Construction has completed on The Seng

Chicago-based Structured Development recently announced that it has completed construction and opened a new model unit at The Seng, its 34-unit affordable condominium building at 869 W. Blackhawk. As the first of three residential buildings totaling 487 units to be completed at Wendelin Park (formerly Big Deahl), the Seng will sit on a site bounded by W. Blackhawk St, N. Dayton St and N. Kingsbury St.

Offering two-beds, three-beds, and four-bedroom units to income-restricted buyers, all homes at The Seng are reserved for individuals earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Buyers also must be preapproved for a traditional, FHA or VA loan and be certified through a homeownership program administered by the Chicago Housing Trust. Two-bedroom floor plans range from 824-868 square feet and are priced at $285,134. The new model unit showcases one of the development’s three-bedroom floor plans, which range from 988-1,186 square feet and are priced at $333,734, while four-bedroom residences range from 1,153-1,378 square feet and are priced at $374,696.

“The Seng is an example of the city’s leadership in addressing a broad range of affordable and workforce housing needs, including a lack of quality, entry-level homes for those who would otherwise be priced out of many neighborhoods,” said Mike Drew, co-founding principal of Structured Development. “Faced with rising home prices and interest rates, many working individuals and families have given up on homeownership in Chicago. But inclusionary options like The Seng allow them to purchase a newly constructed condominium well below market rates while ensuring those homes remain affordable should buyers ever decide to move.” 

CHT will begin accepting applications for the Seng on Feb. 27 and shared additional guidelines. Given high demand, CHT will accept applications for two-bedroom units between Feb. 27 and March 10 and conduct a lottery drawing on March 16. CHT has set an occupancy requirement of three or more persons for the three-bedroom units and will accept applications for these units on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Feb. 27. CHT has set an occupancy requirement of four or more persons for the four-bedroom units and will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Feb. 27.

Designed by GREC Architects, The Seng offers family-friendly floor plans with large windows that fill the homes with abundant natural light, 9-foot ceilings and modern finishes. Kitchens feature GE stainless steel appliances, Kohler chrome faucets, quartzite counters and two-tone cabinetry. Condos also include in-unit laundry, and each comes with a deeded garage parking space. Accessible residences are available. Residents will have access to a shared rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and bike storage.

The Seng is named for Wendelin Seng, a German immigrant who founded a furniture manufacturing factory on the site in 1874. Among other items, the company mass-produced furniture hardware and introduced early sofa-sleepers and recliner chairs, according to company history. The building’s lobby design will feature wall art and original artifacts recovered from a 1902 time capsule found on the site during construction, all commemorating Seng and his company. 

The other residences are Post Chicago (formerly Common Lincoln Park), a 10-story, 432-bed co-living community to be operated by New York-based Common; and the Foundry, a 27-story, 327-unit market-rate rental tower scheduled to be complete at the end of 2023. All three residential buildings are centered around the new 26,000-square-foot Wendelin Park, privately developed by Structured as a public amenity with a nature play area, dog run, community garden and gathering areas.