F.H. Paschen has topped off the first phase of the Bellwood Gateway Development, a $43 million workforce housing project in the Chicago suburb of Bellwood, Illinois.
The four-story, 71-unit community at 2711 and 2712 St. Charles Road will also include 6,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and is set to open in Spring 2026.
Serving as the developer and general contractor, F.H. Paschen now moves towards the enclosure of the structures. Once enclosed, work will move on to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection installations, followed by drywall, windows, and façade work in the final phase.
“Through the dedication of our team and partners, F.H. Paschen has delivered the Bellwood workforce apartments to this construction milestone on time and within budget,” said Tom Cross, head of the firm’s housing unit, in a statement. “This workforce housing development will directly address the growing affordability crisis impacting middle-income families in Cook County.”
The Bellwood Gateway Development broke ground in July 2024, repurposing the sites of the former Village Hall, police and fire stations, and emergency management office. Designed by Chicago-based DesignBridge, the community will feature a modern aesthetic with light-filled spaces.
Financed through a combination of TIF financing, a State of Illinois grant secured by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, and the first-of-its-kind use of workforce housing bonds in Illinois.
“This project is a testament to what vision and collaboration can achieve,” said Peter Tsiolis of Strategic Project Management, Inc., which serves as the village’s Economic Development Department. “Bellwood is creating a new standard for workforce housing development in Cook County.”
Workforce housing, as defined by the Brookings Institute, serves households earning too much for traditional affordable housing subsidies but still struggling with high housing costs. Bellwood Mayor André Harvey sees the development as a way to attract working professionals back to the community.
“We want to build housing that keeps professionals—doctors, lawyers, first responders—here in Bellwood,” Harvey said. “This project is a key part of our vision for a thriving downtown.”
Located a mile from Interstate 290 and public transportation, the development offers easy access to greater Chicago.
