By: Ashmar Mandou

A pool of City of Chicago officials and community partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new development on Chicago Avenue in West Humboldt Park. As part of the City’s Build Better Together Initiative, the Humboldt Park Passive Living project will create a four-story affordable, mixed-use development with two commercial spaces.

“The economic impact of affordable housing can ripple throughout a neighborhood, and we will see that here once this development is complete,” said Department of Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda. “DOH is proud to support this project and to continue investing in quality, affordable housing across our city.”  The project includes 60 affordable units, with 13 units reserved for people with disabilities, including four units for people with sensory impairments.  

The 750 N. Avers project in West Humboldt Park is a result of both public and private investment, including $8.2M from the Department of Housing, $7.1M from the Department of Planning and Development, $18.7M in Tax Increment Financing, and the conveyance of four City-owned parcels for the write down of $1 each.   “This project provides members of this community exactly what they need to thrive,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “We’re bringing the resources necessary to have access to economic mobility, and we’re doing it while embracing the rich culture that’s already established in the area. With this development, we are taking another step forward towards building the safest and most affordable big city in America.”  Designed by Lamar Johnson Collaborative and developed by 548 Development, the project is slated to be the largest building in the City of Chicago to incorporate Passive House Design standards.  

“Thanks to our mayor, Mayor Johnson, we have been cutting ribbons and breaking ground across the 37th Ward,” said Ald. Emma Mitts, 37th Ward. “This is an area that needs investment, and this project will help uplift the entire community. Let’s continue this great work that we need so desperately on the West Side of Chicago and break some more ground and cut some more ribbons.

“This project hits on the pillars of the Build Better Together initiative, and then some,” said A.J. Patton, CEO of 548 Development. “We’re delivering quality housing to those at or below the median income of the area, reducing monthly utility costs for tenants, growing jobs, and preserving the neighborhood’s identity at the same time. This is an all-around win for Chicago.
“This project reflects our belief that design is a social act and a tool for equity and resilience,” said Elias Vavaroutsos, Principal and Design Leader at Lamar Johnson Collaborative. “By incorporating Passive House standards, we’re setting a new bar for sustainable development in Chicago and creating a building that instills pride in residents and the broader West Humboldt Park community. We hope people see it as something created with craft, intention, and a strong sense of place.”