It's Official: 80 All-Affordable Homes Greenlit for West Rogers Park's Doorstep as Historic Werner Bros. Building Gets City Blessing

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Rogers Park · April 24, 2026

West Rogers Park's northern edge just cleared a major milestone. The Chicago Plan Commission formally approved the long-awaited redevelopment of the historic Werner Bros. Storage Building at 7603 N. Paulina St. on April 23 — officially unlocking 80 brand-new affordable apartments for the Howard Street corridor, with construction now targeted to begin this September and wrap up by February 2028.

What makes this project stand out beyond the unit count is its commitment to preservation and community character. The 1921 five-story building — which landed on Preservation Chicago's 2023 watchlist — will have its intricate terra cotta façade carefully repaired and restored, honoring the neighborhood's architectural heritage while gutting the interior to create 20 residential units. A new eight-story structure rising next door will add 60 more units, all designated affordable, with studio through three-bedroom layouts designed to serve families of all sizes. The new building will also include a community room, activity room, and fitness space on its lower floors.

Alderperson Maria Hadden (49th Ward) summed up the project's significance for West Ridge residents: finding opportunities to add density and affordable housing — especially family-sized units — without displacing what already makes the neighborhood great. Developers Housing For All and Visionary Ventures still need full City Council and state funding approval to move forward, but Thursday's green light is the critical first step. Stay tuned at westridgecommunity.org and westridgechamber.org for updates as this transformative project moves toward a groundbreaking.

Sources:
1. https://chicagoyimby.com/2026/04/plan-commission-approves-werner-bros-redevelopment-in-rogers-park.html
2. https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2026/04/16/rogers-parks-werner-brothers-building-plan-commission-city-approval