Chicago-based firms The Habitat Company, James McHugh Construction Co. and Bowa Construction have announced the recent topping off of a commercial and retail building that marks phase one of the $200 million Ogden Commons mixed-use project in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. Habitat formed a public-private partnership with Sinai Health System, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, the Chicago Housing Authority and the city of Chicago to develop the 10 acres along the 2600 block of Ogden Avenue on Chicago’s West Side. Upon completion, the project will include 120,000 square feet of commercial and retail space and more than 350 mixed-income housing units.
“While COVID-19 kept us from celebrating with a traditional topping-off ceremony when the last piece of steel was placed in late April, we wanted to acknowledge how proud we are of the construction workers and subs for hitting this milestone on time and on budget,” said Matt Fiascone, president of The Habitat Company. “The construction of new medical facilities and affordable housing is more vital than ever for neighborhoods like North Lawndale that have been overlooked for too long. This building is just the first step to bringing new jobs, retail and housing to the community.”
Located at 2652 W. Ogden Ave., the commercial building offers 50,000 square feet spread across three floors. Unlike a standard rectangular building, the steel structure includes several angles with the upper floors suspended above a small courtyard at the building’s entrance, noted Ray Cisco, project executive with McHugh Construction.
“With the steel frame of Ogden Common’s first building now in place, the site is definitely coming to life and the surrounding community can feel the development’s momentum, which is important given this new time when so much of life feels like it’s on pause,” said Cisco. “It’s good for the area to see our team working on the building, and of course we’re trying to give back by using local crews through union sub-contractors.”
Scheduled for completion in January 2021, the SCB-designed building will provide active retail frontage and create a memorable gateway to a revitalized Ogden Avenue commercial corridor from the east. The building’s ground floor will be occupied by Steak n’ Shake, Ja’ Grill and Wintrust Bank. The second and third floors will include medical office space leased to Sinai Health System for outpatient services. Cinespace Chicago Film Studios will also lease office space on the upper floors for its two nonprofit affiliates: Cinecares, which offers a job-training program in film production for disadvantaged youth; and Stage 18, a film industry incubator designed to expand Chicago’s talent pool in movie and TV production.
Located on land formerly occupied by the Chicago Housing Authority’s Ogden Courts and Lawndale public housing developments, Ogden Commons is being financed through a combination of debt and Opportunity Zone equity. PNC Bank funded $15 million of the $22 million development cost for phase one at Ogden Commons.
The residential component of Ogden Commons will take place across multiple phases, with an anticipated start in 2021. Plans for the first residential phase call for a 92-unit multifamily building and three six-flat buildings.
About The Habitat Company:
Founded in 1971, The Habitat Company is a full-service residential real estate company specializing in property management, acquisitions and development. One of the largest residential property developers and managers in the United States, with over $3 billion in assets and more than 23,000 units under management across six states, the company’s portfolio spans a range of property types, from mid- and high-rise condominium, apartment and adaptive reuse developments to senior and affordable housing communities. Headquartered in Chicago, with more than 800 employees throughout the United States, Habitat is dedicated to improving the communities it serves through innovation and a commitment to excellence. For more information, visit www.habitat.com.
About McHugh Construction:
Since its founding in 1897, James McHugh Construction Co. has earned its reputation as a builder of landmark, one-of-a-kind structures in Chicago and across the Midwest. Specializing in high-rise concrete construction and complex, large-scale projects for both private and public sectors, McHugh has built some of Chicago’s most iconic structures such as Trump Tower, Aqua Tower, Blackstone Hotel and Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel. The company’s mission has always been to promote a seamless and positive project experience with excellence and innovation. It is known for its unwavering commitment to its clients, its ability to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget, and its dedication to growing and developing its partnerships with subcontractors. For more information on the company, visit www.mchughconstruction.com.
About Bowa Construction:
Bowa Construction is an African American-owned and operated general contracting and construction management firm established on the core principles of family, discipline, integrity and excellence. Bowa consists of highly trained construction professionals, collectively, with many years of general contracting, construction management and design/build experience. With a strong team of construction specialists, Bowa has completed mission critical and complex projects in healthcare, aviation, higher education, sports facilities and K-12 education. The company prides itself on its talented and diverse team of professionals that use the latest industry technology and tools to exceed client expectations. Bowa builds projects with passion and is driven by the anticipation of the impact it will have on our communities for years to come. For more information on the company, visit www.thebowagroup.com.
The Habitat Company, McHugh Construction and Bowa Construction recently announced the topping off a 50,000-square-foot office and retail building at Ogden Commons, a $200 million mixed-use project in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.
The Habitat Company, McHugh Construction and Bowa Construction recently announced the topping off of the first building in phase one at Ogden Commons, Chicago’s largest mixed-use Opportunity Zone project. Upon completion, the project will include 120,000 square feet of commercial and retail space and more than 350 mixed-income housing units.