archi-treasures was founded in 1996 by Neil Gaffney, a young architect from Scotland. Working in the architectural firm of Landon Bone Architects Ltd., Gaffney was asked to assist in developing a proposal to re-invest Chicago's infamous Cabrini Green public housing complex by gathering input from residents. This proved to be more difficult than anticipated and Gaffney realized the inherent conflict between running a successful business and including community residents in planning. archi-treasures was conceptualized as a not-for-profit organization that would facilitate community involvement in the urban landscape by mobilizing the technical skills of architects, artists and designers. At the heart of archi-treasures is a participatory process that works to get people involved in making changes and addressing issues in their own communities. This process begins with the conviction that all communities hold assets and resources, both physical and human, that can be leveraged to build skills, express ideas and values, and increase civic participation.

archi-treasures is a community building organization that develops public space using a participatory design process. Our current programs include the Garden Gallery Project, the Institute for Community and Youth, and CommonArea. The Garden Gallery Project is a neighborhood-based school and community partnership that enhances school grounds with gardens, art and cultural activities. Currently, archi-treasures is working in Humboldt Park partnering with Near Northwest Neighborhood Network, Block Club Federation, Pablo Casals and Lowell Elementary Schools. The Institute for Community and Youth (ICY) is a leadership training program to develop young community builders. Training takes place after school October through June at Harold Washington College and on weekends in community gardens throughout Chicago. The gardens are used as outdoor laboratories where students can test their new leadership skills by organizing volunteers for seasonal garden maintenance. archi-treasures works with residents of affordable, supportive, and mixed income housing to create CommonArea projects that enhance public space for community use. Current partners include BJ Wright Court Apts. on the near west side, Harold Washington Coop in Humboldt Park, Germano Millgate Apts. on the southeast side, Logan Square Neighborhood Association with Logan Vistas Elderly Apts., and Park Apts. in Hyde Park. Projects include outdoor movie screenings, public art at a CTA station, a pedestrian traffic study, and banners.