Chicago Construction News staff writer
F.H. Paschen, Evergreen Real Estate Group, and Leyden Township marked the “topping off” of the Leyden Senior Apartments on Thursday, placing the final roof plank to complete the four-story building’s framework.
The 85,000-square-foot development, which broke ground in April 2025, will offer 80 affordable units for seniors and is expected to open in 2026. Crews signed the final roof plank before installing it, a ceremonial tradition to commemorate the milestone.
Located in the west suburban Cook County community, the building is designed to address the area’s need for accessible senior housing. Amenities will include a community room, fitness center, laundry facilities on each floor, and an outdoor patio.
“Placing the final roof plank is a major accomplishment for our team and trade partners,” said Tom Cross of F.H. Paschen. “We are focused on maintaining this momentum as we work to deliver a quality new home for future residents.”
The project is a public-private partnership financed through multiple sources, including the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Bank of America, Hudson Housing, Leyden Township, and the Cook County Department of Planning and Development. Mesirow Financial served as lead underwriter for both the IHDA financing and Leyden Township’s general obligation bond offering.
Leyden Township Supervisor Rocco Biscaglio said the building represents a commitment to the community’s seniors. “As we place the final roof plank, we honor our seniors and reaffirm our commitment to them by providing a safe, welcoming, and high-quality place to call home,” he said.
With the structure complete, F.H. Paschen will turn its focus to enclosing the building and completing interior work. The project was designed by Weese Langley Klein Architects and developed in collaboration with Evergreen Real Estate Group, Evergreen Real Estate Services, Leyden Apartments LP, and Leyden Township.
The Leyden Senior Apartments follow a series of similar projects by F.H. Paschen, including the Bellwood Gateway, a $43 million workforce housing and mixed-use community, and the $31 million Bellwood Senior Apartments, which opened in late 2023.
