Two Major Milestones Reflect Growing Demand for Mixed-Income Communities in Chicago

At Habitat, we believe successful communities are built through more than housing alone. Quality homes, access to services, neighborhood amenities, retail opportunities, healthcare, childcare, and public spaces all play an important role in creating places where residents can thrive.

That commitment is reflected in two significant milestones recently reached across Chicago: the financial closing of the first residential phase of the LeClaire Courts redevelopment on the city's Southwest Side and the full lease-up of The Junction at OC Living, the second residential phase of the Ogden Commons development in North Lawndale.

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While each project is at a different stage of development, both demonstrate the strong demand for mixed-income housing connected to the services and resources that support residents and families in everyday life.

Bringing the Vision for LeClaire Courts to Life

After years of planning and collaboration, Habitat and development partner Cabrera Capital Partners have officially closed financing on the first residential phase of the LeClaire Courts redevelopment, clearing the way for construction to begin this fall.

Located on Chicago's Southwest Side, the redevelopment will transform the former LeClaire Courts public housing site into a vibrant mixed-income, mixed-use community featuring housing, commercial space, open space, and neighborhood-serving amenities.

The first phase will deliver 183 apartment homes across two six-story buildings along Cicero Avenue. Residents will have access to fitness centers, community rooms, resident services space, package rooms, bicycle storage, landscaped outdoor gathering areas, and playgrounds. A daycare center operated by Chicago Commons will also be an integral component of the development, providing convenient access to high-quality childcare for working families.

Future phases of the redevelopment will expand the community further with additional mixed-income housing, townhome-style residences, publicly accessible open space, and retail designed to help reconnect the site with the surrounding Garfield Ridge neighborhood.

"Reaching financial close marks a pivotal step in bringing the vision for LeClaire Courts to life," said Charlton Hamer, Senior Vice President of Habitat Affordable Group. "This milestone reflects years of collaboration among public, private and community partners who share a commitment to creating high-quality housing and opportunities for residents on Chicago's Southwest Side."

The Junction at OC Living Reaches Full Occupancy

Across the city in North Lawndale, another Habitat-led development is demonstrating the demand for thoughtfully designed mixed-income housing.

The Junction at OC Living, the second residential phase of the $200 million Ogden Commons development, has reached full occupancy just months after beginning leasing earlier this year. The milestone follows the success of The Boulevard at OC Living, the project's first residential phase, which achieved full occupancy shortly after opening.

Together, the first two residential phases underscore the demand for attainable housing options in North Lawndale while helping establish Ogden Commons as a community destination that brings together housing, healthcare, retail, financial services, dining, and public gathering spaces.

Developed in partnership with Sinai Chicago, Ogden Commons includes Sinai Chicago's One Lawndale Community Care and Surgery Center, a Wintrust Bank branch, and La Catedral Café & Restaurant alongside its residential offerings. The development was intentionally designed to create convenient access to essential services while fostering long-term neighborhood investment and growth.

"Reaching full occupancy at The Junction at OC Living so quickly is a powerful validation of our vision for Ogden Commons and reinforces the need for continued investment in mixed-income, mixed-use communities across Chicago's south and west sides," said Hamer.

Partnerships That Make Progress Possible

Transformative developments like LeClaire Courts and Ogden Commons are only possible through strong public-private partnerships and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for residents and neighborhoods.

At LeClaire Courts, Habitat is working alongside Cabrera Capital Partners, the Chicago Housing Authority, the City of Chicago, Bank of America, Chicago Commons, SCB, George Sollitt Construction Co., and numerous mission-driven investment partners to bring the long-planned redevelopment to life.

At Ogden Commons, Habitat has partnered with Sinai Chicago, SCB, McHugh Construction, the City of Chicago, and other public and private stakeholders to create a model for mixed-income, mixed-use development on Chicago's West Side. Together, these organizations are helping deliver housing, healthcare, retail, financial services, and community-focused amenities within a single integrated development.

These partnerships reflect a shared belief that affordable housing should be connected to the resources that help residents succeed, from healthcare and childcare to economic opportunity and neighborhood-serving businesses.

Looking Ahead

Momentum continues to build at both developments.

As construction prepares to begin at LeClaire Courts, Habitat is also advancing the third and final residential phase of Ogden Commons: The Parkline at OC Living. Recently awarded funding through the Chicago Department of Housing's Qualified Allocation Plan, The Parkline will introduce townhomes and multi-flat residences designed to accommodate families seeking more living space within the city.

When complete, Ogden Commons will include more than 350 mixed-income housing units, further expanding housing opportunities in North Lawndale.

Together, the progress at LeClaire Courts and Ogden Commons reflects Habitat's ongoing commitment to creating communities that go beyond housing. By pairing quality mixed-income residences with healthcare, childcare, retail, open space, recreation, and other essential services, Habitat and its partners are helping create neighborhoods that support residents today while laying the foundation for future generations.