CHICAGO — A new affordable housing project, Fifth City Commons, officially opened its doors on Thursday, marking a significant development for the East Garfield Park neighborhood. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 3155 W. Fifth Ave., where officials celebrated the completion of the first phase of the project, which includes 43 apartments and several community amenities.
The $38 million project is notable for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Designed as all-electric, it does not rely on natural gas for heating or cooking. Instead, it incorporates solar panels expected to provide about two-thirds of the building's energy needs. Other features of the new complex include stormwater retention systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and a composting facility — all aimed at fostering sustainable living practices for residents.
"I've always said safe, affordable, and sustainable housing is a human right. Our administration is committed to building and upholding strong resilient opportunities for our families to thrive," remarked Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson during the grand opening ceremony. He emphasized the city’s endeavor to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to create new opportunities within the green economy for all Chicagoans.
Developed by Skender and co-developed by Ashlaur Construction, the three-story facility provides one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments targeted at East Garfield Park residents, particularly those earning between 30% and 80% of the area’s median income. According to sources, the project was constructed to meet Passive House standards, ensuring high energy efficiency.
The Fifth City Commons project not only revived vacant land — which had sat unused for decades — but it also pays homage to the area's rich history. Named after the Fifth City community development organization active during the 1960s, the 1.5-acre redevelopment is seen as a pivotal step toward enhancing the local community.
Construction began back in July 2023 and was able to reach completion by November 2024. The facility features community rooms, fitness areas, and various laundry facilities, alongside offices for on-site management.
"This project marks a significant milestone for Skender, as Fifth City Commons is our first Passive House project," stated Brian Skender, Senior Project Manager and Team Leader at Skender. He added, "We passed the air tightness test on our first attempt, which is unprecedented for Passive House projects within Illinois. This achievement reflects our team's dedication and expertise." The joint venture also included collaborations with Nia Architects and Perkins&Will, as well as engineering firms such as dbHMS and Rubinos & Mesia Engineers.
Notably, the project aimed to maximize community engagement, achieving minority-owned business enterprise (MBE) participation of 30% and woman-owned business enterprise (WBE) participation of 10%, exceeding initial targets set out during its planning phase.
Adding to the community aspect of the development, the new building also hosts Semicolon Bookstore, which caters to the residents and visitors. Previously located in the River West neighborhood, this popular Black woman-owned bookstore adds to the vibrant community atmosphere aimed for within Fifth City Commons.
Accessibility is another cornerstone of this development; the project lies within walkable distance to the CTA Blue Line and Green Line. This strategic planning offers residents easy access to public transportation, enhancing commute options for employment and services.
The second phase of the Fifth City Commons initiative is already on the horizon, with plans for 30 additional apartments to be constructed across the street, which will continue to build on the momentum established by the initial phase.
Overall, the Fifth City Commons development stands as more than just housing; it is poised to become a cornerstone of community revitalization and sustainable living practices, worthy of recognition as Chicago pushes forward with its environmental and social commitments.