Structured Development unveils new model at The Seng, 34-unit community that is city’s first all-affordable condo project of its size 

Chicago-based Structured Development today announced it has completed construction and opened a new model unit at The Seng, its 34-unit affordable condominium building at 869 W. Blackhawk St. in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Offering two-, three- and four-bedroom units to income-restricted buyers, with prices starting at $285,000, The Seng is Chicago’s first all-affordable condo building of its size, creating a new homeownership option within a vibrant, amenity-rich neighborhood.

All homes at The Seng are reserved for individuals earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Buyers also must be preapproved for a traditional, FHA or VA loan and be certified through a homeownership program administered by the Chicago Housing Trust. Two-bedroom floor plans range from 824-868 square feet and are priced at $285,134. The new model unit showcases one of the development’s three-bedroom floor plans, which range from 988-1,186 square feet and are priced at $333,734, while four-bedroom residences range from 1,153-1,378 square feet and are priced at $374,696.

“The Seng is an example of the city’s leadership in addressing a broad range of affordable and workforce housing needs, including a lack of quality, entry-level homes for those who would otherwise be priced out of many neighborhoods,” said Mike Drew, co-founding principal of Structured Development. “Faced with rising home prices and interest rates, many working individuals and families have given up on homeownership in Chicago. But inclusionary options like The Seng allow them to purchase a newly constructed condominium well below market rates while ensuring those homes remain affordable should buyers ever decide to move.” 

CHT will begin accepting applications for the Seng on Feb. 27 and offered these additional guidelines:

• Two-bedroom units: Given high demand, CHT will accept applications between Feb. 27 and March 10 and conduct a lottery drawing on March 16.

• Three-bedroom units: CHT has set an occupancy requirement of three or more persons and will accept applications for these units on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Feb. 27.

• Four-bedroom units: CHT has set an occupancy requirement of four or more persons and will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Feb. 27.

Designed by GREC Architects, The Seng offers family-friendly floor plans with large windows that fill the homes with abundant natural light, 9-foot ceilings and modern finishes. Kitchens feature GE stainless steel appliances, Kohler chrome faucets, quartzite counters and two-tone cabinetry. Condos also include in-unit laundry, and each comes with a deeded garage parking space. Accessible residences are available. 

Building amenities include a shared rooftop terrace with sweeping city views; fitness center equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical equipment and weights; and bike storage.

The Seng is named for Wendelin Seng, a German immigrant who founded a furniture manufacturing factory on the site in 1874. Among other items, the company mass-produced furniture hardware and introduced early sofa-sleepers and recliner chairs, according to company history. The building’s lobby design will feature wall art and original artifacts recovered from a 1902 time capsule found on the site during construction, all commemorating Seng and his company. 

The Seng is the first of three residential buildings totaling 487 units to be completed at Wendelin Park (formerly Big Deahl), a mixed-use, mixed-income development by Structured Development on a site bounded by Blackhawk, Dayton and Kingsbury streets, on Chicago’s Near North Side. The other residences are Post Chicago (formerly Common Lincoln Park), a 10-story, 432-bed co-living community to be operated by New York-based Common; and the Foundry, a 27-story, 327-unit market-rate rental tower scheduled to be complete at the end of 2023. All three residential buildings are centered around the new 26,000-square-foot Wendelin Park, privately developed by Structured as a public amenity with a nature play area, dog run, community garden and gathering areas.

Located next to Chicago’s second-largest retail district, the Clybourn Corridor, The Seng is within walking distance of the NEWCITY shopping center, also developed by Structured, and near Whole Foods, Apple, Crate & Barrel, The Container Store, Target and other national brands. Nearby entertainment options include the AMC NEWCITY 14 movie theater, Steppenwolf Theatre and Second City, as well as numerous restaurants. Wendelin Park is adjacent to the new Wild Mile, Chicago’s first floating eco-park, and other recreational offerings, including Lincoln Park Movement, a climbing gym also built by Structured; iFLY Skydiving; DICK’s Sporting Goods; and REI Lincoln Park, which backs up to the river so customers can test out kayaks and canoes.

Residents are also steps from the North/Clybourn Red Line station, just a 15-minute commute to downtown. The location is also served by several bus routes and offers quick access to the Kennedy Expressway and Lake Shore Drive. Realtors Christina Glass and Jordan Euson of Compass have the exclusive listing. For more information, call (773) 217-9770, email sengchicago@compass.com or visit sengchicago.com. 

About Structured Development:

Structured Development is a Chicago-based real estate development company formed in January 2002 to pursue unique real estate development opportunities. The company thrives on engaging in complex real estate transactions encompassing a range of property types, including retail, residential, mixed-use and industrial. Whether working with partners or independently, Structured Development strives to unlock and enhance the unseen value of real estate, simultaneously enriching urban and suburban landscapes through sustainable and innovative development practices. For more information, visit www.strdev.com.