The Heart of Uptown Apartments Project (HUPA) comprises of five buildings, with 103 leased homes, two-thirds of them are family-sized units, that have been owned/sponsored by Voice of the People in Uptown and partners for decades.

Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Voice of the People Uptown are now working together on renovating these properties to preserve affordable housing in Uptown. Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) is a national nonprofit developer, owner and operator of affordable rental apartments in more than a dozen communities in the Chicago area.

The collaboration between Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Voice of the People in Uptown represents a crucial step in the preservation of affordable housing in Uptown. With the upcoming renovation plans, these properties are set to undergo significant upgrades to ensure the continued availability of affordable leased homes in the community.

Located at 847 W. Sunnyside, 900 W. Windsor, 927 W. Wilson, 4437 N. Clifton, and 4130 N. Kenmore, the buildings are strategically positioned within the Uptown community, with two included in the Sheridan Park and Buena Park neighborhood historic districts. Their accessibility to bus and train transportation further enhances the convenience for residents.

The planned rehabilitation, with an estimated cost of about $150,000 per unit in 2024 and 2025, encompasses building systems upgrades, energy conservation measures, apartment redecorating, modernization, and accessibility features, all of which are essential to meet the evolving needs of the residents of affordable housing over time.

It is anticipated that the rehabilitation process will commence in late 2024. Notably, the original funding for the buildings received crucial support from the “Wilson Yards” Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. The utilization of low-income housing tax credits, City financing support, and TIF funds allocated with the backing of the 46th Ward Alderwoman and former Voice tenant, Angela Clay, underscores the collaborative efforts to ensure the preservation of this vital affordable housing.