Nestled in the heart of Rockford, Illinois, lies The Terrace Senior Apartments—a cherished haven for seniors for over four decades. But this isn't just any apartment community; it's a place where history breathes life into every corner and where the bonds of community run deep.

Picture a sunny March day in 2024, where the community room at The Terrace hums with excitement. Diverse faces gather for a remarkable event—a celebration of art, heritage, and the enduring spirit of community.

At the center of it all stands a painting by Warren Glenny, commissioned in 1948—a masterpiece capturing the essence of the estate's main house. Today, Mary Linn Green, who grew up in the main house at The Terrace, graces us with her presence to dedicate this painting. With heartfelt reverence, she returns it to its rightful place above the fireplace in the parlor, a poignant symbol of homecoming and continuity for The Terrace community.

As Mary Linn Green honors the legacy of the estate, members of Warren Glenny's family join us, sharing anecdotes and memories of the artist's life and work. Together, the families of Mary Linn Green and Warren Glenny unite in their shared connection to The Terrace and its rich history.

But the celebration doesn't end there. We also pay homage to Mary Mathis, the last remaining original resident of The Terrace apartments, whose presence serves as a beacon of the enduring sense of belonging that defines life here. As community manager, Ann Ford presented Mary with her commemorative plaque, Mary cried happy tears.

As laughter echoes and stories unfold, the event becomes more than just a gathering—it's a testament to the power of connection. It's a reminder that, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, there's something truly magical about coming together to celebrate our shared history and humanity.

At Evergreen, these are the stories that warm our hearts and inspire us—the stories of ordinary people coming together to create something extraordinary. We hope this article gives you a breath of something invigorating—a moment to pause, reflect, and remember what truly matters. So, soak in the sentiment, giving yourself a little break to appreciate the beauty of community and the warmth of connection.

Today, on the first day of Women's History Month, we're thrilled to shine the spotlight on our very own Jewell Walton, Vice President of Public Partnerships at Evergreen Real Estate Group. In a recent Q&A with Multi-Housing News, Jewell shares her remarkable career journey and insights into forging effective public-private partnerships in the realm of affordable housing.

From her humble beginnings as an undergraduate student passionate about social justice to her pivotal role in leading transformative initiatives at Evergreen, Jewell's commitment to providing quality, safe housing for all is truly inspiring. Join us as we delve into her experiences, challenges, and vision for creating equitable solutions in affordable housing. Let's celebrate Jewell's bold and compassionate approach to making a difference in communities nationwide.

Read the full story here: https://www.multihousingnews.com/paving-the-way-for-equitable-solutions-in-affordable-housing/

Across the country, affordable housing is being integrated with community amenities, benefiting both residents and neighbors. At Evergreen Real Estate Group, we're proud to be part of this movement. With projects like Independence Library and Northtown Library Apartments, and projects in Colorado and Massachusetts underway, we're demonstrating that these innovative developments are here to stay.

Explore the groundbreaking approach of Evergreen and others as we rewrite the playbook for affordable housing. Learn more about our approach in Fast Company's latest article.

Read the full story here: https://www.fastcompany.com/91025204/one-way-to-get-affordable-housing-built-load-it-with-amenities-for-the-community?utm_source=The+Builder%27s+Daily&utm_campaign=326431ac6a-February+12%2C+2024++SNAP.BUILD&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-326431ac6a%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

In the dynamic landscape of property management, achieving excellence in reputation is no small feat. We're thrilled to announce that five of our Evergreen communities have clinched the prestigious Reputation's 800 Club Award for the entirety of 2024. This not only marks a significant achievement for our properties but also reflects the unwavering dedication of our teams towards building and maintaining stellar reputations.

The Significance of the 800 Club Award Reputation is a global leader in reputation performance management, with its 800 Award. A top recognition for location-level businesses with best-in-class brand reputation, Reputation’s 800 Award highlights organizations that go above and beyond in delivering our on-brand promise by listening to and acting on feedback from their consumers. To determine 800 Award honorees, Reputation pulls a list of the Reputation Scores for every business location on the Reputation platform. Those who are honored will have achieved a score of 800 or higher due to their focus on high customer satisfaction throughout the past year. The Reputation Score is a proprietary tool that measures review sentiment, volume, spread, recency, response, and length, along with brand reach and health, social engagement, business listing accuracy, and search impressions. Reputation's 800 Club Award is a testament to our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. Earning Best In Class Status is more than just a badge on a website or a sticker on a door; it's a symbol of our relentless pursuit of quality and our residents' trust. Setting the Stage for Success In our pursuit of excellence, accountability is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental aspect that propels our Evergreen communities toward success. As we celebrate the 800 Club Award, let's delve into the deliberate measures we've taken to ensure accountability at every level, making a significant impact on our reputation scores. The Vital Voice of the Customer In our commitment to responsiveness and accountability, the voice of the customer emerges as a vital force driving our growth and success. Every review is a valuable piece of feedback that guides us towards becoming a top service provider. Listening, responding, and adapting based on customer input is ingrained in our culture.

A Commitment to Responsiveness At the heart of our accountability model lies the promise that 100% of all reviews are responded to within 24 business hours. This commitment is not by chance but by design. Regional Supervisors, equipped with the power to bring about change, are the front line in understanding what needs improvement, and they are our designated responders.
Regional Supervisors: Catalysts for Change By designating Regional Supervisors as the responders, we ensure a direct link between customer feedback and actionable change. This intentional approach empowers our teams to address issues promptly and fosters an environment where innovation is not just encouraged but expected. The Journey to 800: A Quick Lesson in Consistency Building reputation scores from 100 to over 800 is no easy task. It requires a combination of innovation, dedication, and a willingness to embrace change. Our teams at the awarded properties have showcased a remarkable ability to learn new skills, elevate customer relationships, and be accountable for the service they provide. The Weekly Ritual: Virtual Focus Meetings Every Wednesday, our property teams come together for a 30-minute virtual focus meeting that sets the tone for the week. Starting with an uplifting motivational quote, these sessions are more than just routine – they are a cornerstone of our success. Data-Driven Excellence In these meetings, we delve into statistics at both the high level and granular, scrutinizing individual and location-level data. Tracking progress toward SMART goals, our teams engage in role-playing exercises and collaboratively remove barriers to success. Breaking Language Barriers Six months ago, one of our locations faced a unique challenge – none of its residents spoke English, hindering their participation in our reputation-building initiative. In response, we acted. Creating review requests in Sudanese, Somali, Russian, and Spanish opened the doors for communication. The result? The same location has surged from a score of 100 to over 700, demonstrating the impact of embracing diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration.

A Journey of Incremental Progress Our journey toward excellence has been one review at a time. Week by week, our scores have been inching up, reflecting the dedication of our teams and the positive impact on our communities. It's a testament to the power of consistent effort and a focus on the small details that collectively lead to significant achievements.

Celebrating Team and Individual Growth As we celebrate the success of Hidden Hills, Martin Avenue Apartments, Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, Bethel Terrace, and Sangamon Village, we extend our gratitude to the managers who have played a crucial role in this journey. The Outstanding Achievers While several Evergreen Communities have excellent reputation scores, only five have earned the 800 Club Award. Let's take a moment to applaud the outstanding Evergreen communities that have exceeded the 800 scores (out of 1000) for the last year. Hidden Hills Apartments- Bloomington, IN Martin Avenue Apartments- Naperville, IL Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza Apartments- Chicago, IL Bethel and Sangamon Terrace Apartments- Chicago, IL Fairmarket Plaza Apartments- Charlotte, NC Acknowledging Leadership and Property Teams Behind these remarkable achievements are our dedicated property managers, whose leadership has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of excellence. We want to recognize and extend our gratitude to:

Sarah Bayne – Hidden Hills Apartments Anthony Hacker- Martin Avenue Apartments Althea Collins- Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza Apartments Carolyn Stewart- Bethel and Sangamon Terrace Apartments Laurie Black- Fairmarket Plaza Apartments Empowering Teams to Innovate As we progress on this journey, accountability becomes a catalyst for empowerment. The realization that every team member can contribute to positive change transforms the way we operate. People feel empowered to innovate, take appropriate actions, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our services. Embracing Change, Elevating Relationships The success of these communities is a result of the harmonious dance between leadership, property teams, and residents. It's a gift that keeps on giving, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort, accountability, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. As we celebrate this achievement, let's remember that it's not just about numbers; it's about the lives we touch, the relationships we build, and the communities we shape. Here's to continued growth, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of property management.

Celia Johnson, who goes by CeCe, is a long-time resident of the Ravenswood neighborhood in Chicago. She found a new sense of home at Ravenswood Senior Living Apartments, one of Evergreen's Adaptive Reuse projects that transformed the old Ravenswood Hospital into an award-winning apartment building designed for seniors. In an exclusive interview, CeCe shared her heartfelt experiences, shedding light on the impact of this unique community on her life.

Discovering Ravenswood: CeCe's journey to Ravenswood began when she applied for a different property with Evergreen. During the application interview, she casually mentioned her connection to the old Ravenswood Hospital, having worked there for 15 years as a nurse. The leasing agent, recognizing the special connection, suggested applying for residency at Ravenswood Senior Living It was a surprising revelation for CeCe, but she immediately felt a sense of belonging – as if she had found her true home.

“I had heard that they were also opening a new senior building where the old Ravenswood hospital used to be. I had mentioned to the leasing agent that I used to work at that hospital years and years ago, he then asked if I wanted to apply to Ravenswood instead. I was kind of shocked to be honest with you. But I personally felt like I was home,” CeCe recalled.

A Lifetime in Ravenswood:

Having lived in the Ravenswood neighborhood her entire life, CeCe's roots run deep. The decision to move to Ravenswood Senior Living Apartments was not just a change of residence; it was a return to familiar streets, cherished memories, and a community she holds dear.

“I have lived in the Ravenswood neighborhood all my life. I worked at Ravenswood Hospital for 15 years up until they closed it in 2002.”

Christmas Magic in a New Home:

CeCe's first Christmas in her new home was nothing short of magical. Surrounded by the warmth of her daughters, she celebrated the season with joy. For the past three years, Christmas Eve at Ravenswood has become a tradition, embodying the true spirit of homecoming.

“My first Christmas at Ravenswood was wonderful, my daughters helped. I have had Christmas Eve here for the last 3 years, and it felt good to me, it felt like how it should feel.”

Residents savor the modern elegance of our supportive living-dining room – a sleek haven where contemporary design meets culinary delight.

Location. Location. Location. Nestled in the heart of Chicago, Ravenswood captivates with its seamless blend of vintage charm, vibrant shops, delectable eateries, and convenient transportation links. Celebrated as one of Chicago's most cherished communities, Ravenswood embodies the essence of urban living at its finest.

Ravenswood: More than a Place, It's Home:

Living in Ravenswood means more to CeCe than just having a roof over her head. It's a connection to her past, her family, and her community. Ravenswood holds a special place in her heart – from attending Queen of Angels school to witnessing her children getting married at the nearby church. When asked what it means to her to be able to live in the Ravenswood community, CeCe said,

“It means I’m home. I’ve always loved it here. I went to Queen of Angels school that’s nearby; my children went to Queen of Angels school. My son & daughter got married there. When I walk out to the 6th-floor patio, I can see my church.”

Once a sterile void, this resident lounge has evolved into a vibrant hub, bustling with life. It's just one of the many common areas transformed into inviting destinations throughout the building. Quality of Life and Independence:

Reflecting on the impact of her move, CeCe emphasizes that quality of life is a personal choice. For her, it involves enjoying dinners, cocktails, and cherished moments with friends. Ravenswood Senior Living Apartments have provided her with the independence she values, making her quality of life truly fulfilling. We asked CeCe how living at Ravenswood Senior Living Apartments has impacted her quality of life. This was her reply:

“I have to say that your quality of life is up to you, your quality of life may be different than mine. I like to go out to dinner, have a cocktail, and then come home. Just being able to be with friends and I am fortunate that I can do that. My quality of life is good! And I still have my independence!”

Residents discover serenity in our hidden gems – like the cozy lounge nestled in the supportive living wing. Every nook and cranny transformed into a destination space, inviting you to unwind and embrace the tranquility within the heart of the building.

Breathtaking Views and Freedom:

CeCe's enthusiasm reaches new heights when she talks about her apartment. The panoramic view of downtown, especially during the 4th of July fireworks, is nothing short of breathtaking. She emphasizes that living in Ravenswood Senior Living Apartments is not like being in a retirement facility – it's having a personal space with the freedom to come and go as one pleases.

When asked what her favorite thing is about her apartment, CeCe replied,

“The view! I could see all of downtown & during the 4th of July, I could see all the fireworks. It’s breathtaking.”

The Deep Blue independent living lounge – is a chic haven where residents connect, unwind, and create lasting bonds. Elevating the art of relaxation in style.

A Personal Invitation to Join:

For those considering joining the Ravenswood community, CeCe has a heartfelt message. She assures them that this isn't just an apartment; it's their own space. The freedom, peace, and kindness that characterize the community make it a true home.

“This is your own apartment. You have the freedom to come and go as you please. It is not like a retirement facility; this really is your home. It’s peaceful and everyone here is kind.”

In the heart of Ravenswood, CeCe's story resonates as a testament to the sense of belonging fostered by Evergreen's Adaptive Reuse project. Hers is a story that inspires – a story of finding home, embracing independence, and cherishing the joys of life in a vibrant community. These are the stories that drive us.

Evergreen's Director of Development, David Block, discusses the inspiring Encuentro Square project in a recent radio appearance with host John Williams on the Wintrust Business Lunch series. They delve into the affordable housing shortage, rising rents, and Evergreen's creative and compassionate initiatives. Learn how our partnership with LUCHA and the city of Chicago is transforming the Logan Square/Humboldt Park neighborhoods at the west end of the 606 Trail. Listen and learn about our innovative journey towards a brighter, more affordable future. David's segment starts at the 11:33 time mark.

https://wgnradio.com/wintrust-business-lunch/wintrust-business-lunch-10-19-23-inflation-battle-netflix-prices-bobaks-sausage-company/

Evergreen is heartened and inspired to see the article in the Naperville Sun/Chicago Tribune about the Hacker family's dedication to the residents of Martin Avenue Apartments in Naperville. For three generations, the Hackers have been the heartbeat of this community, providing exceptional care to lower-income senior residents.

Starting in 1988 with a simple painting job, the family's commitment grew, with Mike Hacker and his son Tony now leading the way. They work tirelessly to maintain and improve the apartments, treating them as if they were their own homes.

The sense of family camaraderie is palpable, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the complex. Tony's long-standing association with Martin Avenue reflects the family's deep commitment, instilled in him since he was a child. Their dedication is evident in their pursuit of excellence, driven by a supportive board of directors.

Managing a senior facility comes with its unique challenges and rewards. Tony and his family understand the importance of daily interactions with the residents, who have both good and bad days. Their compassion and respect for the elderly residents shine through in their work.

As Tony mentioned, there's a growing need for affordable senior housing, and Martin Avenue Apartments plays a vital role in addressing this need. The nonprofit organization that owns the complex rightly honored the Hacker family for their exceptional contributions by naming the community after them.

Their dedication puts the heart in the organization, ensuring that residents are not only provided with a place to live but also with a sense of belonging and family. It's a testament to the warm, compassionate, and responsible approach that the Hackers bring to their work, making Martin Avenue Apartments a truly uplifting and exceptional place for seniors to call home.

“Hacker family’s dedication to people in Naperville senior complex helps make apartments feel like home.”

Dave, Tony, Quentin, and Mike Hacker make up the family who keeps the heart of the Martin Avenue Apartments complex in Naperville beating. Mike and Tony are father and son, Mike and Dave are brothers and so are Tony and Quentin.

As the Martin Avenue Apartments complex celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, I met the family who has been at the heart of the organization for most of that time.

Involved in both management and maintenance, three generations of the Hacker family have worked tirelessly to provide a special level of care to its lower-income senior residents.

The connection began in 1988 when builder Mike Hacker and his dad, Adolf, were called in to do some painting. It grew from there and now Mike’s son, Tony, is the property manager.

Originally 122 apartments, the complex now boasts 190 thanks to a new building contructed in 2020. Units are either 350 or 450 square feet, and range in size from studios to two bedrooms.

“We do everything we can to make the apartments as nice as possible,” said Mike, who works alongside his brother David. Pointing at Tony, who serves as their boss, Tony, he joked: “This guy is a pain because he looks for cracks and comes up with little things.”

Mike’s wife, Ann, takes care of the Martin Avenue’s billing.

“There hasn’t been a holiday that we haven’t been called away on some kind of emergency, but it is what it is,” Mike said. “We have a great association with the building.”

It’s the family camaraderie that helps to create a welcoming atmosphere at the complex, which is located at Martin Avenue and West Street, facing Knoch Park on two sides.

Tony has been working for Evergreen Property Management since 2009, when he began as assistant manager. But his association with Martin Avenue goes back far before then.

“I worked for my dad doing maintenance since I could remember,” he said. “I started (here) when I was in middle school and then when I was able to drive, I would drive here after school. I helped paint apartments for new tenants and did repairs. We liked working for dad and doing the work.”

The family takes a lot of pride in their work, Tony said.

“We work as if it was our own house,” he said. “When you have a board of directors that are supportive, it makes it more enjoyable. We don’t want apartments just to look nice, we want them to be the best place in Naperville for (the tenants) to live.”

It’s very different managing a senior facility to one for all ages, he said.

“The tenants are here all day. I have tons of opportunities to interact,” he said. “We are part of their day. It’s unusual to get a job like this. We see the same people every day. They have good and bad days.”

For Mike, there’s another difference.

“At the beginning, I saw everybody like they were a bunch of grandparents. Now I am more close to their age,” he said. “I respect them. No one has lived here longer than we have worked here. Unfortunately, we don’t get to know them at the greatest time of their lives. I have compassion for them. When you start to fail or you lose someone, it’s sad.

“We have crabby people. You get to learn who you can joke with. My boys have learned how to deal with people of this age, they’re not scary people. There’s a level of respect and most people are really nice to my boys.”

Tony says he believes the family connection is a positive one.

“I imagine it makes an effect on the residents having a family working here. It must rub off,” he said. “We see it like a second home. I’m here as much as I am my home. We get to know these people and eventually they get to know that we’re related.”

Over the years, Tony has noticed one change. “There’s definitely a sense that the need for affordable senior housing is increasing,” he said. “There are less options out there for them. Places like this do not exist for them. There’s still a lot of need. We get calls every day. From what we are seeing the need will increase.”

Martin Avenue Apartments is owned by the nonprofit Naperville Elderly Homes Inc. Executive Director Mary Kerbs says they are so grateful to the Hacker family that in 2021 they honored them by naming their community after them.

“We feel what they do goes a long way. It puts the heart in the organization,” she said. “The care the residents receive is evident and they always go the extra mile.”

Martin Avenue may be a place for lower-income seniors to live, but that doesn’t mean residents aren’t treated with the respect they deserve.

“We want to create a family feel here,” Kerbs said. “One resident, a retired physics professor who had lived around the world, said he was feeling very lonely before moving here. Now it feels like he’s part of a larger family.”

Hilary Decent is a freelance journalist who moved to Naperville from England in 2007.

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Encuentro Square is the culmination of many years of planning and hard work by dozens of public and private entities. Evergreen is proud to make this community vision a reality and provide critical affordable housing for families living near the western terminus of the 606 trail.

(Read it here)

In Naperville, Illinois, a practical and impactful effort has reshaped the landscape of affordable senior housing. Evergreen and Naperville Elderly Homes Inc. (NEH) collaborated on the Martin Avenue Apartments project, achieving a remarkable transformation that combines rehabilitation and expansion. The project aimed to enhance senior living options, focusing on the rehabilitation of 122 existing units and the addition of 68 new units, catering to seniors aged 62 and above.

Addressing a Clear Need NEH, driven by a commitment to providing affordable housing for seniors, recognized a pressing demand in the community. Incomes and rents had reached unattainable levels for many seniors, prompting NEH to take action. The project's goal was straightforward: revitalize the Martin Avenue Apartments and extend affordable housing to more seniors in need. A Strategic Financial Approach

Key to the project's success was the adept handling of financing. Evergreen navigated the complexities of securing both 4% and 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing, along with additional soft financing. This financial strategy resulted in a development budget of $40 million, demonstrating the dedication of the teams involved to achieve affordable senior housing.

Solidifying Partnerships Partnerships played a crucial role in turning the project into reality. The DuPage County Community Development Commission supported NEH by offering substantial HOME loans, marking a historic milestone with nearly $4 million in total awards. Evergreen's strategic acumen came into play as they brought together financial partners who shared the vision. US Bank contributed more than $20 million in LIHTC equity, while Wheaton Bank, with a longstanding connection to NEH, provided construction and permanent financing totaling almost $28 million. Expanding the Reach

The impact of the project was further extended through collaborations. DuPage County provided an additional 18 Project-Based Vouchers, widening the accessibility of affordable housing. The City of Naperville also contributed by awarding CDBG funds to address construction-related gaps. The Outcome

The Martin Avenue Apartments project stands as a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration, financial acumen, and a clear mission. By addressing the need for affordable senior housing through rehabilitation and expansion, Evergreen and NEH have set a precedent for community-driven initiatives. The project's success underscores the potential for tangible change when organizations come together with a shared goal. The story of Martin Avenue Apartments serves as an example of how strategic partnerships and practical solutions can transform communities and provide much-needed housing for seniors.

Evergreen Real Estate Group announced it has been retained to manage 14 multifamily communities comprising a total of 1,931 units in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wisconsin. The assignments include a mix of market-rate homes and affordable residences for families, seniors and disabled individuals, expanding Evergreen’s national management portfolio to more than 11,500 units.

(Read it here)

The prestigious Real Estate Journal has just published the announcement of Jewell Walton joining Evergreen's dynamic team as the Vice President of Public Partnerships. Jewell Walton, an esteemed expert in affordable housing policy and development, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will drive Evergreen's mission to new heights. Real Estate Journal's recognition of Evergreen's latest addition to the team highlights our dedication to making a tangible impact on the lives of individuals and families facing housing challenges. With this milestone, Evergreen takes a giant stride towards reshaping the landscape of affordable housing, promising a brighter and more equitable future for communities nationwide.

(Read it here)

In this Seniors Housing Business article, Evergreen’s Director of Development, David Block sheds light on his first-hand experience in creating affordable housing for senior citizens, with an eye toward quality mixed-use projects, and harnessing the power of inventive problem-solving, collaboration, and embracing public-private partnerships nationwide. These approaches hold the key to tackling these challenges and of course, mission driven people to achieve collective success in this niche.

(Read it here)

We are thrilled to announce that Evergreen's transformative Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) deal in Rifle, Colorado has gained national recognition! The prestigious Multi Housing News (MHN) has showcased this remarkable project, highlighting the exceptional work of Javonni Butler, a driving force behind its success. This well-deserved recognition by Multi Housing News serves as a testament to Evergreen's unwavering commitment to affordable housing and Javonni Butler's outstanding contributions to the community and affordable housing development. Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative initiative and its positive impact on the residents and the community of Rifle, CO.

(Read it here)

In a captivating, bylined article featured in Heartland Real Estate, John Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Operations at Evergreen, shines a light on Evergreen’s unique approach to providing exceptional service as an amenity, even in the face of tight budgets. With a steadfast commitment to elevating affordable housing and empowering residents to live healthier and more independent lives, Evergreen continues to set new benchmarks in the industry.

Kennedy's insightful article explores the heart and good old-fashioned effort that Evergreen brings to the table. Despite financial constraints, Evergreen refuses to compromise on our mission to serve residents with care and compassion. Through innovative strategies and unwavering dedication, Evergreen finds creative solutions to meet the needs of our residents and foster a sense of community.

By thinking outside the box, Evergreen has redefined what it means to provide service as an amenity. We go above and beyond to ensure that residents have access to vital resources, amenities, and programs that enhance their quality of life. From implementing wellness initiatives to fostering social connections and promoting resident independence, Evergreen's holistic approach resonates with our commitment to creating thriving communities.

Kennedy's article not only highlights Evergreen's exceptional work but also inspires other real estate professionals to embrace similar principles. By sharing our experiences and successes, Evergreen continues to drive positive change in the affordable housing landscape, proving that transformative impact can be achieved, even in the face of limited resources.

As Evergreen's dedication to service shines through, our residents experience the tangible benefits of a caring and supportive environment. Through our unwavering efforts, Evergreen demonstrates that with heart and ingenuity, affordable housing can be a catalyst for positive transformation, helping individuals lead healthier, more independent lives.

To learn more about Evergreen's inspiring journey and innovative strategies, be sure to read John Kennedy's article in Heartland Real Estate. Together, let's celebrate their commitment to serving communities with compassion and building a brighter future for all.

(Read it here)

Multi Housing News features Evergreen Real Estate Group’s Vice President of Marketing, Mary Herrold in their Executive Council piece on Supporting Your Teams’ Mental Health.

(Read it here)

Evergreen’s bold design statement for Bellwood Senior Apartments elevates the image of what affordable senior housing can be and creates a striking statement about the future of the Village of Bellwood that can be a source of pride for residents and neighbors for years to come.

(Read it here)

The American Institute of Architects is elevating 73 member-architects to its College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the architecture profession. The fellowship program was developed to elevate architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Evergreen’s Director of Development, David Block, is among them. We congratulate David on this prestigious and well-deserved honor.

*Read full articlehere

This New York Times article will play on your heartstrings and take you back. It includes images of Evergreen’s unique Northtown Library development in Chicago, IL. While the article pays homage to a new age of libraries, we want to share that this library comes with apartments attached. Yup, Library Apartments… Thanks to Evergreen, they’re a “thing.”

*Read full articlehere
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Jane Adler’s latest "Primetime" story in the Chicago Tribune sheds light on the realities of senior living options. The dilemma is that senior living is in short supply, and most often, it is out of reach financially. When you read the costs, we think you will agree that seniors deserve an alternative. And people like Evergreen’s Director of Development, David Block have dedicated his career to creating a quality affordable living for seniors and families. The article features two of Evergreen’s senior communities, Bellwood Senior Living, and Ravenswood Senior Apartments which serve as examples of quality, affordable senior living. Read what Ravenswood Senior Living resident Charmain Hairston has to say about her lifestyle. Charmain’s words prove that everyone can win. At Evergreen, our mission is to improve lives and reading this article validates that we are on track.

*You can read the story here
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Due to the pandemic and inflation, the acute need for affordable housing has grown in recent years, becoming a hot topic for media. When Barbara Ballinger, a writer for REALTOR® Magazine, wanted to explore new ideas and innovations in the affordable sector, Evergreen Real Estate Group provided extensive insight. In the resultingstory, Evergreen and others speak to the affordability gap, absence of federal funding and urgent need to invest, using recent projects to illustrate how we’re contributing to solutions. Read more

Critics of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Invest South/West program are missing three fundamental points that will ensure the initiative’s success after decades of economic disinvestment on the South and West sides. First, the program is a node- and corridor-based strategy in areas with existing economic strength and activity. The old real estate cliche about “location, location, location” applies even in formerly active shopping districts in Englewood, Bronzeville and Auburn Gresham, where Chicago’s street grid and transportation infrastructure provide the best potential for restoring economic health.

These areas were carefully chosen by the city to build on existing investments initiated by previous administrations, a fact that critics have claimed to be a repackaging. They’re missing the point. It is the consistency of commitment of the Invest South/West program that is novel, not the investments themselves, since it will take more than one administration to turn around decades of systemic disinvestment.

Second, Invest South/West adheres to the necessary real estate proposition “rooftops before retail,” which will help ensure a healthy population density for new goods and services. While some residents and critics have questioned why the first investments are not supermarkets, major retail investments are still premature, given the nearly 400,000-person population loss that has occurred on the South and West sides since 1980. My development team had some very frank and sometimes contentious community conversations about this issue with stakeholders that wanted more retail instead of housing, but many recognized that the market will be far more conducive to retail development once new homes are built. Finally, what was attractive to my development team about Invest South/West was clear messaging from the Lightfoot administration that viable projects would receive the necessary resources to bring them to fruition, even during a difficult economy. Invest South/West’s largest projects involve complex public-private partnerships involving local, state and federal governments, as well as neighbors who have spent lifetimes advocating for their neighborhoods. (read more) In Auburn Gresham, neighbors’ input expanded what was supposed to be a single mixed-use building into two structures that more closely reflect the neighborhood’s scale, albeit at a greater construction cost. Mayor Lightfoot’s support for what became a $48 million project was unwavering, given its strategic location at an important intersection, the need for rooftops, and its intended impact as a catalyst for even more investment. With focus, regular communication and determination, investing in Chicago’s South and West sides will pay long-term dividends for these neighborhoods and for the city itself. That’s an investment worth making.

For more information, visit: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/why-evergreen-real-estate-chicago-believes-promise-invest-southwest.

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Structured Development and Evergreen Real Estate Group, along with Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. and representatives from the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and other project partners, came together yesterday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Schiller Place Apartments, a three-building, 48-unit mixed-income rental community at 711, 731 and 749 W. Schiller St. on Chicago’s Near North Side.

Located immediately south of Structured’s award-winning NEWCITY development, on land that was formerly home of the Isham YMCA, Schiller Place is helping preserve housing affordability in the Clybourn Corridor. It comprises three four-story elevator buildings, each with eight one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom apartments. Demonstrating the demand for attainably priced housing, all 48 units are fully leased.

“Thriving communities – communities that are diverse by race and income – do not happen by accident; they require intentional actions,” said CHA Chief Executive Officer Tracey Scott. “At CHA, we will continue to work with all of our public and private sector partners to create more affordable housing opportunities and build strong communities where all residents, regardless of income, have the freedom to make choices and be successful.”

Apartments at Schiller Place include six market-rate units, 24 reserved for CHA residents, 13 set aside for households earning up to 60% of the area median income (AMI), and five rented at 30% AMI. Five of the units have a preference for veterans and an additional five will house individuals sourced through the Statewide Referral Network, which works with households earning at or below 30% of AMI, with a head of household who has a disability or illness.

Apartments feature vinyl flooring throughout the unit; an appliance package including a refrigerator, range and dishwasher; and in-unit laundry. All buildings have a buzzer entrance and elevator and share 18 surface parking spaces.

GMA Construction, a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Section 3 firm, served as general contractor on the project, which was designed by architecture firm Bailey Edward.

Funding for Schiller Place included federal 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits awarded by IHDA and syndicated by Hudson Housing Capital; Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits awarded by IHDA, syndicated by Clocktower Tax Credits and sponsored by Housing and Human Development Corp., which will provide on-site social services to residents; a permanent loan from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund provided by IHDA; predevelopment financing from IFF; construction financing from CIBC Bank; and a first mortgage from IHDA.

The new community is located across the street from a Mariano’s grocery store that is part of the NEWCITY complex and close to other shops, restaurants, banks and healthcare services along the Clybourn Corridor. Also within walking distance are several parks, the Wild Mile Chicago and several public transit options, including the North/Clybourn Red Line station and several bus lines.

Located less than two miles from Downtown Chicago, Schiller Place offers easy access to DuSable Lake Shore Drive and I-90/94.

By Wendell Hutson

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set next week for a new $25 million mixed-income apartment building built on vacant land previously occupied by the Isham YMCA.

The three-building, 48-unit Schiller Place Apartments, located at 711–749 W. Schiller St. in the city’s Near North Side neighborhood, were developed by Structured Development LLC and Evergreen Real Estate Group. Construction wrapped up in September, and the ribbon-cutting event starts Monday at 1 p.m.

The building is now 100% occupied, including six units at market rate, which is $1,800 for a one-bedroom unit and $2,300 for two bedrooms.
J. Michael Drew, founding principal of Structured Development, said that of the remaining units, 24 are leased to Chicago Housing Authority tenants; 13 to households earning 60% of the area median income; and five to tenants earning 30% AMI.

According to census data, the area median income for the Near North Side is $109,000 per year compared to $62,000 for the city of Chicago. All apartments include in-unit laundry, stainless appliances and wide plank flooring.

“Schiller Place Apartments will help preserve housing affordability in the Clybourn Corridor,” said Drew. “The buildings are located directly across from the mixed-use development New City and Mariano’s.”

Funders included the Illinois Housing Development Authority, CIBC and Hudson Housing.

The general contractor was Chicago-based GMA Construction Group, led by Cornelius Griggs.

Wendell Hutson
Staff Reporter
Chicago Business Journal

DENVER, CO - Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group today announced it has opened a satellite office in Denver and was named development partner for the redevelopment of a city-owned lot at 4995 Washington St. in the Globeville neighborhood.

The new office – Evergreen’s first in Colorado – is spearheaded by Javonni Butler, who joined the firm in 2020 and currently serves as a project manager. In that capacity, he will oversee Evergreen’s involvement in Globeville Redevelopment Partners, a partnership involving Rocky Mountain Communities and the GES Coalition that was selected by Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) and Department of Finance as part of an RFP process. The group’s winning proposal for the 2.7-acre site, a former car dealership, calls for approximately 170 units of income-restricted rental housing and 20,000 square feet of community-serving commercial space.

“Globeville is an underserved area of Denver, and we are honored to be working with the City and County of Denver, our project partners, and local stakeholders who understand the site’s potential as a catalyst for future investment,” said Butler. “We look forward to applying best practices learned from nearly 25 years of affordable housing development – including projects that co-locate apartments with other community-focused uses – and contributing to the broader revitalization of Washington Street as critical infrastructure improvements are made that, together, enhance livability.”

Pending City Council approval, Globeville Redevelopment Partners will enter into a 99-year ground lease with the City and County of Denver, which acquired the property in 2019 and will retain ownership. The apartments will be reserved for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI), with approximately half of the units offering three- and four-bedroom floor plans.

“With this project, we’re not only creating quality rental housing where none previously existed, but also ensuring its long-term affordability,” said Butler. “We believe the inclusion of larger units will help meet the housing needs of area families who have few options available to them, particularly as living costs continue to rise. We look forward to bringing this important project to life along with our dedicated partners, Rocky Mountain Communities and GES Coalition, who both have strong track records of successful community development.”

In addition to the Globeville development, Evergreen is exploring additional investments in Denver and throughout Colorado.

Nationally, Evergreen has completed a number of new-construction and adaptive reuse projects. They include a pair of co-located library and affordable senior housing developments in Chicago, which were built in partnership with the City of Chicago, Chicago Housing Authority and Chicago Public Library. The firm’s current projects include Auburn Gresham Apartments, a two-building mixed-use development that will bring 58 units of affordable housing and community-centric retail space to Chicago’s South Side as part of the city’s INVEST South/West neighborhood improvement initiative. In partnership with nonprofit developer LUCHA, Evergreen is also developing Encuentro Square, which will include 187 affordable apartments and a new public park in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. In Atlanta, the firm is developing 360 Peachtree St., a two-tower, mixed-use development including 320 affordable housing units, retail and a school in partnership with Atlanta First United Methodist Church.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires, and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across 11 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions -- from adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing. The firm is led by a passionate, cross-disciplinary team of developers, architects, urban planners and attorneys who have come together to create high-quality apartment communities, often in collaboration with local municipalities and financial partners who share its vision of investing not just in real estate, but also the people who call our communities home. Evergreen currently owns and manages more than 10,000 units of multifamily housing. For more information, visit www.evergreenreg,com

One of our latest developments, Bellwood Senior Apartments, recently was featured in the Chicago Tribune's Primetime section in a story highlighting some of Chicago's newest senior living communities. As noted in the article, Bellwood Senior Apartments is an affordable senior housing community that broke ground last summer in west suburban Bellwood. Once completed in mid-2023, the four-story community will offer 80 independent living apartments for area seniors. (A subscription is required to access the full story, which can be found on page 6 of the Primetime section in the digital version of the paper here.

Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group recently announced that it has opened a satellite office in Denver and was named development partner for the redevelopment of a city-owned lot at 4995 Washington St. in the Globeville neighborhood.

The new office – Evergreen’s first in Colorado – is spearheaded by Javonni Butler, who joined the firm in 2020 and currently serves as a project manager. In that capacity, he will oversee Evergreen’s involvement in Globeville Redevelopment Partners, a partnership involving Rocky Mountain Communities and the GES Coalition that was selected by Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) and Department of Finance as part of an RFP process. The group’s winning proposal for the 2.7-acre site, a former car dealership, calls for approximately 170 units of income-restricted rental housing and 20,000 square feet of community-serving commercial space.

READ — Colorado is Seeing More Inbound Moves in 2022 Than Most Other States in the U.S.

“Globeville is an underserved area of Denver, and we are honored to be working with the City and County of Denver, our project partners, and local stakeholders who understand the site’s potential as a catalyst for future investment,” said Butler. “We look forward to applying best practices learned from nearly 25 years of affordable housing development – including projects that co-locate apartments with other community-focused uses – and contributing to the broader revitalization of Washington Street as critical infrastructure improvements are made that, together, enhance livability.”

Pending City Council approval, Globeville Redevelopment Partners will enter into a 99-year ground lease with the City and County of Denver, which acquired the property in 2019 and will retain ownership. The apartments will be reserved for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI), with approximately half of the units offering three- and four-bedroom floor plans.

READ — 2022 Trends in Colorado Residential Homes

“With this project, we’re not only creating quality rental housing where none previously existed, but also ensuring its long-term affordability,” said Butler. “We believe the inclusion of larger units will help meet the housing needs of area families who have few options available to them, particularly as living costs continue to rise. We look forward to bringing this important project to life along with our dedicated partners, Rocky Mountain Communities and GES Coalition, who both have strong track records of successful community development.”

In addition to the Globeville development, Evergreen is exploring additional investments in Denver and throughout Colorado.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group:

Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires, and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across 11 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions — from adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing. The firm is led by a passionate, cross-disciplinary team of developers, architects, urban planners and attorneys who have come together to create high-quality apartment communities, often in collaboration with local municipalities and financial partners who share its vision of investing not just in real estate, but also the people who call our communities home. Evergreen currently owns and manages more than 10,000 units of multifamily housing. For more information, visit www.evergreenreg.com.

CHICAGO — A joint venture between Evergreen Real Estate Group and Imagine Group has broken ground on Auburn Gresham Apartments, a $43 million affordable housing project in Chicago. Plans call for 58 units across two buildings. The project represents the first of more than 10 major construction projects to move forward through the city’s INVEST South/West initiative. This urban revitalization strategy being implemented by Mayor Lori Lightfoot is guiding $1.4 billion in public and private investment within 10 West and South Side community areas.

Designed by Nia Architects and Ross Barney Architects, Auburn Gresham Apartments will include a three-story building at 838 W. 79th St. that will feature 28 units, 28 parking spaces and 5,200 square feet of retail space to be occupied by West African food purveyor AYO Foods. A five-story building at 757 W. 79th St. will feature 30 units, 14 parking spaces and 3,300 square feet of commercial space occupied by KLEO Community Center and The Park Supper Club. All the units will be priced at affordable levels, with monthly rates ranging from approximately $925 to $1,250.

The Department of Planning and Development and the Chicago Department of Housing are supporting the project with $18 million in tax-increment financing, $18 million in low-income housing tax credit equity, a $2.5 million HOME loan and a land write-down of approximately $180,000. Construction is expected to last 18 months.

Evergreen Real Estate Group’s 48-unit, affordable property Schiller Place Apartments, located in Near North Side Chicago expects to finish construction in early 2022. Schiller Place Apartments was designed by Bailey Edward Architecture and now developed by Evergreen Real Estate Group and Structured Development. GMA Construction is serving as general contractor on this $25 million project.

The complex will feature three identical four-story buildings, each holding 16 residential units. The units will be a mix of eight one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom homes in each building. Building amenities include on-site professional management, in-unit washer and dryer, secure entry and surface parking availability. The property will also be located in a premiere lifestyle and entertainment district with convenient access to CTA North & Clybourn Red Line Station and #8 Halsted Bus Stop.

Currently, the property is at 40% completion. Exterior finishes will include brick, cast stone trim, fiber cement board and solid vinyl windows. All buildings will have a buzzer entrance and elevator.

Applications will soon be available through Chicago Housing Authority.

Follow Evergreen Real Estate Group @evergreenrealestategroup and GMA Builds @gmabuilds on Instagram for the latest updates on Schiller Place Apartments.

In February 2021, Evergreen Real Estate Group’s property Pelham Manor located in Toledo, Ohio partnered with Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore for a recycling initiative. Assistant Superintendent, Joshua Sainer and the team at Pelham Manor, worked with subcontractors to salvage old existing light fixtures and cabinets that made it through demolition without damage and then logged each process. In result, the items became tax-deductible and were arranged to be picked up every Friday which later were sold through the non-profit home improvement store.

Recycled items included:

[9] 24x48x3.25 3 bulb ACT Lay-in Grid light

[89] 24x24x3.25 3 bulb ACT Lay-in Grid light

[38] 15 inch 3-light, White Flush Mount Dome fixtures

[43] 6 inch 1-light, Flush Mount Globe fixtures

[2] 9 inch 1-light, Flush Mount Dome fixtures

[187] Miscellaneous Kitchen Cabinets

[3] 35-Apartment Mailbox Cabinet

[6] 36” wide rolls of wallpaper

[8] Church brand, Elongated toilet seats

[102] Fan Coil unit

[3] 12x12x48 boxes of fluorescent tubes and CFLs

In addition to the items listed, a total of 22 pickup truck loads of cardboard boxes were recycled. There were also small recycling bins for aluminum cans, mixed containers and office paper in Pelham’s construction office. An estimated 60 CY of miscellaneous light fixtures, exhaust fans, metal studs, old wiring, aluminum store front framing material and metal roofing trim were also taken to the scrap yard.

All the proceeds were used to build and repair homes for low-income residents in Lucas County, Ohio. Evergreen will continue to reduce environmental impact from hazardous materials entering the waste stream by recycling items across all their properties. All participating subcontractors included: Allport Construction, Cinco Electric, EMCOR Services Shambaugh, Tri-State Industrial Flooring, 1st Choice Roofing, Interstate Commerical Glass and Door and Toledo Elevator.

Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a non-profit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances and home accessories to the public at 25% to 80% off original retail prices. Maumee Valley Habitat is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). While Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore focuses on Lucas County, Ohio, their work is done across the world.

Visit https://www.mvhabitat.org/ to learn more about Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

On August 14th, Haiti was severely hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and in addition to 1,200 casualties, many families have lost their homes. In response to these devastating events, Evergreen Real Estate Group partnered with non-profit Convoy of Hope to fill donation boxes with hygiene kits and baby-care items. Evergreen employees ended up distributing over 140 pounds of various items which were packaged and shipped on September 1st, all while strictly following COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of the impacted individuals.

Evergreen is proud to contribute to Convoy of Hope’s efforts in Haiti. As of September 1st, Convoy of Hope’s, Haiti Disaster Relief has organized the following:

Individuals served: 160,603

Meals distributed: 5,000,000

Hygiene Kits: 26,675

Tarps: 1,094

Communities Served: 163

Convoy of Hope is a non-profit organization focused on bringing help and hope to those who are impoverished, hungry and hurting through passion and core values. Convoy of Hope partners with local churches, businesses, civic organizations and government agencies to strategically offer help to communities around the world. To learn more about Convoy of Hope and how you can help a community in need, visit https://convoyofhope.org/.

Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is currently in the works of renovating and preserving affordable housing for seniors and individuals at century old building in downtown Cleveland. Construction began June 2021 with both residential and commercial tenants remaining in place during the renovations.

Read the full article at Housing Finance. https://www.housingfinance.com/developments/evergreen-plans-renovation-of-historic-cleveland-building_o

Kevin Beard Director of Acquisitions for Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group and various industry leaders talk about the complex process of rehabbing aging properties through extensive repairs and financial procedures. Many communities are struggling to find affordable housing due to expiring subsidies making it a critical issue.

Read more on the nation’s affordable housing crisis at Housing Finance. https://www.housingfinance.com/management-operations/developers-navigate-the-complexities-of-rehabbing-aging-properties_o

David Block Director of Development for Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group talks about how dual-purpose developments can serve multiple needs of low-income residents and communities.

Read the full story at Multi-Housing News. https://www.multihousingnews.com/post/why-co-location-is-a-winning-model-for-affordable-housing/

Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group located at high rise 566 W. Lake Street, welcomes back staff on July 6 with a completely renovated loft-style space featuring air filtration, ultraviolet lighting for disinfectant, and more rooms per worker to allow employees to feel safe post-COVID.

Read the full story and how other firms located near the Loop are handling the comeback at Chicago Suntimes. https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/2021/5/13/22432879/coronavirus-chicago-offices-remote-work-return-downtown-covid-safety-protocols

(Photo credit for all images: Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times)

Kevin Beard Director of Acquisitions for Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group and various industry competitors talk about the demand for multifamily investment and low interest rates in property market amidst the pandemic.

Read the full article at Rebusiness Online. https://rebusinessonline.com/demand-for-value-add-multifamily-acquisitions-outpaces-supply/

Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group gives back to employees by awarding scholarships to various children/dependents. The Evergreen Scholarship was created in 2019 to provide educational opportunities to loved ones across all departments in the company.

Read the full list of 2020 recipients at REJournals. https://rejournals.com/evergreen-real-estate-awards-scholarships-to-employees-children/

Evergreen Real Estate Group’s Independence Branch Library & Apartments and Northtown Branch Library win the 2020 Library Building Awards from the American Institute of Architects and American Library Association. Both projects were built in partnership with the city of Chicago, Chicago Housing Authority and Chicago Public Library.

Read the full article at REJournals. https://rejournals.com/pair-of-co-located-library-and-senior-housing-developments-earn-2020-library-building-awards/

Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group Oso Apartments located in Chicago’s Albany Park wins the 2020 Illinois Real Estate Journal Affordable Housing Award. Oso Apartments completed construction in 2019 with 32 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom affordable family units.

Read more about the IREJ Real Estate Awards recipients at REJournals. https://rejournals.com/winners-announced-at-the-2020-irej-real-estate-awards/

Steve Rappin, Chief Executive Officer for Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group discusses the company’s challenges and success through the pandemic. Evergreen’s affordable housing company status allowed for rent collecting to continue smoothly with strict COVID-19 protocols.

Read the full interview at Connect CRE. https://www.connectcre.com/stories/qa-with-evergreens-steve-rappin-on-managing-a-multifamily-portfolio-in-a-pandemic/

Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group and John Ronan Architects LLC’s six-story, mixed-used Independence Library Apartments wins Chicago Neighborhood Development Award. Both companies also placed first in The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design during the 26th annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDA). The awards highlight outstanding achievement in neighborhood real estate development and community building.

Read the full story at REJournals. https://rejournals.com/john-ronan-architects-evergreen-real-estate-group-honored-for-independence-library-and-apartments/

Ravenswood Senior Living one of first in country to offer independent and supportive living for low-income seniors in single location

CHICAGO (July 14, 2021) — Evergreen Real Estate Group, Synergy Construction Group and the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) today announced the completion of construction and start of move-ins at Ravenswood Senior Living, a 193-unit affordable rental community at 1922 W. Sunnyside Ave. in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood.

The $81 million project converted the former Ravenswood Hospital, built in 1974 and vacant since 2002, into much-needed affordable senior housing. It is the first development of its kind in Illinois and one of the first in the country to offer both independent living and supportive living for low-income seniors in a single location. This pioneering model makes it possible for residents to age in place as their acuity increases, transitioning to a new, yet familiar, home if and when they require assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and making meals.

Located between Damen and Ravenswood avenues, the 10-story building has 74 one-bedroom independent living apartments for CHA residents, as well as 119 units for participants in the Illinois Supportive Living Program, an alternative to nursing home care that is administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. While the two communities are located in the same building, they have separate entrances and operate independently from each other. Evergreen is managing the independent living community, located at 4515 N. Winchester Ave., while Asbury Healthcare operates the supportive living community, located at 1922 W. Sunnyside Ave.

“A year and a half after breaking ground, we are proud to announce the completion of this important and long-awaited project that creates affordable senior housing where none previously existed,” said Jeff Rappin, founder and chairman of Evergreen Real Estate Group. “Ravenswood Senior Living shows that solutions to the affordable housing shortage can be found right in our backyard. With the right partners, vacant and underutilized sites can be reimagined as low-income housing that supports the health of communities by improving the lives of residents.”

“With its combination of independent and supportive living for low-income seniors, this development represents an innovative approach to affordable housing and marks important development as an affordable option for seniors,” said CHA CEO Tracey Scott. “Ravenswood Senior Living is the first facility of its kind in Illinois and will provide a pathway for low-income seniors to age in place while maintaining a high quality of life.”

“The senior population in Illinois is growing, and IHDA is committed to increasing the supply of affordable and supportive housing opportunities that allow families, friends and neighbors to age safely in place in the community of their choice,” said Kristin Faust, executive director of the Illinois Housing Development Association (IHDA). “The innovative redevelopment of this long-vacant hospital is a major milestone, and we are proud to provide the financing that gave the building new life as a community asset that brings much-needed affordable senior housing to the city.”

“I was honored to pass a piece of forward-thinking legislation that prioritizes the needs of our community members and makes good use of pooling all of the resources we have by allowing mixed-use supportive living facilities,” said Illinois State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz. “Every legislator knows the importance of creating affordable senior housing, and these developments are cornerstones of our communities. Ravenswood Senior Living is one of the first developments of its kind in the country. It was essential to be able to both offer affordable, continuum-of-care housing for our community seniors and preserve the Ravenswood Hospital building for future generations.”

Evergreen revitalized and maintained much of the original structure, including the facade, which was cleaned and tuckpointed. All windows were replaced using the original frames. A small addition on the building’s north side features a facade of metal panels whose colors complement the existing brick and mirror the design of the adjacent Lycée Français de Chicago, a private French international school.

Structural changes to the former hospital include the addition of an elevator and staircase at the entrance of the independent living community to improve accessibility for residents and guests. Other improvements include new window openings, updated mechanical systems and modernized elevators. Both the independent and supportive living communities share the existing parking garage, which also is utilized by Lycée Français de Chicago and other commercial and residential buildings on the block.

On-site amenities for the independent living community include a roof deck, community room, fitness room, library/computer room, lounges and laundry rooms. The adjacent supportive living community has its own amenities, including a roof deck, dining room with meals served daily, community room, fitness and physical therapy room, salon, library/computer room, multipurpose/TV room and attendant stations on each floor. In addition, the supportive living community has an on-site doctor’s office, which is staffed by a physician up to two days a week and offers 24-hour care provided by trained medical professionals. Donations of books, puzzles and games for the libraries in both the independent and supportive living communities were provided through donation drives organized by the Ravenswood Community Council, 47th Ward Ald. Matt Martin, Feigenholtz and 47th Ward Democrats.

Ravenswood Senior Living is owned by Evergreen Real Estate Group in partnership with Chicago-based Synergy Construction Group and the CHA. Financial partners for the independent living community include the CHA (both capital funds and rental assistance for all 74 units), IHDA, National Development Corporation (NDC) and IFF. Financial partners for the supportive living community include IHDA, NDC, Key Bank, Ravenswood Community Council, IFF and ComEd through its Energy Efficiency Program.

Leopardo Companies was the general contractor for the project, with Evergreen Construction Company, a division of Evergreen Real Estate Group, serving as a subcontractor.

Ravenswood Senior Living is located close to public transit, including the Damen and Montrose Brown Line stations, the Ravenswood Metra stop, and several CTA bus routes. A number of shops and restaurants throughout Ravenswood and Lincoln Square are also within walking distance of the community.

Applications are still being accepted for both the supportive living and independent living apartments. Individuals or couples can apply for the independent living residences at https://applyonline.thecha.org. Those interested in the supportive living apartments can call (224) 801-2982 or email sales@ravenswoodsl.com.

Ravenswood Senior Living is the third affordable senior housing community that Evergreen has developed on Chicago’s North Side in recent years. In 2019, the firm partnered with the CHA, Chicago Public Library and Department of Housing on a pair of co-located developments – Independence Apartments and Library at 4022 N. Elston Ave. and Northtown Apartments and Library at 6800 N. Western Ave. – that co-locate low-income senior housing with new public library branches.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group:

Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across 10 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions -- from adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing. The firm is led by a passionate, cross-disciplinary team of developers, architects, urban planners and attorneys who have come together to create high-quality apartment communities, often in collaboration with local municipalities and financial partners who share its vision of investing not just in real estate, but also the people who call our communities home. Evergreen currently owns and manages 8,500 units of multifamily housing. For more information on the company, visit www.evergreenreg.com.

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Editors:

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kathryn Kjarsgaard, kkjarsgaard@taylorjohnson.com (312) 267-4514.

Photo captions (credit for all images: Andrew Bruah Photographer):

Ravenswood Senior Living: Ravenswood Senior Living is a new 193-unit affordable senior rental community in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. The pioneering $81 million project converted the former Ravenswood Hospital — which was built in 1974 and has been vacant since 2002 — into much-needed affordable senior housing and is one of the first developments in the country to offer both independent living and supportive living for low-income seniors in a single location.

Ravenswood Senior Living Supportive Living Lounge: Among the many amenities for residents of the supportive living community at Ravenswood Senior Living is a lounge, which includes a fireplace and seating areas.

Ravenswood Senior Living Independent Living Library: Residents of both the independent and supportive living communities at Ravenswood Senior Living will enjoy libraries, which recently were filled with books, puzzles and games provided through donation drives organized by local Chicago groups including the Ravenswood Community Council, 47th Ward Ald. Matt Martin, Illinois State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz and 47th Ward Democrats. Shown here is the library in the independent living community.

Ravenswood Senior Living Supportive Living Dining Room: The supportive living community at Ravenswood Senior Living features a dining room, which serves meals daily as part of the services and offerings for residents.

Evergreen Real Estate Group Wins Urban Land Institute Chicago 2018 Vision Award for Aurora St. Charles Senior Living Project Redevelopment recognized for excellence in “Historic Art Deco” category

CHICAGO (July 25, 2018) – Evergreen Real Estate Group today announced that Aurora St. Charles Senior Living, the developer’s recently completed senior housing community in Aurora, Ill., has been named the recipient of an Urban Land Institute (ULI) Chicago 2018 Vision Award in the “Historic Art Deco” category. Completed in December 2016, the adaptive reuse project was one of 10 winners honored recently at a ceremony that recognized visionary developments, programs and professionals in the land use and development fields throughout the Chicago area.

Celebrating its seventh year, the ULI Vision Awards honor projects and programs that reflect creative development practices, inventive partnerships, sharing of resources, imaginative problem solving and visionary ideas contributing to the growth of vibrant communities.

“It is truly an honor to receive a Vision Award, and we want to thank all the partners who played a role in helping us transform this historic building into a modern senior living community while maintaining its Art Deco charm,” said David Block, director of development for Evergreen Real Estate Group. “We are extremely proud of this project, which was an incredible collaboration of public and private partners working together to reimagine and repurpose this underutilized site to create a vibrant new residential community that now is an asset to the area.”

The $24 million redevelopment project transformed the former St. Charles Hospital, a historic Art Deco building designed by Wybe J. Van der Meer in 1932, into a 60-unit affordable senior housing complex. Located at 400 E. New York St., the structure was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010 but sat vacant for more than five years until Evergreen Real Estate Group began renovating the building in February 2016.

Evergreen Real Estate Group collaborated with Invest Aurora, Northern Lights Development Corporation, the city of Aurora, Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, along with several private lenders and investors, to secure the complicated layers of financing and tax credits needed to fund the rehabilitation.

As part of the project, Evergreen was able to restore and retain many of the building’s original Art Deco features, including terrazzo and stone floors in common areas, oversized windows in each residence and 9-foot ceilings throughout the building. In addition, the building’s exterior was fully restored and the front lobby was renovated with artful contemporary glass to fit with its original Art Deco style.

Now fully leased with a waiting list, the property includes a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors. On-site amenities include a large community room in the hospital’s former chapel, which includes a library/reading room and separate computer area, as well as a fitness room. Residents also have access to outdoor walking paths and community gardens.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across 10 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions in communities around the Midwest. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen offers an experienced team of attorneys, architects, and developers to municipalities seeking to create high-quality apartment communities. Evergreen currently owns and manages 8,000 units of multifamily housing. For more information on the company, visit www.evergreenreg.com.

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Editors: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kathryn Kjarsgaard, kkjarsgaard@taylorjohnson.com, (312) 267-4514.

Photo captions: Aurora St. Charles Senior Living: Aurora St. Charles Senior Living, which recently received an Urban Land Institute Chicago 2018 Vision Award, features a number of original Art Deco design features, including terrazzo and stone floors in common areas and intricate detailing on the building’s exterior.

Award Winners: Executives from Evergreen Real Estate Group, architects from Weese Langley Weese, LTD and historic consultants from MacRostie Historic Advisors join officials from the City of Aurora in accepting an Urban Land Institute Chicago 2018 Vision Award for excellence in the “Historic Art Deco” category recently for the Aurora St. Charles Senior Living project.

Evergreen Real Estate Group and Chicago Housing Authority Celebrate Groundbreaking of Oso Apartments in Chicago’s Albany Park Neighborhood 48-unit development to bring affordable residences to city’s Northwest Side

CHICAGO (Oct. 15, 2018) — Evergreen Real Estate Group, in partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority, today announced the start of construction on Oso Apartments, a 48-unit affordable rental community at 3435 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood. Evergreen and CHA representatives joined 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, officials from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and other community stakeholders at a ceremonial groundbreaking on Oct. 11.

“Oso will provide much-needed housing for residents who want to be part of this economically vibrant, transit-served neighborhood without being burdened by the rapid rent increases that have created a need to preserve and create affordable housing in many Chicago communities,” said David Block, director of development at Evergreen Real Estate Group. “With so much residential construction focused on the upper end of the market, there’s a growing need – in Albany Park and across Chicago – for housing that is affordable to low- and middle-income families who are the lifeblood of this city.”

Located at the southwest corner of Montrose Avenue and Bernard Street, the new five-story building will offer 32 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments, with first move-ins scheduled for late summer 2019. Of the 48 apartments, 32 will be set aside for renters on CHA’s waiting list. The remaining 16 units will be reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income.

“CHA is pleased to work with Evergreen Real Estate Group, IHDA and Ald. Ramirez-Rosa in delivering greater housing opportunity to the Albany Park community,” said Eugene E. Jones Jr., CEO of CHA. “Oso Apartments are another piece of CHA’s commitment to bringing affordable housing to neighborhoods across the city.” IHDA Executive Director Audra Hamernik added that the Oso Apartments will help meet a critical need for affordable housing in Chicago by transforming a vacant lot into a vibrant rental community for Albany Park families. “This partnership between stakeholders at the local, state and federal levels will not only result in the development of high-quality housing in the area, but also create economic and educational opportunities that will serve families in the neighborhood for years to come,” Hamernik said. On-site amenities will include a public plaza at the corner of Montrose and Bernard, as well as a smaller landscaped area for residents, located on the west side of the property. In addition, Oso will offer a large community room, in-building laundry and bike storage, and 22 parking spaces.

The development adheres to recommendations put forth in a 2017 study conducted by ULI Chicago, in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, according to Block. The two-day workshop, which enlisted an 11-person panel of housing policy and legal experts, developers, lenders and community development professionals, focused on strategies for maintaining and building workforce housing affordable for middle-income households in Albany Park and adjacent neighborhoods – part of a broader plan prepared by CMAP and the North River Commission. The panel proposed building new workforce housing along commercial corridors like Montrose Avenue, with one- and two-bedroom residences accounting for the majority of units due to their ability to serve everyone from young professionals and families to seniors.

“Oso seeks to preserve the cultural and economic diversity for which Albany Park and adjacent neighborhoods are known,” said Block. “As this area continues to attract new residents, drawn in part by its proximity to public transit, expressways and recreational amenities along the Chicago River’s North Branch, it’s critical that we maintain housing affordability to ensure investment doesn’t translate to displacement.”

Designed by Chicago-based Canopy Architecture + Design, Oso will have a gray metal façade with bright yellow accents. The entrance will feature an art wall with a mural or mosaic design. The project is one of the latest ground-up developments built by Evergreen Construction Company, a division of Evergreen Real Estate Group. “Oso is truly a labor of love for the entire Evergreen team, and it is the result of a collaborative effort between the development and construction divisions,” said Andre Pintauro, president of Evergreen Construction Company. “We’re proud to be part of such a transformative project that will replace a vacant lot with a modern structure that can serve as a model for future affordable housing development in infill locations.” The new community will be steps from bus stops along Montrose and Kimball avenues and is just a half-mile south of the Kimball Brown Line station. In addition, the Montrose Blue Line station, which provides access to downtown and O’Hare International Airport, is a 10-minute drive from the property, accessible via the Montrose No. 78 bus. Elsewhere on Chicago’s North Side, Evergreen Real Estate Group is partnering with the CHA and Chicago Public Library on a pair of co-located developments that will combine affordable housing with new public library branches. Located at 4022 W. Irving Park Road and 6800 N. Western Ave., they each will offer 30 public housing and 14 affordable apartments for seniors.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across 10 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions in communities around the Midwest. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen offers an experienced team of attorneys, architects, and developers to municipalities seeking to create high-quality apartment communities. Evergreen currently owns and manages 8,000 units of multifamily housing. For more information on the company, visit www.evergreenreg.com.

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Editors: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kathryn Kjarsgaard, kkjarsgaard@taylorjohnson.com, (312) 267-4514.

Photo captions: Oso Apartments Groundbreaking: Civic officials and other development partners joined Evergreen Real Estate Group to celebrate the groundbreaking of Oso Apartments, a new-construction rental community located at 3435 W. Montrose Ave. that will bring 48 affordable housing residences to the Albany Park neighborhood when it opens in late summer 2019. From left: Jeffrey Rappin, founder and chairman of Evergreen Real Estate Group; Andre Pintauro, president of Evergreen Construction Company; Douglas Leezer, director at Citi Community Capital; John T. Hooker, Board Chairman at Chicago Housing Authority; Thomas Applegate, executive director at North River Commission; Andy Decoux, director of multifamily financing and business development at Illinois Housing Development Authority; David Block, director of development for Evergreen Real Estate Group; 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa; Jeanne Gieseke, assistant director at U.S Bancorp Community Development Corporation; Steve Rappin, president of Evergreen Real Estate Group; Jaime Torres, principal and founder of Canopy Architecture + Design; and Eric Meyer, project manager for Evergreen Real Estate Group.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa: 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for Oso Apartments on Oct. 11.

Evergreen Real Estate Group Completes Renovation of the Steven Michael Carroll House on Chicago’s Northwest Side The $3 million upgrade adds elevator and other accessibility features to affordable housing community, formerly known as Humboldt House

CHICAGO (Dec. 17, 2018) – Evergreen Real Estate Group, a leader in the development, rehabilitation and management of both affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, today announced it has completed its renovation of the Steven Michael Carroll House, a 36-unit affordable rental community in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The four-story building at 1819 N. Humboldt Blvd. is owned and operated by Thresholds, one of the oldest and largest providers of recovery services for persons with mental illnesses and substance use disorders in Illinois. Formerly known as Humboldt House, it was renamed in memory of the son of Thresholds board member Deborah Carroll.

“Logan Square, in particular, has seen housing costs soar in recent years, making resources like the Steven Michael Carroll House all the more important for low-income households who call this neighborhood home,” said Kevin Beard, director of acquisitions for Evergreen Real Estate Group. “As a firm that regularly partners with nonprofit organizations, we were honored to work with Thresholds on a project that will continue to serve the community for years to come.”

Evergreen helped secure financing for the $3 million renovation, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) awarded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), as well as historic tax credits syndicated by National Equity Fund (NEF). Other financing included an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) award from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, and a loan from MB Financial. Project partners included Worn Jerabek Wiltse Architects, Bowa Construction, and MacRostie Historic Advisors, which consulted on the historic tax credits.

Capital improvements included new paint and flooring in residences and common areas, as well as a new roof, windows, mechanical systems and an elevator. The community’s studio and one-bedroom apartments also received substantially new kitchens and baths, including Energy Star-rated appliances.

Additional improvements were made to amenity spaces such as the community room with full kitchen, exercise room and computer lab. Residents of the Steven Michael Carroll House also have access to an on-site laundry room, bike storage and landscaped courtyard areas.

“Leveraging our experience with full-property renovations, we were able to plan and execute upgrades in a way that minimized disruption to residents, who were able to remain in the community as improvements were made,” said Beard. “This was a priority for Thresholds, underscoring Evergreen’s commitment to tailoring capital improvement programs around the needs of the client – in this case, a nonprofit organization that needed the ability to continue serving at-risk populations.”

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across 10 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions in communities around the Midwest. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen offers an experienced team of attorneys, architects, and developers to municipalities seeking to create high-quality apartment communities. Evergreen currently owns and manages 8,000 units of multifamily housing. For more information on the company, visit www.evergreenreg.com

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Editors: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kathryn Kjarsgaard, kkjarsgaard@taylorjohnson.com or 312-267-4514

Photo caption: Evergreen Real Estate Group has completed a $3 million renovation of the Steven Michael Carroll House, a 36-unit affordable rental community for people with disabilities in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood.

Evergreen Real Estate Group Grows National Affordable Housing Portfolio Property management division of Chicago-based firm expands with addition of new properties in Illinois, Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin

CHICAGO (Jan. 4, 2019) — Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group, a leader in the acquisition, development, rehabilitation and management of both affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, today announced it has been retained to manage nine affordable housing communities comprising a total of 1,071 units across Illinois, Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin. The assignments include a mix of affordable housing for families, seniors and people with disabilities, expanding Evergreen’s management portfolio to more than 8,500 units throughout the U.S.

“Evergreen is committed to creating, preserving and managing quality affordable housing that offers those facing financial hardship a good, safe place to live and call home,” said Steve Rappin, president of Evergreen Real Estate Group. “The need and demand for affordable housing continues to grow, and our broad range of experience allows us to bring creative solutions and best-in-class services to our residents, third-party owners, housing agency partners and investors.”

The new assignments include:

• Brookhaven Apartments – 181-unit affordable housing community in Gurnee, Ill. • Carter Manor Apartments – 270-unit affordable community for seniors and disabled individuals in Cleveland • Johnstown Towers – 91-unit affordable housing community in Salina, Kan. • Oakdale Plaza Apartments – 38-unit affordable housing community in Salina, Kan. • Legacy Lofts – 64-unit mixed-income housing community in Milwaukee • The Martha Washington Apartments – 104-unit affordable senior community in Chicago • Martin Avenue Apartments – 122-unit affordable senior community in Naperville, Ill. • Neosho Plaza Apartments – 33-unit affordable housing community in Council Grove, Kan. • Neilan Park Apartments – 168-unit affordable housing community in Hamilton, Ohio

Evergreen tailors its management approach to each asset in a way that meets the needs – and achieves successful outcomes – for both the property’s owner and its residents, said Rappin. “At Evergreen, our approach goes beyond the bricks and mortar. We see each development as an investment in a community of people, and providing top-notch service to our residents is a key focus of our property management mission.”

As property manager, Evergreen will oversee site-level operations and, in some communities, plans to improve and upgrade the buildings using low-income housing tax credits and other subsidies.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across 10 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen is led by a passionate, cross-disciplinary team of developers, architects, urban planners and attorneys who have come together to create high-quality apartment communities, often in collaboration with local municipalities and financial partners who share its vision of investing not just in real estate, but also the people who call our communities home. Evergreen currently owns and manages 8,500 units of multifamily housing. For more information on the company, visit www.evergreenreg.com.

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Editors: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kathryn Kjarsgaard, kkjarsgaard@taylorjohnson.com or (312) 267-4514.

Photo captions: The Legacy Lofts Rendering: Evergreen Real Estate Group’s recent property management assignments include Legacy Lofts, a 64-unit mixed-income rental community on the site of the former Blommer Ice Cream Factory in Milwaukee.

Martin Avenue Senior Housing Entry: Martin Avenue Apartments, a 122-unit affordable senior housing community in Naperville, Ill., is among the nine new property management assignments recently announced by Evergreen Real Estate Group.

Evergreen Real Estate Group to Lead Development of New Affordable Senior Housing in Naperville, Ill. Project will add 68 residences and enhance accessibility and safety at Martin Avenue Apartments

CHICAGO (Jan. 23, 2019) – Evergreen Real Estate Group, a leader in the development, rehabilitation and management of both affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, has announced plans to upgrade and expand Martin Avenue Apartments, a 122-unit affordable senior housing community in Naperville, Ill. The $38.6 million project will be completed in partnership with the community’s owner, Naperville Elderly Homes Inc.

“Martin Avenue Apartments has been a pillar of senior living in the Naperville area for 50 years, and we are proud to have been selected to modernize and improve the community,” said Kevin Beard, director of acquisitions for Evergreen Real Estate Group. “The thoughtful renovations and additions will enhance livability for residents and further create a sense of home and community. The improvements also will increase accessibility and safety for seniors.”

Located at 310 Martin Ave., the community currently consists of 81 studio and 41 one-bedroom units that will be improved with all-new bathrooms, flooring, light fixtures and A/C units, as well as upgraded kitchens. Seven of the apartments will be converted to fully accessible units. In addition, a new five-story wing – connected to the main building via a one-story link featuring a new bistro and solarium – will add 68 apartments, most of which will feature one-bedroom floor plans.

Construction is scheduled to begin in late spring, with completion expected in late 2019 for the existing structure and mid-2020 for the new units. All 190 apartments will be reserved for low-income seniors age 62 and older who meet federal income requirements.

“The development plans ensure the preservation of 122 units at affordable rents plus the addition of 68 new affordable units, along with enhanced and expanded community and recreation spaces,” said Dave Weeks, president of the board of Naperville Elderly Homes Inc. “Since 1974, we’ve been proud to serve as a cornerstone of the community, providing a much-needed source of housing for local low-income seniors, and we are thrilled to announce this exciting new phase.”

Evergreen Construction Co., a division of Evergreen Real Estate Group, and Wight Construction Services have been retained as general contractors for the project, with Evergreen managing the overall project on behalf of the joint venture. Evergreen Real Estate Group, which has managed the property since August 2018, will continue to oversee operations after renovations are complete. Chicago-based Worn Jerabek Wiltse Architects is the architect for the overall project design.

“We have extensive experience in the construction of residential apartments and look forward to improving this community and enhancing the lifestyle for its residents,” said Andre Pintauro, president of Evergreen Construction Company.

Working in partnership with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), U.S. Bancorp CDC and Wintrust Bank, Evergreen secured nearly $20 million in low-income housing tax credit equity to help finance the project. Other key financial partners include the city of Naperville, DuPage County and the DuPage Housing Authority.

When completed, the existing building will feature a new roof as well as fresh paint, flooring and light fixtures in common areas. Outdoors, the second-floor terrace will be refurbished, while existing patios will be enlarged and enhanced with new lighting, walkways, permanent benches and moveable furniture. In addition, the building will get a new entranceway and canopy, and common areas and community rooms will be reconfigured and updated to provide more flexible, multi-functional spaces.

Martin Avenue Apartments is located approximately 1 mile south of downtown Naperville, which offers a host of shopping, dining and entertainment. The community is also adjacent to several parks and the Edwards Medical Center campus, which offers residents convenient access to doctors and emergency care.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families in 10 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen is led by a passionate, cross-disciplinary team of developers, architects, urban planners and attorneys who have come together to create high-quality apartment communities, often in collaboration with local municipalities and financial partners who share its vision of investing not just in real estate, but also the people who call our communities home. Evergreen currently owns and manages 8,500 units of multifamily housing across 10 states. For more information on the company, visit www.evergreenreg.com.

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Editors: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kathryn Kjarsgaard, kkjarsgaard@taylorjohnson.com or (312) 267-4514.

Photo captions: Martin Avenue Senior Housing Entry: Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group has announced plans to upgrade and expand Martin Avenue Apartments, an affordable senior housing community in Naperville, Ill.

Martin Avenue Apartments – New Wing: Plans for upgrading and expanding Martin Avenue Apartments include a new five-story wing of 68 apartments that will be connected to the main building via a one-story link featuring a new bistro and solarium.

Evergreen Real Estate Group and Chicago Housing Authority Announce Topping-Off of Oso Apartments in Chicago’s Albany Park Neighborhood CHICAGO (Jan. 18, 2019) — After breaking ground just three months ago, Evergreen Real Estate Group, in partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority, has announced the topping-off of Oso Apartments, a 48-unit affordable rental community at 3435 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood.

“Residents in the area are thrilled to see construction moving so quickly and the building really starting to come to life,” said 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “The Oso Apartments development is going to fill a major void in our neighborhood for low- and middle-income families who want to live in this area but are in danger of being priced out.”

Located at the southwest corner of Montrose Avenue and Bernard Street, on land that was formerly vacant, the new five-story building will offer 32 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments. Of the 48 apartments, 32 will be set aside for renters on CHA’s waiting list. Fourteen of the remaining units will be reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income while two units will be reserved for households earning up to 50 percent of AMI.

“We’re excited to have reached this milestone so quickly, lessening the construction impact on nearby residents and bringing us one step closer to delivering quality rental housing that’s affordable for local families who call Albany Park home,” said David Block, director of development at Evergreen Real Estate Group. “We look forward to welcoming our first residents in August.”

On-site amenities at Oso will include a public plaza at the corner of Montrose and Bernard, as well as a smaller landscaped area for residents, located on the west side of the property. In addition, Oso will offer a large community room, in-building laundry and bike storage, with a total of 22 surface parking spaces.

Evergreen has completed the building’s structure and exterior envelope, bringing it to its full height of five stories. The firm will now begin the infrastructure work, which includes partition framing, plumbing, mechanical and electrical rough-ins, with work on interior finishes set to begin in mid-March, said Andre Pintauro, president of Evergreen Construction Company, a division of Evergreen Real Estate Group that is serving as general contractor.

“We were able to make great progress this fall due to all the upfront planning during the pre-construction phase and the procurement of long-lead materials,” said Pintauro. “The selection and application of materials, together with the building's thoughtful design, elevates the traditional affordable housing model in a way that benefits both future residents and the community at large.”

Designed by Chicago-based Canopy Architecture + Design, Oso will have a textured-concrete façade with bright yellow metal accents. The entrance will feature an art wall with a mural design.

Oso will be steps from CTA bus stops along Montrose and Kimball avenues and a half-mile south of the Kimball Brown Line station. The Montrose Blue Line station, which provides access to downtown and O’Hare International Airport, is a 10-minute drive from the property and accessible via the Montrose No. 78 bus.

For more information about the leasing process for Oso Apartments, please contact Evergreen Real Estate Group at (312) 382-3251.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families in 10 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions -- from adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing. The firm is led by a passionate, cross-disciplinary team of developers, architects, urban planners and attorneys who have come together to create high-quality apartment communities, often in collaboration with local municipalities and financial partners who share its vision of investing not just in real estate, but also the people who call our communities home. Evergreen currently owns and manages 8,500 units of multifamily housing across 10 states. For more information on the company, visit www.evergreenreg.com.

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Editors: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kathryn Kjarsgaard, kkjarsgaard@taylorjohnson.com, (312) 267-4514.

Photo caption: Evergreen Real Estate Group has topped-off Oso Apartments, a 48-unit affordable housing community at 3435 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood.

Evergreen Real Estate Group Completes Renovation of Affordable Senior Housing Community in Racine, Wis. Company’s full-service construction arm, Evergreen Construction Co., completes $2 million, “in-place” renovation of Durand Plaza in six months

CHICAGO / RACINE, Wis. (Feb. 26, 2019) — Evergreen Real Estate Group, a leader in the development, rehabilitation and management of both affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, today announced it has completed a $2 million renovation of Durand Plaza, a 72-unit affordable senior housing community in Racine, Wis. Evergreen, which acquired the property in October 2017 and has managed it since then, also secured a 20-year extension of the property’s Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments contract in conjunction with the renovation.

Evergreen Construction Co., the firm’s full-service construction arm, managed the project, which was implemented as a phased, “in place” renovation to avoid relocation and disruption of residents.

“This project exemplifies our philosophy as a property management and construction company, since we not only improved and retained this affordable housing community for many years to come, but did so with minimum inconvenience to residents,” said Steve Rappin, president of Chicago-based Evergreen. “Our teams did a great job of coordinating the construction process while keeping tenants happy. We are pleased to report we completed the renovations to units and common areas on schedule, while retaining 100 percent of the existing residents and allowing them to remain in the community as we made updates that truly enhanced the livability of the apartments and common spaces.”

Located at 3003 Durand Ave., Durand Plaza comprises four two-story buildings originally constructed in 1970. In addition to the 72 residential units, the property includes a community room with television and shared kitchen, as well as an on-site laundry room.

During the remodel, all buildings received new roofs and windows as well as mechanical improvements. Corridors, stairwells and common areas were refreshed with new carpet, paint and lighting. Exterior improvements included repaved parking lots, repaired sidewalks, masonry updates, new perimeter fencing, landscaping, a new monument sign and a new patio with seating that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Residential units received new light fixtures, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and window blinds throughout, while baths were remodeled with new flooring, paint, refinished tubs and new fixtures. Approximately 80 percent of the apartments were retrofitted with new kitchens, including new paint, flooring, cabinetry, countertops and appliances.

The renovation was planned and executed with residents in mind from start to finish, said Andre Pintauro, president of Evergreen Construction Co. “We collaborated with the management team to arrange for residents to receive funds to get lunch, go see a movie or enjoy other activities for a few hours on days when the construction crew needed to be in individual apartments,” he said. “We really tried to make this project a case study on how to give units a makeover with minimal disturbance to the daily lives of those who live in the community.”

Durand Plaza is in proximity to a grocery store and other shops, restaurants and services, with an adjacent bus line providing easy access to these and other destinations. The community also is next to the County Bike Trail and near the Lake Michigan shoreline.

While this was Evergreen’s first project in Racine, the firm also is developing Legacy Lofts, located on the site of the former Blommer Ice Cream Factory in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood of Milwaukee. “Evergreen looks forward to continuing our expansion into the Wisconsin market through quality apartment renovation projects as well as new-construction and adaptive-reuse projects like Legacy Lofts,” said Rappin.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families in 10 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions-from adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing. The firm is led by a passionate, cross-disciplinary team of developers, architects, urban planners and attorneys who have come together to create high-quality apartment communities, often in collaboration with local municipalities and financial partners who share its vision of investing not just in real estate, but also in the people who call our communities home. Evergreen currently owns and manages 8,500 units of multifamily housing across 10 states. For more information on the company, visit www.evergreenreg.com.

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Editors: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kathryn Kjarsgaard, kkjarsgaard@taylorjohnson.com, (312) 267-4514.

Photo captions: Durand Exterior: Evergreen Real Estate Group has completed a $2 million renovation of Durand Plaza, a 72-unit affordable housing community for seniors in Racine, Wis. Evergreen also secured a 20-year extension of the property’s Section 8 contract.

Durand Kitchen: During the remodel of Durand Plaza, a 72-unit affordable housing community for seniors in Racine, Wis., Evergreen Real Estate Group retrofitted approximately 80 percent of the apartments with new kitchens, including new flooring, paint, cabinetry, countertops and appliances.

ECC, along with parent company Evergreen Real Estate Group (EREG), had the pleasure of participating in the Magic of Music 2019 Ravinia Golf and Tennis Benefit at Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park, IL this week. The event benefits Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play music education programs. EREG was a feature sponsor of the event. It was a great day to enjoy some golf, tennis and good company for a great cause.

By Robert Channick Reporter Chicago Tribune

Artistic Rendering of Building supplied by: Worn Jerabek Wiltse Architects, P.C.

A proposed $60 million affordable housing redevelopment for seniors at the former Ravenswood Hospital site is on life support pending legislation that would allow separate supportive and independent living facilities under the same roof. The plan, which would turn a vacant 10-story high-rise into 193 units of mixed-use senior housing, was shot down in November by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Current state rules require supportive living facilities be exclusive to that use. “This is housing that’s needed,” said Jeff Rappin, chairman of Evergreen Real Estate Group, a Chicago-based affordable housing developer. “We’re not building a 400-unit high-rise for yuppies. This is 193 units of housing for seniors who absolutely need it.”

Evergreen has a license to build a supportive living facility 1.5 miles from the site of the former Ravenswood Hospital, which was shuttered in 2002. That site didn’t pan out, and when the 150,000-square-foot high-rise at 4501 N. Winchester Ave. became available, Rappin said it was a “no-brainer” to move the project there. Rappin entered into a $9 million purchase agreement for the building and reworked the plans, which include 119 supportive living apartments on the first four floors, and 74 one-bedroom independent living units on the upper floors. The facilities would have separate side-by-side entrances.

The Chicago Housing Authority committed $24 million for the independent living portion of the project, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“This is an innovative project that CHA is excited about because it provides the opportunity for 74 independent living units in a strong North Side neighborhood, a priority of the agency,” CHA spokesman Matthew Aguilar said in an email Thursday. The balance of the $60 million project is funded through equity and debt, using low-income housing tax credits, Rappin said.

Evergreen submitted an application to move the facility to the Ravenswood site in 2016. While the neighborhood has been supportive of the adaptive reuse of the high-rise, which has fallen into disrepair, the state balked at the mixed-use proposal in November.

Supportive living facilities are licensed by Healthcare and Family Services as an alternative to nursing home care for low-income seniors under Medicaid. Under state rules, such a facility must be exclusively devoted to supportive housing. A department spokesman did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. The developers enlisted support to change the rules, with Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, planning to bring House Bill 4223 to the floor in Springfield next week to allow for mixed-use supportive living facilities.

“There are many seniors in Chicago waiting to move into what would assuredly be a beautiful facility but the (Rauner) administration would rather cite outdated administrative rules then attempt to help seniors, and help communities develop,” Feigenholtz said in an email Thursday. “I decided to file HB 4223 as a last resort … to try to protect senior housing before it is too late.”

Rappin said the deal is dead without new legislation, as he is not licensed to redevelop the entire 10-story building for supportive living units. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on the CHA’s support of the independent living portion of the project. “Because of the unpredictable nature of construction costs, there is a time consideration and we are hoping to start construction as soon as possible,” Aguilar said.

Rappin has already sunk more than $1 million into the redevelopment, and he said costs are rising by the day due to ongoing vandalism at the site, which beyond the highly visible graffiti, has “broken down” heating and cooling systems and other building infrastructure.

The bigger cost, he said, will be the loss of affordable housing, which while separate, will allow seniors to eventually move from independent to supportive living at the same address.

“It makes no sense to us whatsoever,” Rappin said. “This housing is so needed.”

rchannick@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @RobertChannick

Developments in West Ridge and Irving Park will combine new library branches with affordable senior housing

CHICAGO (Feb. 13, 2018) — Evergreen Real Estate Group recently celebrated the groundbreaking of two co-located housing and library projects it is developing in partnership with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago Housing Authority and Chicago Public Library. City and elected officials joined community residents and development partners on Jan. 28 to mark the beginning of construction.

“We are grateful for the vision of Mayor Emanuel, Chicago Housing Authority Chief Executive Eugene Jones and Library Commissioner Brian Bannon and humbled by the opportunity to collaborate with them and other community stakeholders who have been instrumental in getting us to this exciting milestone,” said David Block, director of development for Evergreen Real Estate Group.

One of the projects, the Independence Apartments and Independence Branch at 4022 W. Irving Park Road in Irving Park, was designed by John Ronan Architects. “Evergreen was thrilled to work with the West Walker Civic Association, the Old Irving Park Association, Greater Irving Park Neighborhood Association, Friends of the Independence Library and aldermen from Chicago’s 45th, 39th, 35th, and 33rd wards to help realize the vision for a brand-new Independence Branch library coupled with much-needed affordable senior housing,” said Block.

Designed by Perkins+Will, the second project is Northtown Apartments and Northtown Branch at 6800 N. Western Avenue in West Ridge. “We also were honored to have the opportunity to work with the West Ridge community and the library advisory committee, which was led by 50th Ward Alderman Debra Silverstein, to help bring vibrancy to this important corner across from Warren Park with the new Northtown Branch library,” said Block. “The project is a creative solution for a mixed-use, mixed-income development that addresses multiple neighborhood needs in a single project.”

Each development will provide a total of 44 senior apartments, including 30 public housing units and 14 affordable residences.

CHICAGO (Jan. 2018) — Evergreen Real Estate Group, a leader in the development, construction and management of both affordable and market-rate multifamily communities, today announced that John Kennedy has joined the company as executive vice president of operations. In addition, the firm has promoted Mary Mauney from regional supervisor to vice president of property management.

In his newly created position, Kennedy will oversee Evergreen’s national property management portfolio, which comprises more than 8,000 units.

“As Evergreen continues to expand, we decided to create this role and bring on an industry veteran like John so we can more efficiently and effectively manage our rapidly growing portfolio across the U.S.,” said Steve Rappin, president of Evergreen Real Estate Group. “John has more than 25 years of experience in multifamily property management, with a particular emphasis on affordable housing, so he was a natural choice as someone who can truly hit the ground running and make this position his own.”

Prior to joining Evergreen, Kennedy was senior vice president at Related Management, with responsibility for the firm’s 7,000-unit Midwest affordable housing portfolio. Prior to that, he worked for Metroplex Inc., a Chicago-based property management firm specializing in affordable housing communities. Kennedy originally joined Metroplex in 1993 and served in various roles before being appointed president of the company in 2013. Two years later, Metroplex was acquired by Related Management, and Kennedy continued to lead the portfolio’s operations.

As a licensed attorney, Kennedy also acted as in-house legal counsel for Metroplex, representing the firm on a variety of issues pertaining to fair housing and regulatory compliance, landlord-tenant disputes, employment matters and contract agreements. Before joining Metroplex, Kennedy served as a staff attorney for Sheldon Baskin, Henry Hyatt and Daniel Epstein, an affiliated real estate development group whose business was concentrated in conventional market-rate and government-assisted multifamily housing.

Kennedy received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marquette University and a juris doctor from the DePaul University School of Law in Chicago. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois and holds an Illinois real estate broker’s license.

As Evergreen’s newly appointed vice president of property management, Mauney will work alongside Kennedy in managing the day-to-day operation of the firm’s 8,000-unit portfolio. In addition, Mauney will continue to leverage her extensive experience working with state and federal agencies to secure tax credits needed to finance new developments. She also will ensure individual communities meet various reporting requirements in order to maintain their affordable status.

“Mary has 30 years of experience in affordable housing and has been an integral part of our company for the past five years, contributing to the enormous growth we’ve experienced as we continue to enter new markets and increase market share,” said Rappin. “This is a well-deserved promotion for her and a testament to her commitment to ensuring each Evergreen community operates at its highest possible level. Mary also is a great example of an Evergreen employee with heart — her compassion for the residents who call our communities home exemplifies our broader corporate mission of serving individuals and families whose needs go beyond four walls and a roof.” Before moving to Chicago in 2004, Mauney worked as a regional manager for properties with rural housing, Section 8 and LIHTC funding. In 2003, she transitioned to the regulatory stage, accepting the role of senior asset manager for Atlanta-based National Housing Compliance, the performance-based contract administrator in the state of Georgia, which eventually led her to become director of the company’s Illinois field office in 2004. The field office completed management and occupancy reviews and followed up on REAC inspections and tenant concerns for over 400 HUD Section 8 properties in the state of Illinois. Mauney joined Evergreen in 2013, most recently serving as regional supervisor. In this role, she managed Evergreen’s third-party management contracts while maintaining a portfolio of eight to 10 properties.
Mauney earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology/biology from Oberlin College. In addition, she is a certified property manager through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and holds an Illinois real estate broker’s license. Outside of her role at Evergreen, Mauney serves on the board of the Housing Commission in Oak Park, Ill., and has volunteered for years for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across 10 states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions in communities around the Midwest. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen offers an experienced team of attorneys, architects and developers to municipalities seeking to create high-quality apartment communities. Evergreen currently owns and manages 8,000 units of multifamily housing.

Editors: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kathryn Kjarsgaard, kkjarsgaard@taylorjohnson.com, (312) 267-4514.

John Kennedy has joined Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group as executive vice president of operations.

Mary Mauney has been promoted from regional supervisor to vice president of property management at Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group.

CHICAGO (Oct. 4, 2017) — Evergreen Real Estate Group, a leader in the development, rehabilitation and management of both affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, today announced it has acquired Durand Plaza, a 72-unit affordable senior and disabled housing community in Racine, Wis. In conjunction with its acquisition of the community, which will undergo a $2 million renovation within the next six to nine months, Evergreen is currently pursuing a 20-year extension of the property’s Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment contract.

“This is Evergreen’s first project in Racine, and we are excited to enter this market and preserve this important affordable housing community,” said Steve Rappin, president of Chicago-based Evergreen, which will also manage the property. “We plan to carry out a much-needed rehabilitation of the property, making it possible for these seniors and disabled residents to remain in their homes and continue to live in the community they know.”

Located at 3003 Durand Ave., Durand Plaza comprises four two-story buildings originally constructed in 1970. In addition to the 72 resident units, the property includes a community room with television and common kitchen, as well as an on-site laundry room.

As part of its renovation, which will begin in early 2018 and be conducted in phases, Evergreen will make kitchen and bath upgrades in most units. In addition, all four buildings will receive new windows and roofs. Evergreen also will make mechanical improvements to the buildings and refresh corridors and common areas.

“We are currently assessing the condition of each unit and discussing possible updates with residents based on their needs,” said Rappin. “About 10 of the units were rehabbed with new kitchens and baths in the last five years, so the remaining units will get much-needed makeovers in these areas that enhance the livability of each residence.”

Durand Plaza is located near shops, a grocery store, restaurants and services along Durand Avenue, and a bus line runs directly in front of the community, providing easy transportation to these destinations. The community is adjacent to the County Bike Trail and is in proximity to the Lake Michigan beachfront. Durand Plaza also is near shops, restaurants and destinations in downtown Racine, making it easy for residents to stay active within the surrounding community.

Additional Wisconsin projects in the Evergreen portfolio include construction of the Legacy Lofts at the Blommer Ice Cream Factory, formerly known as 15th and North Apartments, in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood of Milwaukee. “Evergreen looks forward to expanding its footprint of quality renovated apartments, new construction and adaptive reuse developments throughout Wisconsin,” said Rappin.

To learn more about Durand Plaza, contact Polly Kuehl at pkuehl@evergreenreg.com.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across eight states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions in communities around the Midwest. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen offers an experienced team of attorneys, architects, and developers to municipalities seeking to create high-quality apartment communities. Evergreen currently owns and manages 7,000 units of multifamily housing.

CHICAGO (Aug. 21, 2017) — Evergreen Real Estate Group, a leader in the development, rehabilitation and management of both affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, today announced it has acquired Oak Tree Towers, a 165-unit affordable senior housing community in Downers Grove, Ill. In conjunction with its acquisition of the community, which will undergo a $4 million renovation over the next six months, Evergreen secured a 20-year extension of the property’s Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment contract, maintaining the affordability of the residences through 2037.

“Even as demand is increasing, the nation’s supply of affordable rental housing – both subsidized and unsubsidized – is shrinking,” said Steve Rappin, president of Chicago-based Evergreen, which will also manage the property. “Acquiring and preserving Oak Tree Towers has made it possible for seniors to remain in their home and community, and as a company, we’re proud to make that possible.”

Located at 1120 Warren Ave., Oak Tree Towers comprises two community buildings and two residential buildings, each with its own laundry room. The property’s 165 apartments include a mix of studio and one-bedroom floor plans. The two community buildings house the property management office, a large community room, lounge, kitchen and a salon. As part of its renovation, which will be conducted in phases, Evergreen will make kitchen and bathroom upgrades in each unit and retrofit 18 apartments to make them handicapped-accessible. In addition, Evergreen will make extensive structural and mechanical improvements to the buildings, such as elevator and roof repairs, and update corridors and common areas.

“As with all of our renovation projects, we try to be as transparent as possible with our residents and look to include them in the decision-making process,” said Rappin. “We do this through regular resident meetings and an on-site property manager who readily addresses any concerns and works to minimize disturbances. We feel that the more residents are involved with planning renovations, activities and resources needed to improve their day-to-day lives, the more successful our efforts will be.”

Oak Tree Towers is within walking distance of the Downers Grove Metra station and shops and restaurants throughout downtown, making it easy for residents to stay active within the surrounding community. The property will also offer complimentary shuttle service to local grocery stores and other destinations throughout the area.

Additionally, residents of Oak Tree Towers will have access to a variety of social programs organized by Evergreen’s management team. These include weekly exercise classes, monthly lunches with entertainment, bingo and movie nights, and craft and knitting clubs. Residents will also benefit from on-site health screenings and deacon visits.

To learn more about Oak Tree Towers, contact Debbie Wenzlaff at dwenzlaff@evergreenreg.com,

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across eight states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions in communities around the Midwest. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen offers an experienced team of attorneys, architects, and developers to municipalities seeking to create high-quality apartment communities. Evergreen currently owns and manages 7,000 units of multifamily housing.

CHICAGO (March 22, 2017) — Evergreen Real Estate Group, a leader in the development, rehabilitation and management of both affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, today announced that Andre A. Pintauro has joined the company as vice president of construction. In his new role, Pintauro will work closely with Evergreen’s development team to expand Evergreen’s scope of construction services within the multifamily industry as well as the commercial sector, including mixed-use, retail and hospitality.

"Andre’s ability to manage projects ranging in size, scope and complexity makes him a valuable addition to our growing construction team,” said Steve Rappin, president of Evergreen Real Estate Group. "With close to 20 years of experience, Andre will oversee projects from concept to completion, increasing efficiency without comprising the quality and standards of excellence that have made Evergreen a leader in multifamily construction and development.”

Pintauro most recently worked as a project executive and commercial business unit leader at a Chicago-based general contracting firm, overseeing more than 750,000 square feet of development. An experienced leader in the contracting world, Pintaurowas recognized for his ability to consistently complete projects within budget and on schedule. During his 14 years with the company, he served as a mentor for a number of project managers, assistant project managers and interns. Through the many projects Pintauro worked on, he was able to gain superior technical expertise in all phases of project coordination, management and development, including renovations, adaptive reuse projects and new construction.

Pintauro has also worked for one of Chicago’s largest interior contractors, where he managed projects as large as 150,000 square feet. In addition to supervising day-to-day construction, Pintauro also handled overall project oversight, bid solicitations, contract negotiations, scope reviews and contract awards for subcontractors. Pintaurois also experienced in traditional contracting delivery methods, integrated project delivery and design build.

“I’m excited to be joining a diverse and highly accomplished firm like Evergreen, and for the opportunity to help build and grow the construction management and general contracting division of the company,” said Pintauro. “I look forward to expanding Evergreen’s construction services both geographically and across numerous property sectors, including affordable housing, senior housing and commercial, working with the team to further elevate Evergreen’s position in the market.”

Pintauro holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Illinois State University and certifications from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), U.S. Green Building Council and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across eight states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions in communities around the Midwest. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen offers an experienced team of attorneys, architects and developers to municipalities seeking to create high-quality apartment communities. Evergreen currently owns and manages 6,500 units of multifamily housing.

We’re adding new properties on a regular basis to our already extensive portfolio, and we think you should continue to watch this space for coming upgrades to our websites, marketing programs and overall company news. We could be coming soon to a community near you!

CHICAGO (Jan. 4, 2017) – Evergreen Real Estate Group, a leader in the development, rehabilitation and management of both affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, today announced the start of pre-leasing at Fairhaven Crossing, a 40-unit affordable rental community in downtown Mundelein, Ill. The transit-oriented development, the first affordable housing community to be developed in Mundelein in many years, will welcome its first residents later this month.

Located at 407 E. Hawley St., Fairhaven Crossing includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, with affordable rents for households earning 60 percent or less of the area median income (AMI). Part of a broader initiative to transform downtown Mundelein into a walkable mixed-use district, the $13.5 million project involved converting and expanding a vacant 1½- story brick building on the site – previously a light industrial building – into a three-story residential building. The redevelopment was partially funded using $5.6 million in low-income housing tax credit financing secured by Evergreen Real Estate Group.

“We are pleased that the construction phase on the Fairhaven Crossing development is complete,” said Steve Lentz, mayor of Mundelein. “We appreciate the building’s quality construction, innovative design and close attention to detail throughout the property and look forward to the official grand opening.”

Built to meet the criteria of Enterprise Green Communities, a green building standard originally developed for affordable housing, Fairhaven Crossing includes 12 apartments set aside for individuals with disabilities. Evergreen sought input from the Lake County Center for Independent Living (CIL) on the design of common areas and residences, four of which were customized to accommodate future residents’ physical requirements.Fairhaven Crossing is also a family-friendly community, offering three-bedroom floor plans in half of the units.

“Fairhaven Crossing is a great addition to downtown Mundelein, taking an underutilized yet highly visible site and reimagining it as a vibrant residential community,” said Larry Pusateri, development partner for Evergreen Real Estate Group, which will also manage the community. “The Chicago area, like much of the country, is struggling with a shortage of affordable housing, making it extremely difficult to find apartments that are either ADA-accessible or large enough to house a family. Fairhaven Crossing was designed to fill this void in the market, providing quality housing tailored to the needs of these underserved groups.”

Each unit will include a living/dining room and open kitchen with vinyl plank flooring and Energy Star-rated appliances. Residents will also have access to a variety of on-site amenities, including a laundry room; a community room with full kitchen; computer lab; bike storage; playground; and landscaped courtyard areas.

Fairhaven Crossing will also offer convenient access to nearby parks, as well as shops, restaurants and essential services in downtown Mundelein. In addition, the community is a short walk from the Mundelein Metra station and several bus stops.

“The central location of Fairhaven Crossing and its proximity to public transportation will make the community accessible to residents of all ages, including those with limited mobility,” said Pusateri. “We’re proud to be working alongside Mundelein officials in creating much-needed housing that will contribute to the ongoing revitalization of downtown and encourage additional investment in the area.”

For more information, or to schedule a showing, call (847) 970-9216 or email fairhaven@evergreenres.com.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across eight states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions in communities around the Midwest. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen offers an experienced team of attorneys, architects and developers to municipalities seeking to create high-quality apartment communities. Evergreen currently owns and manages 6,500 units of multifamily housing.

CHICAGO (June 28, 2016) — Evergreen Real Estate Group, a fully integrated real estate company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments, today announced it has acquired a pair of affordable senior housing communities in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Over the next 12 months, Evergreen plans to renovate both properties – a 45-unit building at 1420 W. Farwell Ave. and 40-unit building at 1345 W. Jarvis Ave. In conjunction with its acquisition of the communities, Evergreen also secured a 20-year extension of the properties’ Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment contract, maintaining the affordability of the residences through 2036.

“Chicago, like many cities across the country, is in the middle of an affordable housing crisis, so the preservation of the city’s existing affordable housing stock – particularly communities dedicated to seniors – is more vital than ever,” said Steve Rappin, president of Chicago-based Evergreen, which will manage both properties. “The extension of the Section 8 program at each community will allow current residents to remain in their homes and give Chicago seniors a viable housing option as rents in the city continue to climb.”

Each property includes of a mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments as well as several common areas, including a resident lounge, computer room and laundry facility. As part of its renovation, Evergreen will make extensive structural and mechanical improvements to the buildings, including updated plumbing and electrical systems. In addition, common areas and corridors will be renovated, and units will receive updates to increase livability. Evergreen will also improve the accessibility of each community by completing elevator repairs and retrofitting select units to be fully accessible.

“Both buildings were constructed over 80 years ago and have not been significantly updated since,” said Rappin. “It’s our goal to modernize each community in a way that facilitates independent living and fosters a strong sense of community among the seniors who call these buildings home.”

The buildings’ locations are particularly attractive to residents. With a Walk Score® of 83, the surrounding neighborhood facilitates a walkable lifestyle. Each property’s proximity to bus and rail lines allows seniors to travel throughout Rogers Park and other parts of the city, providing further independence.

Under Evergreen’s management, each community will continue to offer a service coordinator to arrange onsite nurse visits and social programming for residents, including bingo games and film screenings. In addition, shuttle transportation will be provided for residents interested in visiting nearby shopping and dining destinations.

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across eight states. Evergreenspecializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions in communities around the Midwest. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen offers an experienced team of attorneys, architects, and developers to municipalities seeking to create high-quality apartment communities. Evergreen currently owns and manages 6,500 units of multifamily housing.

CHICAGO (May 24, 2016) — Evergreen Real Estate Group, in partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and City Real Estate Advisors, today announced it has completed renovations at Dixon Square Apartments, a 72-unit affordable housing community in Ronald Reagan’s boyhood town of Dixon, Ill. As part of the $3.3 million rehabilitation project, which began in Spring 2015, Evergreen secured a 20-year extension of the community’s Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment contract, preserving the affordability of the residences through 2036.

“We saw an opportunity to improve the wellbeing of the existing residents and ensure Dixon Square Apartments would continue to serve the Dixon community for generations to come,” said Stephen Rappin, president of Chicago-based Evergreen, the owner and property manager of the building. “Our strong relationships with HUD and IHDA allowed us to secure the financing necessary to make this project feasible.”

Located at 540 Freedom Walk, the three-building property had not been significantly upgraded since it was completed in 1980. Evergreen secured Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) needed to fund the $3.3 million renovation, which took approximately one year to complete.

In addition to replacing the roof of each building and making other exterior improvements, Evergreen enhanced the community’s common areas, including laundry facilities located on each floor, an on-site playground and community garden. Additionally, Evergreen updated all 72 residences with modern kitchens featuring brand-new appliances, tile flooring, cabinetry and countertops. The developer also renovated bathrooms to include new tile flooring, vanities and plumbing fixtures, and replaced air conditioners and cable television hookups in each unit.

Evergreen was joined by Dixon Mayor Liandro Arellano Jr. and representatives from IHDA at a May 19th ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the project.

“Projects like Dixon Square provide quality affordable housing to residents who need it most,” said Mayor Arellano. “Updating the aging complex not only improves its overall appearance and livability, but also represents a broader investment in the future of our community.”

About Evergreen Real Estate Group: Founded in 1999, Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group is a fully integrated multifamily company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily apartments for both seniors and families across eight states. Evergreen specializes in thoughtful, creative residential development solutions in communities around the Midwest. From adaptive reuse of historic buildings to new development in cities and towns facing a shortage of affordable housing, Evergreen offers an experienced team of attorneys, architects, and developers to municipalities seeking to create high-quality apartment communities. Evergreen currently owns and manages 6,500 units of multifamily housing.