Chicago Construction News staff writer
An affordable housing project broke ground last month on a former parking lot in North Lawndale.
The $40 million Grace Manor on Ogden Avenue will include 65 apartments and is expected to be completed in spring 2025, according to developers.
Mayor Johnson announced at the groundbreaking his plan to sign an executive order to streamline housing development in the city, requiring 14 city departments to reevaluate their approval and development processes to speed up review and approval timelines for commercial and housing projects.
“Chicago, like other major cities, is grappling with an affordable housing shortage. We know what the lack of housing and resources can do to a community,” Johnson said. “We all have an obligation to provide resources that our residents need to live and thrive in the greatest city in the world. But in order to make that happen, city government has to get out of its own way.”
The project is a collaborative effort of East Lake Management, Jerusalem CDC, and architectural firm JGMA Architects who designed the angular, six-story structure that features a unique façade of glass and multi-colored metal panels.
The design includes a plaza and green space, fostering community interaction. A 1,630-square-foot café and community center with outdoor seating.
