The Habitat Co. Takes Hold of Affordable Housing on Chicago’s North Side
Habitat has already started offering programs and services designed to enhance residents’ quality of life.
Devon Place
Chicago—The Habitat Company has assumed management of three North Side Chicago communities totaling 111 units, previously owned by Presbyterian Homes, on behalf of the Chicago Housing Authority.
The three properties consist of the 41-unit Crowder Place at 3801 N. Pine Grove Ave.; the 37-unit Mulvey Place at 416 W. Barry Ave.; and the 33-unit Devon Place at 1950 W. Devon Ave. in the West Ridge community.
“These three communities have long offered senior residents affordable homes in some of Chicago’s most rapidly appreciating neighborhoods,” Charlton Hamer, The Habitat Company’s vice president of public housing, told MHN. “When the properties were at risk last year of being sold and converted to market-rate apartments, local public officials worked with the CHA to acquire them and preserve their affordability for residents with limited incomes.”
As the largest property manager for the CHA, The Habitat Company was able to quickly assume management upon the CHA’s acquisition of the properties and expedite the transition process.
“Throughout our company’s 45-year history, we have always had a strong commitment to affordable and public housing, so this assignment was a natural fit for us,” Hamer said. “Our experience working with the CHA made us uniquely qualified to assume management of these communities and immediately identify services and programs that could be offered to residents to improve their overall health and well-being.”
All three communities were built around 1970 and are reflective of buildings of that period. Each includes community rooms and on-site laundry facilities. Habitat has already started offering programs and services designed to enhance residents’ quality of life.
Habitat has scheduled informational meetings and retained key members of existing staff, but has also implemented a new resident services program that offers guidance on various financial and healthcare-related needs. Habitat also is working to reinstate a shuttle service providing residents with transportation to area shopping.
“The CHA’s initial assessment has determined that that all three are in fairly good condition. That being said, the CHA is working to identify additional enhancements that could be made to improve the overall residential experience,” Hamer said. “These improvements include adding more computers and Internet access to the community rooms and providing small fitness centers.”
