City officials joined Brinshore Development and the Michaels Organization to start construction today on Westhaven Park IID, a $50 million, equitable transit-oriented development (eTOD) project across from the CTA Green Line station under construction at Damen Avenue and Lake Street.

As the seventh and final phase in the redevelopment of the former Henry Horner Homes public housing complex, the 12-story building at 145 N. Damen Ave. will add 96 mixed-income apartments to the Near West Side. 

“Chicagoans need to be able to live in integrated, accessible and healthy communities that are built to last and foster ease and comfort,” said Marisa Novara, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Housing. “Today, we can add Westhaven to the growing number of projects that makes this lifestyle possible for people with a wide range of incomes.” 

Westhaven Park IID will include a variety of one- and two-bedroom apartments, including 38 units for Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) tenants, 25 affordable units and 33 market-rate units. Amenities will include 4,300 square feet of commercial space, a community room, exercise room, bike room, business center and rooftop deck.  

“The Villages of Westhaven Park illustrates CHA’s commitment to creating mixed-income communities that provide great housing options and anchor the redevelopment of an entire community,” CHA CEO Tracey Scott said. “Over the last 20 years, CHA’s investments, combined with strong partnerships like Brinshore Michaels, the City of Chicago and HUD, have resulted in 643 new homes in this community, including 275 apartments for families who need housing assistance. This is an incredible example of what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors join together.”

“I am proud to see this final phase of Westhaven come to fruition, and it is especially gratifying to see that it is coming at a time when there is so much exciting development happening on the Near West Side, Ald. Walter Burnett, Jr. said. “Bulldozers and construction are indicative of positive activity, and I am proud to see this beautiful, vibrant and transit-oriented community take shape. Thanks to all who have had a part in making this dream a reality.”

City financial support includes $10 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance, $12.8 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity and a $6.2 million multi-family loan.  

Other funding sources include a $13 million CHA loan, $1.1 million in donations tax credit equity and a $5 million private mortgage loan. 

As an eTOD project, Westhaven IID is located within a short walk of the $80 million Damen Green Line station that started construction last year, which is reducing the building's parking needs to just 16 spaces. The $80 million station is expected to be completed shortly before tenants take residence in the building, anticipated in September 2024. 

# # #