Additional funding has been announced for the next phase of the Lathrop Homes redevelopment around 2712 N Hoyne Avenue. The money comes in the form of an enlarged TIF pool recently approved by the city, increasing the project’s TIF funds up to $60 million. This next phase will focus on the southern end of the former housing project.
Map of Lathrop Homes via Google Maps
The 35-acre complex closed in 2011 and began its redevelopment soon after, with the first phases being completed in 2019 and 2023 within the northern half of the overall property. This next phase is being led by the CHA along with Related Midwest and Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp., with bKL Architecture, HED, and Arda Design working on the architecture.
To be demolished (RED) – Redeveloped (GREEN) – Map of proposed redevelopment of Lathrop Homes
The project calls for the construction of one new structure, the restoration of seven existing buildings, and the demolition of three buildings at 2742, 2706, and 2620 N Hoyne Avenue. The former powerhouse on the southern tip of the site will also be converted into a new commercial space, after locals fought to preserve it and its smokestack.
View of the completed initial phase of Lathrop Homes via BDC Network
All together, this phase will bring 309 residential units of which 121 will be CHA replacement units, 92 will be considered affordable for those making 30 to 80 percent AMI, and 96 will be market rate. In total, there will be 24 studios, 169 one-bedroom, 106 two-bedroom, and 10 three-bedroom apartments.
View of the completed initial phase of Lathrop Homes via BDC Network
This will all be supported by 100 vehicle parking spaces, landscape courtyard, and other community spaces. The overall project will cost $203 million, with no real price increase from the last time we covered the development. The rest of the funding will come from a $47 million mortgage, $37 million in CHA loans, $37 million in LIHTC equity, and $21 million in historical tax credits among others.
At the moment, a formal timeline is unknown, but the CHA expects to be done with the work by the end of 2026.
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Let’s get moving on this…CHA needs to get into gear and get this done. Neighbors are tired of it sitting vacant in a high-end area.
So happy the project is finally moving forward. It’s my hope the development team would incorporate more greenness options to the site and introduce building standards associated with Climate Resiliency. Tree Canopy and Heat Vulnerability Index programming matters
What is happening with the smokestack building? Are they finding a new purpose? The three structures lower in the plan are not highlighted. I think one was renovated, but not all three. Are they also getting special treatment/cleanup? The whole area could use some landscape TLC like the northern half got.
There’s still some good room to fill the vacant and soon-to-be vacant plots. It’s too bad the riverwalk looks out only to some heinous big box stores. Maybe plop a 30-story on top of Jo-Ann. That whole chunk is screaming for a mix-use makeover.
Hey Drew!
So from earlier plans, the powerhouse/smokestack building will be restored and converted into a plain gray box interior for a future commercial tenant.
As for the other three, they weren’t included in this phase, but I’m sure a future phase will include them and potentially some more new construction. That is my speculation.
Thanks for reading!
A commercial space in the smokestack will be so cool. Perfect for an art studio or another coffee shop. Or even a community center of sorts.
An art gallery with coffee and books and maybe a gift shop boutique would be so clutch
There is a group trying to bring an art gallery at an old church near the old Cabrini Green. Something similar here could be cool, I am not sure how much history the Lathrop Homes have but could be very cool to highlight that history in a museum/gallery space.
It would be great if this phase also included a revamp of Diversey at this juncture. There’s a sillyness to suddenly having 4 auto lanes on Diversey between Damen/Clybourn and Logan Blvd. If forced drivers to then re-merge after 1/8 of a mile.
Better to extend the protected bike lane at Logan Blvd which currently ends at the bridge all the way to the 2 major lanes at Damen/Clybourn. Maybe add some left turn lanes for cars on Diversey at Hoyne and Levitt. If you want to improve traffic in this are install left turn lights at Damen/Clybourn/Diversey – it’s a pain making a Costco run there.
Diversey has all of those hilarious “Historic Boulevard” signs as it was supposed to be the northern edge of the Emerald Necklace. Unfortunately speculators way back when drove up real estate prices to the point that the City couldn’t afford the eminent domain reimbursement that would have been required.
So yes, long overdue to bring back a more low-key pedestrian friendly boulevard like Logan Boulevard – won’t anyone think of those street signs?
How can I apply for an apartment, thank you
Here is the CHA’s site for Lathrop Homes: https://www.thecha.org/property/lathrop