A new 48-unit apartment building has opened in downtown Northbrook, offering housing for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Known as Poupard Place, this facility is located at 1593 Shermer Road and was developed by the Housing Opportunity Development Corporation, a nonprofit based in Skokie. The project was a collaboration with the Village of Northbrook.
The building caters to individuals with disabilities or households that include a member living with a disability. Applicants can earn up to 60% of the Area Median Income to qualify. According to Richard Koenig, executive director of the corporation, the village recognized an increasing need for affordable housing in the suburbs. The village trustees aimed to assist those with disabilities as a priority.
The demand for housing at Poupard Place is high, with 600 applications received for the available 48 units, which include a variety of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. The building features ADA accessibility options, such as two elevators, doors with handles instead of knobs, and some units with lower countertops designed to be fully handicapped accessible. There is no age limit for residents.
The building, open since June, includes a playground and landscaping enhancements. Over 150 people attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including city and state officials. Remarks were given by Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle, Village President Kathryn Ciesla, and Tom Poupard, whose contributions to affordable housing efforts in the area were acknowledged.
Koenig outlined an in-depth process for checking income and qualifying applicants. As people continue to move in through July and August, full occupancy by the end of August is anticipated. The Village Board gave unanimous approval to the project in February 2025.
The development received significant financial backing, including a $24 million investment combining public and private funds. Contributions included a $1 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, public funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), and support from Cook County. The National Equity Fund (NEF) used private capital to purchase federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by IHDA.
Further financial support came from a grant by ComEd, coupled with land donated by the Village of Northbrook. Rent prices start at $700 for a one-bedroom, $900 for a two-bedroom, and $1,100 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Kathryn Ciesla emphasized the project’s role in expanding access to housing and strengthening the community. She expressed aspirations for the project to inspire similar affordable housing initiatives elsewhere. The village also plans to make homeownership more feasible through an affordable housing trust fund financed by a city demolition tax.
Koenig remarked on the positive impact of Northbrook’s inclusionary zoning ordinance, established in late 2020, requiring residential developers to designate affordable units for new projects. This ordinance is part of broader efforts across North Shore communities to increase the availability of affordable housing.