Historic Logan Square Church Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Transformation

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Logan Square ·

Logan Square residents gathered Friday morning as music flowed from Humboldt Park United Methodist Church—not for a regular service, but to celebrate the groundbreaking of La Herencia Apartments, Chicago's first 100% affordable church redevelopment. The historic structure at Mozart Street and Shakespeare Avenue will be transformed into 22 units of affordable housing, helping families remain in a neighborhood facing significant gentrification pressures.

The

1 million project, led by Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA), represents a full-circle moment for U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez, who lived in one of the church's original apartments as a child. "While this community has significantly changed since when I lived here, you are now guaranteeing that Mozart and Shakespeare will continue to live on, even past our lifetimes, to be the corner of beacon and hope for generations to come," Ramirez said during the ceremony. Construction begins Monday and is expected to last 12 months, with all units reserved for households earning at or below 60% of the area median income.

Community members interested in following the project's development can contact LUCHA for more information or attend upcoming 1st Ward community meetings. The innovative redevelopment stands as a model for preserving affordable housing in rapidly changing neighborhoods while honoring the historical significance of community landmarks.

Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2025/12/06/logan-square-church-lucha-first-affordable-redevelopment