Lamar Johnson Collaborative unveiled the design for Humboldt Park Passive Living, a four-story, all-electric building at 750 N. Avers Ave. in Chicago’s West Humboldt Park neighborhood.
Developed by 548 Capital, the project will bring 60 all-affordable apartments and 7,700 square feet of ground-floor retail to the community, including space planned for a grocery store and café. It is expected to become the largest building in Chicago constructed to meet Passive House standards, a performance-driven framework for dramatically reducing energy use while improving indoor comfort and air quality.
The project’s design approach goes beyond technical proficiency. The building features a ground-level community space with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a partially covered outdoor plaza, spaces intentionally designed to invite interaction and foster a sense of belonging. Upper-floor terraces double as communal gathering areas and rainwater collection zones, reinforcing the project’s environmental mission while supporting resident well-being.
Apartments will include studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, with 13 units reserved for residents with disabilities. The façade combines textured masonry with colorful metal accents, a nod to the neighborhood’s cultural character, while Passive House elements such as high-efficiency windows, super-insulated walls, rooftop solar panels and energy recovery ventilation help reduce utility costs and improve indoor air quality.
Humboldt Park Passive Living broke ground in May 2025, with completion expected in 2026.
