An official ground breaking was held for the final phase of the greater Westhaven Park development near the United Center named Westhaven Park IID. The project is strategically located next to the CTA tracks and upcoming Damen Green Line Station.
This mixed-use development is the result of the collaborative efforts of esteemed developers Brinshore Development, The Michaels Organization, and the Chicago Housing Authority, and the local architectural firm Landon Bone Baker.
Since receiving approval in 2021, the project was revitalized with the induction of McShane Construction Company and Ashlaur Construction as its general contractors. Now, city representatives have recently held a formal groundbreaking ceremony, symbolically paving the way for the structure that aims to increase urban density and offer much-needed affordable housing to the community.
Designed to contribute to the city skyline with a 12-story and 136-feet height, this mixed-use building encapsulates a unique architectural vision, featuring a lower four-story side wing for parking and an entry lobby. Totaling a vast 121,800 square feet, the structure will consist of two offset rectangles to ensure optimal use of space and add aesthetic diversity to the surroundings.
The building will include the following:
- 96 units
- One-bedroom to two-bedroom configurations
- Lobby
- 16 vehicle parking garage on ground floor
- 106 bicycle storage room
- Three retail spaces on ground floor
- Fitness center
- Community room
- Small outdoor terrace on second floor
Chicago Yimby states that the project designates 63 units as affordable housing for those earning 60% AMI, while the remaining 33 units are intended as market-rate apartments.
The structure's façade will be adorned in precast concrete panels, with white coloring towards the top and dark gray panels at the base, along with cream-colored window accents, which provide a distinct visual aesthetic. This Transit Oriented Development (TOD), boasting a total investment of over $40 million, has already commenced site preparation, setting the stage for the recent groundbreaking ceremony. The project aims to complete by September 2024, which marks the finale to the replacement of the former Henry Horner Homes, demolished in 2006.
The unveiling of Westhaven Park IID, located at 145 N. Damen, is a crucial milestone for the developers, with Alderman Walter Burnett Jr and Chicago Department of Housing representatives joining the celebration. The project's unique design reflects a two-part volume, with the 12-story portion situated closer to the CTA tracks and the 4-story volume interlocking with the taller section. This active retail space fronts N. Damen Ave, with the residential entry strategically positioned at the intersection of the two building volumes.
This landmark project, valued at $41.2 million, has secured a $10 million TIF payment from the city, further validating its socio-economic significance. General contractor McShane Construction Company is all geared up with caisson permits to begin work.
The Westhaven Park IID development represents a remarkable stride towards balancing urban growth, community integration, and residential diversity. Stay tuned as we closely monitor this new, exciting addition to Chicago's architectural landscape.
