Habitat and Sinai Chicago Complete Second Phase of Ogden Courts Redevelopment in North Lawndale

• Habitat and Sinai Chicago delivered a 75-unit residential phase
• 76 percent of units are affordable, including CHA-designated housing
• Project is part of the broader Ogden Commons redevelopment

What this phase means for North Lawndale redevelopment

The second residential phase of Ogden Commons is now complete, marking continued progress in the transformation of the former Ogden Courts public housing site. Led by Habitat in partnership with Sinai Chicago, the project reflects a long-term effort to bring mixed-income housing and community infrastructure to North Lawndale. This phase, known as The Junction at OC Living, builds on earlier components, including medical and commercial space, reinforcing a holistic redevelopment approach.

What the unit mix signals for housing strategy

The building delivers 75 residential units, with a strong emphasis on affordability. More than three-quarters of the apartments are designated as affordable, including units reserved for Chicago Housing Authority residents. The remaining units are offered at market rate, creating a mixed-income environment. This structure highlights how developers are using public-private partnerships to deliver inclusive housing while maintaining project viability.

What the design and amenities bring to the project

Designed by SCB, the four-story building features an L-shaped layout centered around a parking area and connected outdoor spaces. Residents have access to amenities such as a fitness center, lounge, and shared laundry facilities, along with outdoor play areas and walking paths that connect to the broader development. The design emphasizes community integration and livability, aligning with modern standards for affordable housing projects.

What the financing structure says about the deal

The $38 million development was funded through a mix of public and private sources, including TIF funding, loans, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. This layered capital stack reflects the complexity of delivering affordable housing at scale, where multiple funding sources are often required to make projects financially feasible. For investors and developers, this model demonstrates how subsidized housing developments can be structured to move forward despite rising costs.

What this means for future development phases

The Ogden Commons redevelopment is ongoing, with a third phase already planned that will include townhomes and additional residential buildings. For investors and landlords, this signals continued momentum in North Lawndale, as large-scale redevelopment efforts reshape the neighborhood into a mixed-use, mixed-income community. Projects like this highlight the growing role of public-private partnerships in driving urban redevelopment and long-term neighborhood growth.