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Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments Retrofit | Multifamily Housing with INTUS SUPERA Energy-Efficient Windows
Retrofits succeed when they deliver measurable benefits for both owners and residents. At the Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, a complete multifamily retrofit project paired with INTUS SUPERA energy-efficient windows and doors shows how the right upgrades can achieve long-term value, comfort, and sustainability.
Project Overview & Context
Originally constructed in 1965 as senior housing, the Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments underwent a transformative redevelopment to serve the community better. A high-impact $150 million redevelopment project, nearly finalized by late 2024, included:
Renovation of 394 senior housing units, plus 11 new senior units - bringing total units to 405.
Construction of a new six-story family building (the “Sheffield of Lincoln Park”) with 80 units (comprising 50 CHA affordable units, 10 additional affordable units, and 20 market-rate apartments).
Feature-rich community hub with activity & dining areas, fitness centers, lounges, and Golden Diners programming, all connected by interior pedestrian bridges.
The result is a vibrant multigenerational community that preserves affordability while upgrading quality of life.
The Challenge: Outdated Systems and Rising Costs
Like many mid-century residential properties, the Sampson Apartments faced outdated systems, poor insulation, and rising operational costs. The retrofit needed to:
Improve energy efficiency in multifamily housing
Reduce long-term utility expenses and improve retrofit ROI
Enhance indoor comfort for seniors and families
Support the city’s and owners’ sustainability goals
The INTUS Solution: SUPERA Polymer Window Systems
To address these priorities, the development team specified a mix of SUPERA AW outswing doors, fixed and casement windows. Engineered for both retrofit and new construction, SUPERA delivers high thermal performance, durability, and design flexibility.
Key benefits provided by SUPERA included:
Lower energy bills through superior insulation and reduced heating/cooling demand
Greater resident comfort, with more stable interior temperatures and reduced draftiness
Verified sustainability performance that supports long-term resilience and carbon reduction goals
Technical Integration
The redevelopment team selected SUPERA AW outswing doors, fixed, and casement windows to deliver:
Outstanding thermal performance — U-value: 0.25; SHGC: 0.25
Excellent daylighting — Visual transmittance: 0.61
Superior envelope integrity — Air infiltration: 0.06 cfm/ft²; Water penetration resistance: 12.11 psf; Design pressure: ±70.18 psf
Effective sound control — STC 37 / OITC 30 ratings
Results That Matter
Energy & Cost Savings: The low U-value and SHGC help cut heating and cooling demands, translating directly into better retrofit ROI.
Enhanced Resident Comfort: Tight air seals and high acoustic ratings create more stable, quieter living environments for both seniors and families.
Durability & Resilience: The high design pressure and water resistance ratings ensure long-term reliability and minimized maintenance.
Design Flexibility: A mix of window and door types provided architectural cohesion while delivering high performance.
The ROI Argument
This retrofit demonstrates a clear business case: by pairing LIS's Long-term efficiency, Improved comfort, and Sustainability with architectural enhancements, the project boosted asset value and created a healthier, more desirable living environment.
Planning a multifamily retrofit project?
Contact INTUS Windows to connect with our estimating and technical support teams or book a free Lunch & Learn to see how smarter fenestration can transform your next project.
