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.
