South Loop’s Former Harold Ickes Homes Site to Gain 80 New Apartments in Latest Phase

April 28, 2026 - 03:03

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Harold Ickes Homes complex in Chicago’s South Loop is moving forward with a third phase that will introduce 80 additional apartment units to the neighborhood. Known as the Southbridge project, this next stage will feature more than 40 affordable housing units, ensuring that a significant portion of the new residences remain accessible to lower-income households.

Beyond the residential component, the development plan includes retail space and a range of amenities designed to serve future tenants and the surrounding community. The project aims to transform the historically underutilized public housing site into a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood that integrates seamlessly with the growing South Loop area.

The third phase builds on earlier efforts to revitalize the 17-acre parcel, which once housed the Harold Ickes Homes, a public housing complex that was demolished in the early 2010s. Since then, the Southbridge development has gradually added market-rate and affordable units, along with green spaces and community facilities. The new apartments are expected to further bridge the gap between affordability and modern urban living, offering residents proximity to downtown amenities, public transit, and Lake Michigan.

Construction timelines have not been finalized, but developers have emphasized a commitment to completing the project in a way that prioritizes both economic diversity and neighborhood cohesion. With the addition of these 80 units, the Southbridge project continues to reshape the South Loop skyline while addressing the city’s ongoing need for affordable housing options.