CHA, partners cut ribbon at Encuentro Square that includes 89 affordable units in Logan Square

CHA, partners cut ribbon at Encuentro Square that includes 89 affordable units in Logan Square

$67.5 million development sits at the edge of the 606 Trail

CHICAGO -- The City of Chicago, Chicago Housing Authority, Evergreen Real Estate and Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) celebrated the grand opening for Encuentro Square, a two-building, multi-family development at the western edge of the 606 Trail in Chicago’s Logan Square community. The development includes 89 affordable units for families and individuals with incomes at or below 60 percent of the Chicago Area Median Income (AMI), including 55 Project Based Vouchers from CHA.

The $67.5 million development is located at Logan Square’s southwestern border with Hermosa and Humboldt Park.

"My administration believes housing is a human right, and our support of Encuentro Square Apartments is an expression of our commitment to creating affordable, sustainable housing in the areas it is needed most," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said. "I am grateful to all our partners for investing in the vitality and growth of our communities as well as our residents' ability to thrive."

“Encuentro Square is a crucial step toward preserving the character, culture, and diversity of these communities. It ensures that residents can continue to live in the neighborhoods they cherish. At CHA, we are incredibly proud to support this effort by providing funding for 55 of the 89 apartments here at Encuentro Square. This represents a commitment of more than $20 million in rental assistance over the next 20 years. We are keeping these homes affordable for families, ensuring that Chicago remains a city where people of all backgrounds can thrive,” said CHA Interim CEO Angela Hurlock

“LUCHA’s work has always been to listen to our community and invest in projects that respond to those needs. Years ago, our neighbors and partner organizations had a dream that a former factory site could be transformed into a vibrant and sustainable affordable housing campus. Encuentro Square is the result of this collective vision, and it’s been an honor to work alongside Evergreen and an incredible project team to bring it to life,” said Lincoln Stannard, Co-Executive Director of LUCHA.

Encuentro Square comprises two buildings, located at 3759 W. Cortland St. and 1844 N. Ridgeway Ave., at the western edge of the 606 Trail. It is managed by Evergreen.

“This development reflects Evergreen’s commitment to increasing affordable housing supply in desirable, infill locations where investment threatens to displace longtime residents,” said David Block, director of development for Evergreen Real Estate Group. “We’re grateful for the many public and private partners whose support was critical to getting this project across the finish line, ensuring area families can remain in Logan Square for generations to come.”

Floor plans at Encuentro Square include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Fifty-five of the homes benefit from long-term rental assistance administered by the CHA, of which 44 are family-sized units with at least two bedrooms. In total, 70 of the apartments offer two or more bedrooms. All residences feature exposed concrete ceilings, plank flooring, window treatments, island kitchens with Energy Star appliances, modern baths and individually controlled HVAC.

Encuentro Square offers a variety of on-site amenities, including a community room, teaching kitchen, children’s playroom, a private courtyard, resident lounges and laundry rooms on each floor, bike storage, and on-site management office. In addition, a new playspace is directly across the street from the building at 1844 N. Ridgeway Ave. next to the McCormick YMCA, providing residents with front door access. Evergreen recently donated $25,000 and volunteer hours to build the new playground in partnership with KABOOM!, a national nonprofit organization.

Community support services are also available to residents, including home-based early head start in partnership with the Children’s Place Association, as well as financial counseling.

Encuentro Square is near CTA bus routes that connect to the Red, Brown and Blue L lines. Residents can also walk to numerous shopping and dining destinations along Armitage and North avenues. In addition to offering immediate access to The 606, Encuentro Square is adjacent to McAuliffe Elementary School and the McCormick YMCA.

Application information for apartments at Encuentro Square can be found at www.encuentrosquare.com or by contacting the Evergreen leasing team at encuentrosquare@evergreenreg.com or (773) 395-1150.


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