CHICAGO — Cook County is rolling out a bold solution to the region’s affordable housing crisis by building modular homes in underdeveloped neighborhoods — starting with two units recently unveiled in Humboldt Park.
The pilot initiative is part of a $12 million effort aimed at developing 120 modular homes across three target areas: Humboldt Park, Chicago Heights, and Proviso Township, according to Cook County’s official announcement.
Modular Housing With a Purpose
The first two homes, installed on the 800 block of North Homan Avenue, are part of the Cook County Modular Homes Pilot Program, designed to convert vacant lots into high-quality residential spaces. County Board President Toni Preckwinkle emphasized the project’s impact in a statement:
“These modular homes will provide affordable, quality housing in communities of need, and we are grateful to our many partners for their collaboration.”
Built in a factory-controlled environment by the nonprofit developer Inherentance, the homes are constructed in just eight weeks before being transported and assembled onsite. The modular approach allows for faster build times, reduced waste, and more consistent quality, all while minimizing disruptions caused by Chicago’s unpredictable weather.
What Buyers Can Expect
The new modular homes offer modern amenities and comfort:
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Three bedrooms, two bathrooms
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1,445 square feet over two floors
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All-electric appliances
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Google Smart Home integration
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Fenced yard and dedicated parking
These design elements make the homes especially attractive to working families looking for long-term investment in the community.
Affordability and Eligibility
To promote accessibility, buyers earning up to 120% of the county’s median income are eligible to apply. For homes in designated Qualified Census Tracts or disproportionately impacted areas, there is no income cap, opening the doors to wider participation.
In addition to price-conscious design, financial assistance is available through:
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The Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program
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The Cook County Land Bank Authority’s Purchase Assistance Program
These incentives aim to reduce initial costs and lower monthly mortgage burdens, helping families take their first step into homeownership.
A Vision for Revitalization
Tim Swanson, founder of Inherentance, highlighted the broader mission of the project:
“Our mission has always been to make homeownership accessible and sustainable, and we are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative to transform vacant lots into beautiful, affordable homes.”
By activating long-neglected parcels of land, the program is expected to help revitalize communities, create job opportunities, and stimulate local economies — all while helping residents build generational wealth through property ownership.
What’s Next
With the first two homes completed, the county will monitor demand and affordability outcomes before moving forward with the remaining 118 properties. Residents and policymakers alike are watching closely to see if this strategy could serve as a model for other counties battling housing shortages.
Have you or your community benefited from a Cook County housing initiative? Share your experience in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
