Poupard Place: A New Affordable Housing Development in Northbrook

A nonprofit affordable housing developer recently unveiled a 48-unit apartment building, known as Poupard Place, in downtown Northbrook. This development, which opened on June 30, aims to support individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Located at 1593 Shermer Road, the project was a result of collaboration between the Housing Opportunity Development Corporation, a Skokie-based nonprofit, and the Village of Northbrook.

The apartments cater to those with disabilities or households with a disabled member, who earn up to 60% of the Area Median Income. Richard Koenig, executive director of the Housing Opportunity Development Corporation, stated, “The Village recognized the growing need for affordable housing in the suburbs and played a crucial role in making this development a reality.” He highlighted the trustees’ focus on serving residents with disabilities.

Demand for the Poupard Place units is significant, with 600 applications received for a variety of apartment types, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom options. The building is equipped with ADA accessibility features such as elevators, handle-style door hardware, and fully accessible units with modified countertops. There is no age restriction for residents.

Poupard Place also includes a playground and landscaped areas, enhancing the community atmosphere.

The Village Board approved the project unanimously in February 2025, supported by a $24 million investment from public and private sources. This funding includes a $1 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, alongside contributions from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and Cook County. Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by IHDA were purchased by the National Equity Fund using private capital. Additional grants came from Wintrust Bank and ComEd, while the Village of Northbrook donated the land.

According to the Poupard Place website, rents for a one-bedroom apartment start at $700, two-bedroom units at $900, and three-bedroom apartments at $1,100. The development honors Tom Poupard, the Village’s former director of development and planning services, and a proponent of affordable housing initiatives.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 30 attracted approximately 150 attendees, including city and state officials. Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle, Village President Kathryn Ciesla, and Tom Poupard himself were among the speakers. “Today is about creating opportunity, expanding access, and strengthening our community,” Ciesla stated. The event served as inspiration for other communities to embrace similar housing projects.

Ciesla also mentioned Northbrook’s affordable housing trust fund, which derives funds from a city demolition tax, aimed at facilitating home ownership for low-to-middle-income families. Koenig pointed out that the village’s inclusionary zoning ordinance has been instrumental in bringing Poupard Place and other affordable housing projects to life. This ordinance, enacted in late 2020, requires developers to designate affordable units within new residential projects. Several North Shore communities have implemented similar measures to increase affordable housing availability.

Koenig concluded, “Many North Shore communities face high housing costs and are actively seeking more affordable solutions.”