This Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) delivers over 200 mixed-income homes and commercial space for local small businesses at the intersection of Chicago’s Bronzeville, Chinatown and the South Loop neighborhoods.
“I congratulate the two new businesses opening in the commercial space at 23rd Place at Southbridge,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The City of Chicago is proud to be a partner in supporting the development of this mixed-use, mixed-income apartment project as part of our commitment to investing in affordable housing and economic development. I look forward to seeing 23rd Place apartments and its two newest tenants contribute to a safer and more affordable city.”
23rd Place is the first phase of Southbridge and consists of 206 mixed-income apartments, 15,000sf of commercial space, and 3,000sf of community event and meeting space. Southbridge will ultimately provide over 800 homes for a mix of incomes and more than 50,000sf of commercial space. An additional 80 more homes will start construction this fall. The initial leasing of apartments at 23rd Place was completed in 2024.
“Early in the planning process, I required that Southbridge prioritize economic opportunity for small local Chicago businesses, while also providing quality homes for a mix of incomes close to transit, jobs, and amenities,” said Alderman Pat Dowel, City of Chicago, 3rd Ward. “This first phase, 23rd Place Apartments, and its opening of local Black-owned businesses, Batter & Berries and 24 Life Training and Fitness, are excellent first steps in achieving the collective goals of economic development and quality mixed-income housing.”
A cornerstone of this project is the opportunity for commercial space to be available to locally owned businesses. The commercial space at 23rd Place at Southbridge is now anchored by Batter & Berries, an elevated breakfast and brunch spot; and 24Life Training and Fitness, a strength and conditioning gym offering personal, group and hybrid training tailored to their members’ goals. These tenants occupy half of the commercial space with the remaining portion expected to be leased by the end of 2025. The commercial leasing is led by McCaffery Interests, TCB’s joint venture partner at Southbridge.
“This celebration underscores our unyielding mission and commitment to strong, mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhoods affordable to all Chicagoans and serving all Chicagoans,” said Will Woodley, regional vice president of real estate development for The Community Builders. “23rd Place marks the beginning of Southbridge offering hundreds of high-quality homes at a great location and offering exceptional opportunities for local businesses to serve Southbridge residents and the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Southbridge is located at the site of the former Harold Ickes Homes. In partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority, City of Chicago, and Illinois Housing Development Authority, Southbridge is a new mixed-use, mixed-income community connecting the South Loop, Chinatown, and Bronzeville neighborhoods.
“Thriving communities are about more than just housing, they need strong schools, commerce and jobs, public transportation and green spaces,” said Angela Hurlock, Interim CEO, Chicago Housing Authority. “The two businesses we’re celebrating today will provide opportunities for Southbridge residents to socialize and enjoy breakfast and to prioritize their health and fitness.”
Half of the homes at Southbridge are market-rate and the remaining homes are set at affordable rents for income-qualified households. Over the last several years, the apartments at 23rd Place, a new CTA Green Line station, new elementary school, and new track and field for Jones College Prep have already driven neighborhood revitalization. The addition of Batter & Berries and 24 Life Training and Fitness will attract visitors from across the city and marks a significant next step in realizing the neighborhood’s full potential.
“We’ve always believed in mixed-income communities, and it’s been amazing to watch these buildings go up and lease up, see the lights come on and the businesses open,” said Kristen Faust, Executive Director, Illinois Housing Development Authority. “This development and these partners here today are examples of a project that rose to the top and we’re thrilled to be part of this and future developments at Southbridge”.
Financial partners include The City of Chicago, The Chicago Housing Authority, Illinois Housing Development Authority, Citibank, Benefit Chicago, National Affordable Housing Trust and Goldman Sachs.
The architects are Nia Architects and Antunovich Associates. The General Contractor is a joint-venture of McShane Construction and Powers and Sons Construction.
For additional images, contact Jesse Migneault at The Community Builders, 857-221-8661, jesse.migneault@tcbinc.org
Businesses interested in locating at Southbridge should contact Andrew Macafee at McCaffery Interests at amacafee@mccafferyinc.com.