Evergreen Real Estate Group, Imagine Group and KLEO Enterprises Complete Affordable Housing Community in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham Neighborhood

Evergreen Real Estate Group, Imagine Group and KLEO Enterprises Complete Affordable Housing Community in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham Neighborhood

The Complex Includes 58 New State-Of-The-Art Rental Homes, Including Family-Size Residences, Along With a Community-Oriented Commercial Space.

CHICAGO — Evergreen Real Estate Group, Imagine Group and KLEO Enterprises announced the completion of Auburn Gresham Apartments, a two-building, 58-unit affordable housing community in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood on the South Side. The mixed-use buildings were developed in a joint venture between Evergreen—a leader in the development, construction, and management of both affordable and market-rate multifamily properties—and minority-owned developer Imagine, in collaboration with KLEO Enterprises, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD), and the Chicago Department of Housing.

"The investments we are seeing today on the South Side will ensure that Chicago continues to grow and thrive not just today but for generations to come," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "We want to continue to attract people, businesses, and jobs to Chicago, particularly to our South and West Sides, and these projects in Auburn Gresham are an important step forward for our city."

“Auburn Gresham, like many other parts of Chicago, urgently needs more affordable housing,” said David Block, director of development for Evergreen Real Estate Group. “Working in partnership with Imagine Group, city officials and other community stakeholders, we have created a new community-oriented development that will enhance the lives of Auburn Gresham residents for generations to come.”

“Auburn Gresham was my second home growing up. I’m proud that this project isn't just a new apartment complex—it’s a catalyst for a new era of growth in the neighborhood,” said Torrey Barrett, Principal for Imagine Group. “With commercial spaces dedicated to local businesses and nonprofits, these buildings will both provide homes and strengthen 79th Street’s retail corridor."

Auburn Gresham Apartments, which won a 2020 DPD request for proposals for vacant city land at 79th and Green streets, was initially envisioned as a single building. Following three community workshops, the developers shifted more than half of the proposed units to a second city-owned site at 79th and Halsted streets. The complex now comprises:

838 W. 79th St. – A three-story building with 28 one- to three-bedroom apartments, 28 parking spaces, and 5,200 square feet of retail space.

757 W. 79th St. – A five-story building with 30 one- to three-bedroom apartments, 14 parking spaces, and 3,300 square feet of commercial space.

“I’m proud to have been a supporter of this new apartment community from the beginning,” said Alderman David Moore of the 17th Ward. “Auburn Gresham Apartments was designed with the neighborhood’s needs in mind and will contribute to a stronger, more vibrant 79th Street corridor.”

Residences at both buildings are reserved for households with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI). Professionally managed by Evergreen, they are already approximately 75% leased. Commercial tenants will include KLEO Enterprises, a for-profit development and property management firm; The Auburn, an Italian restaurant; and K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center, a nonprofit dedicated to youth development.

Designed by Ross Barney Architects and minority-led Nia Architects, Auburn Gresham Apartments amenities include community spaces, a fitness center, laundry rooms on each floor, and on-site management office and maintenance staff. Each building includes an outdoor plaza with seating areas, and select apartments also include a balcony. All homes feature plank flooring, window treatments, island kitchens with Energy Star appliances, generous closet space, modern baths and individually controlled HVAC. Inspired by the surrounding commercial district, the buildings incorporate community-preferred design elements such as colored brick, stone-like cement board, and glass storefronts.

The City of Chicago provided financing through tax-exempt bonds, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and Sales Tax Securitization Funds. Auburn Gresham Apartments offers excellent transit access, including the CTA’s No. 79 bus to the Red Line and the upcoming Auburn Park Metra station, which will connect residents to downtown and the southwest suburbs.

The development aligns with the broader 79th Street Corridor Plan, a community-led initiative bringing new investments to the area. In addition to housing and the new Metra station, the plan includes streetscape improvements; the recently reopened Save A Lot store, and the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub—a multipurpose community center close to the apartment complex.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.