CHICAGO, IL – A major affordable housing milestone has been reached in West Humboldt Park as city officials, developers, and community leaders broke ground on a new 60-unit residential complex at 3831 W. Chicago Ave. Known as Humboldt Park Passive Living, the $48 million project represents a significant investment in both sustainability and community revitalization.
A Long-Awaited Vision for Community Living
First proposed in 2022 by 548 Development, this four-story building is being constructed across four previously vacant, city-owned lots and one former auto shop site. The new project is part of Chicago’s Invest South/West initiative, aimed at boosting historically underfunded neighborhoods.
- Developer: A.J. Patton, 548 Development
- Architect: Lamar Johnson Collaborative
- Construction Partner: GMA Construction Group
“It’s about transforming neighborhoods that’ve had a lack of investment… this will uplift these communities,” said Ald. Emma Mitts (37th Ward) during the groundbreaking.
Key Features of the Passive Living Project
This is not a typical affordable housing complex. It is designed to meet passive house design standards, prioritizing sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency:
- Total Units: 60 apartments
- Affordability: 48 units reserved for households earning ≤ 60% of area median income (AMI)
- Accessibility: 13 apartments reserved for people with disabilities (4 for sensory impairments)
- Unit Types: Studios, 1BR, 2BR, and 3BR
- Amenities: Rooftop space, EV chargers, Divvy bike access, fitness center, open plaza
- Sustainability: Solar rooftop, passive design expected to cut utility bills in half
Passive House Standards Overview
Where the Funding Comes From
This development is made possible through a combination of public and private funding, showcasing a successful public-private partnership model:
- $8.2M from the Department of Housing
- $7.1M from the Department of Planning and Development
- $18.7M in TIF (Tax Increment Financing)
- Four city-owned lots sold for $1 each
- Tax credits from the Illinois Housing Development Authority
- Additional private bank support
Invest South/West Program Info
Leadership with Lived Experience
Both A.J. Patton (CEO of 548 Development) and Cornelius Griggs (CEO of GMA Construction) have personal roots in Chicago public housing. Their leadership highlights the project’s mission: development by the community, for the community.
“We both come from troubled backgrounds… But today we get to invest in the communities that bred us,” said Griggs.
Commercial Spaces Still Pending
While the original proposal included a grocery store and café on the ground floor, those tenants have moved on. Patton confirmed that discussions are ongoing with new potential food and retail partners.
“This building will look like the community, serve the community, and create space for opportunity,” Patton emphasized.
What’s Next?
- Construction Timeline: Began May 2025
- Expected Completion: Sometime in 2026
- Future Phases Nearby: “The Ave” (3601–25 W. Chicago Ave) also under construction this month
Do you live in West Humboldt Park or a nearby neighborhood? What kind of businesses would you want to see in this new development? Tell us in the comments below.
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