Construction Will Begin on LeClaire Courts Apartments

The Chicago Housing Authority and partners are launching a $127 million redevelopment project this month.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a partially constructed apartment building framework, depicting urban development project progress. — The Chicago Housing Authority and partners are set to begin construction this October on the $127 million LeClaire Courts redevelopment project. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Construction will begin in October 2026 on the first phase of the LeClaire Courts apartment complex in Chicago. This $127 million project will introduce 183 new residential units to the site.

Why it matters

The development aims to provide essential housing opportunities in an area that has faced a lack of affordable options since the city demolished the original housing project in 2011.

The project will feature 183 apartments, including 74 affordably priced units, 91 units for voucher holders, and 18 market-rate units. The development is supported by $33.7 million in tax credit equity alongside city multifamily and tax-increment financing funds.

The players

Chicago Housing Authority

This local government agency provides housing assistance and leads major redevelopment projects throughout Chicago.

Cabrera Capital Partners

This firm is a private financial and investment partner working with the city on this large-scale residential construction.

Habitat

This organization serves as a development partner specializing in residential construction and property management in urban areas.

Cultivate Collective

This group previously successfully completed a $60 million redevelopment project on a portion of the LeClaire Courts site.

The details

This redevelopment, located near Cicero Avenue and the Stevenson Expressway, will consist of two six-story buildings. The project is a partnership between the Chicago Housing Authority, Cabrera Capital Partners, and Habitat to bring residential space back to the land.

The original housing project on the site was demolished by city officials in 2011.
The Chicago Housing Authority finalized the development agreement with private partners in 2020.
Cultivate Collective completed a $60 million project on 6 acres of the site between 2022 and 2023.
Construction on the new apartment complex is scheduled to begin in October 2026.
Construction is expected to reach completion during the first half of 2028.

Market Landscape

This project continues the revitalization of the former LeClaire Courts site following the 2011 demolition of the original housing project. It positions the developers to eventually support up to 700 residential units across the 32-acre tract as Chicago addresses urban housing demand.

Local residents and prospective tenants will gain access to 183 new housing units, including options for voucher holders and market-rate renters. This development aims to stabilize housing availability and potentially improve retail offerings in the neighborhood through the 32-acre site expansion.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates how public-private partnerships are currently being utilized to transform long-vacant urban land back into active residential zones. Residents should monitor future phases of the 32-acre site for additional housing or commercial opportunities arriving by 2028.