Mayor Johnson, CHA Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Lincoln Park

Yesterday, Mayor Brandon Johnson, 43rd Ward Alderman Timothy Knudsen, and CHA officials celebrated the renovation of Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments and the opening of the new Sheffield Residences. This $168 million mixed-income, multi-generational development brings 485 affordable apartments to the heart of Lincoln Park.

Originally built in the 1960s, Edith Spurlock Sampson's 394 senior apartments received extensive upgrades, with 11 new homes added. The newly constructed Sheffield Residences, a six-story building with 80 family apartments, connects to Edith Spurlock Sampson via a pedestrian bridge, and features a community hub with dining and gathering spaces. As a designated Transit-Oriented Development, the property offers easy access to public transit, medical offices, retail, and parks, ensuring affordability and accessibility for Chicago residents of all ages.

"Year of Renewal": CHA, Mayor Johnson Announce Key Agency Updates

During the Edith Spurlock Sampson and Sheffield Residences Grand Opening, Mayor Johnson, CHA Interim CEO Angela Hurlock, and CHA Interim Board Chairman Matthew Brewer also announced timely CHA-related updates. The agency is at a moment of transition and undertaking key steps to reprioritize resident and community engagement and collaboration as it renews itself for the future.

"Under my administration, the Chicago Housing Authority is beginning to address its past challenges around lack of transparency and accountability head-on,” said Mayor Johnson. “This shift will not happen overnight, but I am encouraged by the spirit of collaboration and energy happening in this moment.”

With rising housing challenges, shifting national policies, a post-pandemic economy and a significant leadership transition ahead, CHA faces an urgent need and an incredible opportunity to redefine its future.

To meet these challenges, the agency has designated 2025 as its ‘Year of Renewal’—a time for rebuilding trust through openness, collaboration, and long-term strategic planning.

Key 2025 Initiatives include:

• Inclusive CEO Search Committee: CHA has formed a diverse Search Committee, including resident leaders and government partners, to guide the selection of its next CEO. The position will be publicly posted shortly with a new leader expected by mid-2025.
• Enhancing Resident Engagement: CHA is launching a comprehensive resident survey this spring to assess satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. This follows an employee survey conducted at the end of 2024.
• Stronger City Collaboration: CHA is playing a key role in shaping Chicago’s next 5-Year Housing Plan in partnership with the Department of Housing and other city agencies.
• Strategic Vision for the Future: CHA will develop a long-term strategic plan, set to begin by the end of 2025.
• Reorganizing for Accountability: CHA is restructuring its Property and Asset Management team, adding a new Healthy Homes division to proactively address environmental concerns. The agency also issued a new Request for Proposals (RFP) to bring in more local and community-based property management firms, allowing for increased oversight and improved service for residents.

These initiatives build on recent progress, including the delivery of hundreds of new homes, the creation of a customer experience team, and the launch of a redesigned website with a centralized Data and Impact Hub for greater transparency. CHA will provide quarterly updates throughout the year to keep residents and stakeholders informed. For the latest updates, visit CHA’s newly redesigned website.