On Feb. 11, the Hispanic Housing Development Corporation (HHDC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a newly completed, six-story apartment building at 1237 N. California. The new building will become home for 40 families in the coming weeks.
“We’re proud to deliver a beautiful and affordable option for families in the Humboldt Park community and further preserve the rich culture of this neighborhood,” said Tony Hernandez, president and chief executive officer of HHDC. “This project’s success is due to the hard work and support of key public and private institutions and individuals in Chicago and Illinois.”
Dignitaries who gave remarks at the event included Jessie Fuentes, alderperson of the 26th ward; Matthew Brewer, operating chairman of the Chicago Housing Authority; Lissette Castañeda, commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Housing; Heather Spray, manager – multifamily development officers at the Illinois Housing Development Authority; Emmett Donovan, senior vice president of originations at Merchants Capital; and José E. López, executive director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center.
Designed by the architects at DesignBridge, Ltd., the project is comprised of 10 one-bedroom apartments, 25 two-bedroom apartments, and five three-bedroom apartments. Amenities include onsite management, a community room, indoor bicycle storage, and a laundry facility. The building’s undulating façade is designed to create a stylish, recognizable silhouette while seamlessly grounding it within its neighborhood context—directly across the street from Humboldt Park. Inside, each floor is designated by a Taíno symbol to celebrate the area’s Puerto Rican heritage; the coquí, considered the de facto national animal of Puerto Rico, designates the ground floor.
Built by Path Construction, the $32 million project broke ground on July 31, 2024. The development received financial support from public and private sources, including $8.7 million in Multi-Family Program Funds from the City of Chicago, $14.35 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits through the Chicago Housing Authority, $2.98 million in Housing Trust Funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, a senior construction loan through Merchants Capital, a $3.5 million senior permanent loan through Freddie Mac, and a $175,000 ComEd grant through its Affordable Housing New Construction program.
