Bickerdike was joined by residents, community members, elected officials, partners and supporters to celebrate the $40.5 million rehabilitation of Boulevard Apartments Preservation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

 

The investment preserves 70 affordable apartments across three classic Chicago walk-up buildings in Humboldt Park, Logan Square and West Town. Bickerdike originally acquired and rehabilitated the properties in the early 1990s, and they have provided affordable homes for Chicago families for more than 30 years.

 

“Building a more affordable Chicago requires making sure working families can remain in the communities they have helped to build,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “My administration is building affordable homes across our city by supporting new opportunities and preserving what already exists. With the rehabilitation of Boulevard Apartments, we are making a long-term investment in the families and communities that make Chicago strong.”

 

Preserving these homes is especially important as rising housing costs continue to put pressure on longtime residents and families. Nearly 40% of the apartments at Boulevard Apartments Preservation have three or more bedrooms, providing much-needed affordable housing options for larger families.

 

The comprehensive rehabilitation brought significant improvements to apartments, common areas and building systems, including new kitchens, bathrooms and flooring; ENERGY STAR® rated appliances; new roofs and masonry repairs; upgraded electrical systems; and window improvements designed to maintain the historic character of the buildings. The project also converted the properties to all-electric systems, with new electric heat pumps providing heating and central air conditioning.

 

For residents like Kenyetta Green, the rehabilitation meant not only returning to an improved apartment, but also being able to remain connected to her community throughout the process.

 

“I really appreciate the renovations in the apartment. The apartment looks great, and Bickerdike made sure we were taken care of and staying in another apartment while the renovations were happening so that I did not have to leave the community I’m accustomed to,” said Kenyetta Green, a Boulevard Apartments resident.

 

The ribbon cutting celebrated more than improvements to buildings. It marked Bickerdike’s continued commitment to preserving affordable housing and investing in homes that allow individuals and families to remain part of the communities they have helped shape.

 

We are grateful to the residents, partners, funders and community members who helped make the preservation of Boulevard Apartments possible.