Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson attended a ceremony to welcome new residents at the Thrive Englewood housing development, marking the completion of 62 new homes in the neighborhood. The event is part of ongoing efforts by the city to increase affordable housing and revitalize communities on Chicago’s South and West Sides.

“Today signals a new era, one defined not by what Englewood has lacked, but by what it deserves: sustained investment, respect, and opportunity,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We’re committed to making this the beginning, not the end. My administration will continue to work alongside Englewood residents to ensure that every child, every parent, and every elder has access to safe, stable, and truly affordable housing. Building a safe and affordable city starts in communities like Englewood, so I’m proud that we took another step forward this morning.”

Alderman Stephanie Coleman (16th) highlighted community involvement in bringing the project to completion. “This project embodies the resilience, integrity, and excellence of the Englewood community,” said Coleman. “Working together to overcome challenges, we got this project over the line and today welcome 62 families back home to this beautiful neighborhood. I’m confident we will maintain our partnership and respect as we continue to bring more housing to this proud community.”

Thrive Englewood was developed in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago. Residents will have access to services such as financial education and counseling aimed at supporting long-term stability.

Leon Walker, CEO & Founder of DL3 Realty stated: “Today we celebrate more than just a building, this is the beginning of a movement to bring families back to Englewood and set community members up for long-term success. Neighborhoods function best when vacant lots become homes and major corridors become thriving community centers. By ensuring those homes are built by local residents and businesses, we are building opportunity and prosperity for all.”

The six-story structure at 6249 S Sangamon St offers 27 one-bedroom apartments, 30 two-bedroom units, five three-bedroom apartments as well as two live/work lofts and ground-floor commercial space. Over 80% of these units are priced for households earning between 50–60% of area median income.

Funding for Thrive Englewood included more than $40 million from various sources such as TIF funds ($5 million), HOME funds ($10.9 million), Low-Income Housing Tax Credits ($1.5 million), City CRP funds ($6.6 million), Federal Tax Credit Equity ($14.3 million), along with provision of city-owned land.

“Thrive Englewood represents more than just new housing—it reflects a promise fulfilled to the families who have long been the backbone of this community. By creating a vibrant, mixed-income development, we are fostering the kind of inclusive growth that strengthens neighborhoods and keeps communities whole,” said DOH Commissioner Lissette Castañeda. “This is what equitable development looks like—preserving affordability, expanding opportunity, and building a stronger Chicago, one home at a time. Projects like this don’t just provide housing—they boost the local economy by attracting investment, supporting small businesses, and creating good jobs.”

City officials report that subcontractor spending exceeded diversity goals with 43% going toward minority-owned businesses; women-owned businesses received 7%. Nearly half of construction hours were completed by Chicago residents.

Amenities include a resident lounge, fitness center, bike storage facilities, outdoor patio space laundry on each floor plus retail space on site totaling 2,400 square feet.

The location near CTA’s Green Line station connects residents with job opportunities throughout Chicago while proximity to shopping centers like Englewood Square Shopping Center supports economic activity in the area.

Perkins+Will designed Thrive Englewood; Bowa Construction served as general contractor; DL3 Realty Advisors acted as developer; The Habitat Company manages property operations.

Other nearby projects supported by DOH include:

- The recently opened Englewood Family Homes, which provides permanent supportive housing for families affected by HIV/AIDS.

- The Charles Earle School Redevelopment will add 50 fully affordable homes through adaptive reuse at its former school site.

- The Regenerator project aims next year to convert Woods Elementary School into affordable residences along with health care facilities.

Mayor Johnson’s administration has prioritized constructing affordable homes across Chicago using measures such as his Green Social Housing ordinance—the first social housing model among major U.S cities—and funding from a $1.25 billion bond initiative targeted at mixed-income developments.