CHA breaks ground on Sheffield of Lincoln Park

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and co-development partner PIRHL Developers have broken ground on the new Sheffield of Lincoln Park family building and the renovation of the Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments and Annex. The $150 million project will turn an aging senior development into a vibrant mixed-income community with new features and amenities. The project includes the renovation of two existing, 394-unit senior buildings, and the addition of a brand new “bridge” building that will include 80 new family units. 

According to a CHA press release, The Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments and Annex includes two 11-story senior buildings built in 1965 and was formerly known as Lincoln and Sheffield Apartments and Annex. It is named in honor of Edith Spurlock Sampson, an American lawyer and judge and the first Black U.S. delegate appointed to the United Nations. The towers currently serve seniors ages 62 and older.

The renovation will restore all 394 units and add 11 new senior units. Renovations will include new kitchen appliances, cabinets, countertops, breakfast bars, floor tiles and air conditioning. Upgrades will include plumbing and electrical, new roofs, masonry repairs, HVAC piping, boilers and air-cooled chillers and elevator upgrades and modern LED lighting installed in common and amenity spaces.

Designed by RATIO, the new six-story bridge building will provide 80 new family units and will be built between the two existing senior buildings. It will offer community, operational and supportive service spaces, as well as affordable and market-rate family units. It will offer modern, high-quality and sustainable features that fit seamlessly into the surrounding community in scale and character.

The new building will also include a community hub with an activity/dining room, big enough to accommodate 200 residents. It will include space for both the Golden Diner program and gathering areas for residents.

Permits for the new construction and renovations have been filed, with some already issued. Renovation permits were issued in December 2020, with new construction permits issued in March 2021. A tower crane permit is currently awaiting approval. With Leopardo Companies and Ujamaa Construction as contractors on-site, work is expected to be completed in 2024.