Logan Square's Encuentro Square Celebrates High Occupancy as Community Garden Initiative Launches
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Logan Square ·
Encuentro Square, Logan Square's newest affordable housing development near the west end of The 606 trail, is already proving its vital role in the community with buildings in the first phase now 74% leased. The 89-unit property, whose name means "the act of coming together" in Spanish, was developed by Evergreen Real Estate Group and Latin United Community Housing Association to address the neighborhood's affordable housing needs.
The development sits at the junction of Logan Square, Humboldt Park, and Hermosa - three neighborhoods that have historically been majority Latino and working class but have experienced significant gentrification pressure in recent years. With displacement concerns mounting, Encuentro Square's developers prioritized making all units affordable with the majority being family-sized - 70 of the 89 units are two or three-bedroom apartments, addressing a critical need for family housing in the area. This week, residents are celebrating the launch of a new community garden initiative that will complement the development's existing amenities, which include a community room, teaching kitchen, children's room, lounge and courtyard. The garden project is being supported by community services partners, including the Children's Place Association, which already provides home-based Head Start programs and financial training for residents.
Logan Square residents interested in supporting or participating in the garden project are encouraged to contact Encuentro Square's management office for information about upcoming community planting days. The garden initiative represents another step toward building community connections in a development designed to preserve neighborhood diversity while providing high-quality affordable housing for generations to come.
Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2025/02/14/affordable-housing-development-encuentro-square-opens-logan-square
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/16/logan-squares-new-affordable-apartment-complex-will-help-neighbors-facing-displacement-officials-say/