Mayor Brandon Johnson joins developers to celebrate groundbreaking of The Ave

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and its partner, KMW Communities, recently celebrated the kick off of construction for The Ave., a 52-unit mixed-use affordable housing development in the northwest side Humboldt Park neighborhood.

“We are excited to get under way on this transformative neighborhood investment,” said POAH Vice President Julie DeGraaf. “With the help of our public and private partners, we intend to reactivate an important stretch of Chicago Ave.”

Designed by Gensler and Nia Architects, the four-story development will include 52 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments targeting households earning 30-60% of the area median income AMI. Resident amenities include indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces, a bike room, fitness center and onsite parking. 

NHS will own and operate a West Side homeownership center on the property’s first floor. Residents and NHS will share a community room which doubles as a homeownership training space. The Ave will also create at least 1,000 SF in retail space for local businesses.

“Density is vital to the health of West Humboldt Park and the City,” said Bill Williams, Principal at KMW, located just east of the development site. “The Ave is an important part of repopulating a community that has lost 30% of its population over the last three decades.”

The transaction is financed with substantial support from the Chicago Department of Housing, which issued tax-exempt bonds, 4% low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) and $18 million in tax increment financing proceeds. The project will also receive a $4.2 million Chicago Recovery Grant to assist with the construction of NHS’ new offices. Construction financing and $19 million in investor equity – generated by the tax credits – is provided through Bank of America. 

The construction team is a joint venture of Leopardo and Ujamaa Construction. Construction should wrap up in fall 2026, with residents moving in shortly thereafter.

The Ave. is Phase I of a broader vision that includes affordable single-family homes and two-flats on vacant parcels in the surrounding neighborhood. To date, KMW Communities has eight homes in process, with more planned.