opening night crowds
Heidi and Elizabeth complete third Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s
September 22nd, 2011Congratulations to Heidi and Elizabeth who participated with family, friends and Ruby the dog, in their third annual Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Their team raised nearly $1,000 towards the cause, and they are looking forward to setting their goal even higher for next year.

Team WJA in the Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer's 2011
IHDA vs. Developer’s Softball game
August 29th, 2011Michelle, Keith, and Mike, with some cheering on by Alexis, helped the Developers pull out a 10-9 win in the IHDA vs. Developer’s softball game near Grant Park this past Friday. Good job team!

IHDA vs Developers Softball Game 2011