West Cook News

Cook County has announced the completion of the first two modular homes in its Modular Homes Pilot Program. This initiative, valued at $12 million, targets areas with limited new home construction such as Humboldt Park in Chicago, Chicago Heights, and Proviso Township.

The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development’s Department of Planning and Development is spearheading the project. The plan includes constructing 120 modular homes across the selected communities.

“These modular homes will provide affordable, quality housing in communities of need, and we are grateful to our many partners for their collaboration,” stated Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. She added that the program aims to make homeownership more accessible and break down financial barriers.

Located on North Homan Avenue in Humboldt Park, these homes are part of a group of 12 planned constructions on vacant lots provided by the Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA). The program allows individuals earning up to 120% of the county’s median income to apply. In certain areas, there is no income limit.

The CCLBA transferred ownership of these lots to Inherentance, a nonprofit development company that constructs each home at its North Lawndale facility before transporting them to Humboldt Park. Several additional homes in this area are nearing completion.

Inherentance Founder Tim Swanson remarked, “Our mission has always been to make homeownership accessible and sustainable and we are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative.” He emphasized the speed and quality assurance provided by modular construction.

Jessica Caffrey, executive director of the CCLBA, noted that this pilot is an innovative approach to addressing housing needs by transforming underutilized lots into affordable homes. "By partnering with developers like Inherentance," she said, "we’re not only creating new homeownership opportunities but also investing in long-term stability."

Each home spans 1,445 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. They feature all-electric systems with Google Smart Home technology and include parking spaces and fenced yards. Homebuyers have options for customizing finishes.

Financial assistance programs are available for prospective homeowners through initiatives like the Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program and CCLBA’s Purchase Assistance Program. Mortgage payments will depend on subsidy amounts received.

For further details on the Modular Homes Pilot Program, visit cookcountyil.gov/service/modular-homes-pilot-program.