Community Matters Newsletter – Fall 2012

After completing an extensive renovation and modernization project, Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Harold Washington Apartments in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood is receiving acclaim for the innovative work to preserve the facility.

Harold Washington Apartments is a three-story, nearly 100 year-old property that provides 69 units of permanent supportive housing to very low-income, formerly homeless individuals.

“The Harold Washington Apartments responds to the direct need for affordable housing for very low-income individuals on the brink of homelessness in the Uptown community, which is gentrifying and seeing many of its apartments converting into condominiums,” said Helen Schiller, Former Alderman for the 46th Ward in Chicago. “The rehab preserved the affordability of these units for years to come as well as increasing the quality of life for the tenants.”

Recent awards include:

• Winner: The Polk Bros. Foundation Affordable Rental Housing Preservation Award
• Winner: Chicago Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Award
• Finalist: ULI Vision Award
• Winner: Affordable Housing Finance Reader’s Choice in the Preservation category

Mercy Housing Lakefront would like to thank the many supporters and partners who contributed to the property’s award-winning status.