A joint-venture between The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB) and McCaffery Interests, Inc. has been selected by the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to negotiate a development agreement for the 11.3-acre site located at State and Cermak that was once part of the former Harold Ickes Homes.
The development team brings together TCB’s strength in mixed-income housing/community revitalization and McCaffery’s expertise in mixed-use/retail. The Community Builders, Inc. is active throughout the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast US with its Midwest headquarters in Chicago. They have most notably developed Oakwood Shores and Shops and Lofts at 47, while McCaffery has developed the Roosevelt Collection, Chicago Lakeside and provides the retail leasing and property management for the University of Chicago.
The TCB-MI team was the winning respondent to a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the CHA on October 14, 2014. The RFP requested a mixed-income, mixed-use residential development that establishes a welcoming, diverse neighborhood and promotes healthy living and empowerment via education, economic development and civic participation. The team was selected amongst five respondents following written proposals and oral presentations.
The multi-phased development proposal includes over 850 residential units and approximately 66,500 square feet of commercial/retail space and community open space. A mix of rental and for-sale units in a variety of sizes will be developed for market rate households and for working households earning less than Chicago’s median income, including public housing.
The transit-oriented development will make a strong connection to the new Green Line Cermak/McCormick Place CTA stop, and provide much-needed restaurants and services in a pedestrian-friendly setting. The project will be designed and built in a sustainable manner, seeking at least LEED-silver certification from the USGBC.
The TCB-MI design and construction team includes a talented group of professionals who are already active in the greater community: Gensler (Master Planner), Antunovich Associates (Architect), Brook Architecture (Architect), Nia Architects (Architect), Terry Guen Design Associates (Landscape Architect), W.E. O’Neil Construction Company (General Contractor), Powers and Sons Construction Company (General Contractor) and Target Group (Economic Opportunity).
