Chicago Housing Authority Moves to Secure Long-Term Affordability and Stability for Harrison Courts Residents

Agency seeks to transition the development to an affordable housing partner; no resident displacement expected

CHICAGO (May 23, 2025) - The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) announced plans today to market Harrison Courts, a 122-unit affordable housing development located at Harrison and Sacramento in East Garfield Park, for acquisition by a qualified affordable housing developer. CHA’s decision aims to preserve long-term affordability for residents, secure much-needed capital investment in the property, and directly address challenges posed by aging infrastructure and limited funding options. Harrison Courts will remain subsidized, ensuring long-term affordability for existing and future tenants.

CHA has hosted community discussions with the 27th Ward Alderman’s Office and residents, including town halls and individual outreach, to ensure awareness of the upcoming sale and the support CHA will provide throughout the process. 

“Decisions like these require thoughtful consideration and it’s clear CHA approached this one with care and a long-term vision,” said 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. “By choosing to transition the property to an affordable housing developer, CHA is working to preserve affordability, improve living conditions and strengthen community stability while prioritizing stability and equity. It’s a forward-looking step for East Garfield Park and a promising example of how we can continue to protect affordable housing in neighborhoods across the city.” 

The development is under a Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is not classified as public housing. Because Harrison Courts is not qualified as public housing, CHA is restricted from using federal public housing funds for repairs or redevelopment, leaving a shortfall in funding needed to adequately sustain and address critical capital needs, including failing plumbing systems, outdated elevators, roof repairs, and vacant units requiring full renovation. Additionally, the sale will enhance community amenities, ADA accessibility and offer a modern design suited to residents’ needs. 

“CHA is focused on the long-term viability of its properties, prioritizing the best interests of residents and acting as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars,” said Leonard Langston Jr., CHA’s Interim Chief Property Officer. “We explored various avenues to continue supporting Harrison Courts, and the decision to transition the development to an experienced affordable housing developer emerged as the most viable solution. This next step will help ensure residents continue to have access to safe, affordable housing and that much-needed investments in the property can move forward.” 

CHA will market the development exclusively to affordable housing developers with the capacity and financing capital to renovate and operate the site. Residents who stay in their homes under the new owner will continue receiving federal rental subsidy assistance. Those who choose to move will be relocated with assistance to a CHA public housing unit. 

Residents and community members can contact 312-742-6500 for questions and more information. 

About the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA): CHA is the third largest public housing authority in the nation and the largest single owner of rental housing in Chicago. Through its public housing and voucher programs, CHA serves 135,000 people in 65,000 households across all 77 of Chicago’s community areas. CHA’s mission is to create and sustain strong communities where seniors thrive and everyone can unlock their economic power, ensuring that every neighborhood in Chicago has quality affordable housing and everyone feels welcome. For more information, visit www.thecha.org