**Chicago Breaks Ground on Largest Passive House Project in City History**
City of Chicago officials and community partners recently gathered to break ground on the Humboldt Park Passive Living project in West Humboldt Park. Located at 750 N. Avers (formerly 3831 W. Chicago Avenue), the development is part of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Build Better Together initiative and will bring a new four-story, mixed-use building to the neighborhood.
The upcoming structure, designed by Lamar Johnson Collaborative and developed by 548 Development, will be the largest building in Chicago to incorporate Passive House Design standards—a rigorous energy-efficiency standard known to significantly reduce energy use and environmental impact.
The project will offer 60 affordable housing units, including 13 specifically reserved for individuals with disabilities. It will also feature two ground-floor commercial spaces, promoting local economic development.
“This project hits on the pillars of the Build Better Together initiative, and then some,” said A.J. Patton, CEO of 548 Development. “We’re delivering quality housing to those at or below the median income of the area, reducing monthly utility costs for tenants, growing jobs, and preserving the neighborhood’s identity at the same time. This is an all-around win for Chicago.”
The Humboldt Park Passive Living development represents a significant step toward sustainable, inclusive urban housing in the city and is expected to serve as a model for future developments across Chicago.