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Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, alongside the Cook County Land Bank Authority and representatives from Inherentance, announced the completion of two modular homes in Humboldt Park. This marks the beginning of the Cook County Modular Homes Pilot Program, a $12 million initiative targeting communities with limited new home construction, including Chicago Heights and Proviso Township.
The Department of Planning and Development within the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development is spearheading this program. It aims to build 120 modular homes across these areas. President Preckwinkle stated, "These modular homes will provide affordable, quality housing in communities of need, and we are grateful to our many partners for their collaboration."
The first two homes on North Homan Avenue in Humboldt Park are part of a plan to construct 12 homes on vacant lots provided by the Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA). The program is open to those earning up to 120% of the county’s median income. There is no income limit in Disproportionately Impacted Areas and Qualified Census Tracts.
Inherentance received ownership of 12 vacant lots from CCLBA to build each home at its facility in North Lawndale over eight weeks before transporting them for assembly. Tim Swanson, Founder of Inherentance, remarked on their mission to make homeownership accessible through this initiative: "By using modular construction, we’re not only delivering homes faster but also ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability."
Modular homes are built in sections within controlled environments before being assembled on-site. They exceed local building codes and energy standards while minimizing waste and accelerating construction timelines.
Jessica Caffrey, executive director of the Cook County Land Bank Authority, commented on the pilot's impact: “The modular homes pilot is an innovative step toward addressing the housing gap by turning underutilized lots into high-quality, affordable homes.”
Each home will be 1,445 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Features include Google Smart Home technology and customization options for finishes. Financial assistance programs such as the Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program offer subsidies up to $25,000 or 5 percent of the home's sale price. Additionally, prospective homeowners can apply for grants through CCLBA’s Purchase Assistance Program.
For more details about this initiative, visit cookcountyil.gov/service/modular-homes-pilot-program.
