Construction to begin on Mt. Pisgah Apartments in Evanston new affordable housing development will create 33 homes for local households and families
Community leaders, elected officials, faith leaders, neighbors and development partners gathered on Monday, May 11 to celebrate the official groundbreaking of Mt. Pisgah Apartments, a new mixed-use affordable housing development that will bring 33 much-needed affordable homes to Evanston.
The development, led by Housing Opportunity Development Corporation in partnership with Skender Construction, Mt. Pisgah Ministries and the City of Evanston, will transform the current church site at 1813 Church Street into a vibrant mixed-use community with affordable homes and neighborhood-serving commercial space. The development is designed to help ensure that working families, seniors and essential workers can continue living near jobs, schools, transportation and community resources in Evanston.
The project represents years of collaboration and planning, including a creative land swap agreement that will allow Mt. Pisgah Ministries to relocate to a new worship center at the corner of Church and Darrow while preserving its longstanding presence in the community.
Once complete, Mt. Pisgah Apartments will provide affordable rental opportunities for one-, two- and three-bedroom homes to households earning below 60% of the area median income. The development will also include approximately 2,250 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, shared community amenities and energy-efficient green building features.
“This development is about creating stability and opportunity for families and individuals who deserve the chance to remain in the community they call home,” said Richard Koenig, Executive Director of HODC. “We are proud to partner with so many organizations and leaders who recognize that affordable housing is essential to a strong and thriving Evanston.”
The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from community and government leaders, including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, Evanston Councilmember Bobby Burns, Mt. Pisgah Pastor Clifford Wilson and Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita. A statement on behalf of Representative Robyn Gabel was shared by her staff member, Michal Sered-Schoenberg.
“The City of Evanston has no higher priority than affordable housing,” said Mayor Biss during the ceremony, emphasizing the city’s commitment to expanding housing opportunities for residents across income levels.
Councilmember Burns spoke passionately about the importance of community support for affordable housing developments and the impact projects like Mt. Pisgah Apartments have on keeping families in Evanston.
“There are going to be people who would otherwise no longer be in Evanston,” Burns said. “Affordable housing should not be controversial, but too often it is. We need people to continue showing up and standing up for housing opportunities for working families, seniors and neighbors who need these homes.”
Pastor Wilson reflected on the significance of the day for the church and the broader community.
“God had a plan, and today we are seeing it come together,” Wilson said. “We need this kind of development in our community at this time.”
Commissioner Morita highlighted the broader regional importance of affordable housing and encouraged communities to “push through the fear and talk about hope and community,” noting that affordable housing strengthens neighborhoods and benefits residents across the community.
Representative Gabel’s statement described the development as “a meaningful investment” in Evanston families and the future of the community.
Mt. Pisgah Apartments will remain under the long-term ownership and management of HODC to ensure the homes remain affordable, stable and well maintained for future generations.
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
- Developer: Housing Opportunity Development Corporation
- General Contractor: Skender Construction
- Architect: Cordogan, Clark & Associates, Inc.
- Mt. Pisgah Ministries
FINANCING PARTNERS
- Illinois Housing Development Authority
- City of Evanston
- Clocktower Tax Credits
- Housing Authority of Cook County
- National Equity Fund
- Wintrust Village Bank & Trust
- ComEd