A nonprofit developer launched a 48-unit apartment building in downtown Northbrook on June 30. This new housing, named Poupard Place, is designed especially for those with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Located at 1593 Shermer Road, Poupard Place was developed by the Housing Opportunity Development Corporation in partnership with the Village of Northbrook. The apartments target individuals with disabilities or households with at least one disabled member, with eligible applicants earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income.
“The Village recognized the need for affordable housing in the suburbs,” said Richard Koenig, executive director of the Housing Opportunity Development Corporation. “There are many residents with disabilities, and serving them was a priority.”
The demand for the building was significant. The organization received 600 applications for the one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. The building includes ADA-accessible features such as two elevators, door handles instead of knobs, and fully accessible units with lower countertops. There are no age restrictions for residents.
A photo taken by Alexandra Murphy on July 1 shows the building’s amenities, including a playground and landscaping.
Koenig said, “We have a thorough process for verifying income and qualifications. We started moving residents in June, with more in July and August. We aim to fill the building by the end of August.”
The Village Board approved the project in February 2025. The $24 million development is funded by public and private investments, including a $1 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and Cook County provided public funds.
Koenig mentioned that IHDA allocated federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, which the National Equity Fund purchased. Additional funds came from a grant by ComEd and a donation of land by the Village of Northbrook.
According to the Poupard Place website, rent starts at $700 for one-bedroom, $900 for two-bedroom, and $1,100 for three-bedroom units. The location honors Tom Poupard, Northbrook’s retired director of development and planning services.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by around 150 people, featured remarks from officials like Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Village President Kathryn Ciesla. Ciesla stated, “Today is about creating opportunity and strengthening our community.”
She highlighted the village’s affordable housing trust fund, supported by a demolition tax, aiming to make homeownership affordable for low-to-middle-income families.
Koenig pointed out that Northbrook’s inclusionary zoning ordinance paved the way for Poupard Place and other affordable housing projects. The ordinance, passed in late 2020, requires developers to include affordable units, a trend seen in many North Shore communities seeking affordable housing options.
“On the North Shore, many communities face high housing costs and are seeking affordable alternatives,” he said.