CDC approves land sale and $13.86 million in TIF for Hub32 project

The Community Development Commission has approved $13.86 million in TIF funding and a land sale for Hub 32, a mixed-use affordable development at 136 N. Kedzie. Planned by The Michaels Organization, KMW Communities, and TruDelta, the project was selected as the winner of the East Garfield Park RFQ in 2023. The project will occupy a currently vacant parcel owned by the city adjacent to the Kedzie Green Line stop.

With Brooks + Scarpa working in collaboration with Studio Dwell Architects, the development was recently scaled back, shrinking the building from seven floors to five floors with a reduction in unit count from 63 affordable units to 51 affordable units serving income levels ranging from 30% to 80% AMI. The project’s unit mix will include 28 one-beds, 16 two-beds, and seven three-beds. The building’s retail space has been reduced from 5,600 square feet down to 3,800 square feet. While 16 car parking spaces were originally proposed, the revised plan calls for 12 parking spaces with 26 bike parking spaces provided. 

On the ground floor, retail space will occupy the southern end overlooking the corner of N. Kedzie Ave and W. Maypole Ave with a 2,200 square foot restaurant and a separate 1,600 square foot retail space next to it. The northern half of the ground floor will include the residential lobby, bike room, office space, fitness center, and an interior parking garage with 12 parking spaces accessible from the alley.  

Set to cost $40.86 million, the project will be funded with $15.75 million in 9% LIHTC equity, $677,000 from a first mortgage, $10 million in HOME funds, $13.86 million in TIF, and a $305,000 ComEd Energy Grant.

With CDC approval of the land sale and TIF funding secured, the development team can seek final approval from the Chicago City Council to close on the project’s financing. With Skender planned to lead the project’s construction, work is expected to begin in July 2026 with project completion set for December 2027.