Chicago Breaks Ground on East Garfield Park Affordable Housing

Chicago, IL-September 20, 2025-A community development team unveiled construction progress today on a new 98-unit affordable housing apartment building in East Garfield Park, aimed at preserving neighborhood residents’ access to safe, affordable homes.

The project, funded through a combination of City of Chicago TIF dollars, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and private philanthropic contributions, addresses a critical shortage in the West Side community where rents have risen faster than wages.

Nut Graf

With more than 120,000 Chicago households spending over 30 percent of income on housing, local leaders emphasize that developments like this one are vital to curbing displacement and stabilizing historically underserved neighborhoods.

Project Details

Units & Design: The seven-story building will feature studios through three-bedroom apartments reserved for renters earning 30 - 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).
Amenities: On-site community room, children’s play area, and bicycle storage support family-friendly, transit-oriented living.
Green Elements: Energy-efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, and low-flow plumbing fixtures aim to reduce utility costs for residents.

Community Impact

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration hailed the development as part of its “Green Social Housing” initiative, which leverages municipal financing to create environmentally sustainable, permanently affordable units across Chicago. Alderman Walter Burnett (27th) remarked, “Investing in housing infrastructure like this sends a clear message that Chicago will not abandon communities facing rapid change.”

Timeline and Next Steps

Construction officially commenced last week, with the developer projecting completion by late 2026. A second phase under review could add an adjacent commercial space for a nonprofit health clinic and retail that caters to local needs.

Subheading: Partners Mobilize for West Side Revitalization

City of Chicago Department of Housing - Oversight and loan guarantees
Chicago Housing Authority - Project-based vouchers for lowest-income units
Nonprofit Developers - Day-to-day management and resident services

Residents and advocates view the project as a model for future affordable housing efforts, underscoring the importance of mixed-income and community-driven planning in Chicago’s broader housing strategy.