Newly renovated affordable housing has been completed on the city’s Near West Side.
Residents and neighbors joined local leaders and the Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) Monday to celebrate the completion of Newberry Park Apartments. The group of 84 apartments is a part of a $5 million renovation at 1355 South Blue Island, just south of Roosevelt Road. POAH purchased the apartments last year to create affordable residential property for families.
“The public financial support for Park Newberry is part of a citywide commitment to help families where it matters most: in their homes. The project will help preserve neighborhood affordability for decades to come,” said David Reifman, commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development.
Renovations include adding energy efficient systems, appliances, LED lighting, and other new fixtures and amenities, new kitchens, HVAC system, playground, bathrooms, landscaping and security cameras. POAH says these improvements are the first major improvements to the property in its 20-plus year history.
“We’re grateful for the effort and commitment to preserving and enhancing quality affordable housing in such a desirable and vibrant neighborhood,” said Margaret Price a long-time resident of the Near West Side and Newberry Park Apartments.
“The improvements to Newberry Park Apartments demonstrates our commitment to extending quality affordable housing in favorable urban locations to residents who are supporting themselves and their families,” said Rodger Brown, POAH, Managing Director of Real Estate.
Located near Chicago’s Medical District, the University of Illinois at Chicago, public and private schools, retail shops, a park, CTA bus and transit lines, and child care services, Newberry Park consists of 25 two-bedroom units, 48 three-bedroom units and 11 four-bedroom apartments.
POAH provided financing for the renovation and its public and private community partners include the City of Chicago, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Walker and Dunlop, the National Affordable Housing Trust, Citibank, U.S. Bank, the Low Income Investment Fund, the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, and Elevate Energy.
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