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Westhaven Park Station Opens, Signalling New Era for Chicago Housing

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. pens-signalling-new-era-for-chicago-housing.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 21:46 GMT by ABC 7 Chicago
      Locales: Illinois, UNITED STATES

CHICAGO, IL - February 7, 2026 - The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Westhaven Park Station on Friday signaled more than just the completion of a new housing complex; it represents a pivotal shift in Chicago's approach to public housing, urban revitalization, and integrated transportation planning. Replacing the historically significant, but ultimately outdated, Henry Horner Homes, Westhaven Park Station isn't simply a replacement - it's a reimagining of what affordable and mixed-income housing can be in a modern urban environment.

The $160 million project, spearheaded by the City of Chicago under Mayor Brandon Johnson, culminates years of planning and construction following the demolition of the original Horner Homes in 2022. While the demolition of public housing is always a sensitive issue, city officials and community leaders emphasize that Westhaven Park Station isn't a reduction in available housing, but a strategic upgrade. The complex boasts 223 apartments, carefully balanced between affordable housing units - catering to a range of income levels - and market-rate apartments. This mixed-income model is a deliberate design choice, moving away from concentrated poverty and fostering a more integrated community.

"This is about more than bricks and mortar," Mayor Johnson stated at the opening. "It's about building a thriving, diverse community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We're not just providing housing; we're investing in people."

The real innovation, however, extends beyond the housing itself. Westhaven Park Station isn't just near public transportation - it incorporates it. The development includes a brand-new station for the CTA Green Line, offering residents direct access to downtown Chicago and other key employment centers. This transit-oriented development (TOD) approach is increasingly seen as essential for sustainable urban growth. By prioritizing access to public transit, the city aims to reduce reliance on personal vehicles, alleviate traffic congestion, and lower the carbon footprint of the West Side.

Alderman Ear Huston highlighted the impact this will have on residents' lives. "For many families, reliable and affordable transportation is a major barrier to opportunity," he explained. "Having a Green Line station right here will open up job opportunities, educational resources, and essential services that were previously difficult to reach."

The Horner Homes, originally built in the 1950s, served as a significant - though often troubled - piece of Chicago's public housing history. While providing shelter for generations, they eventually succumbed to the challenges of aging infrastructure and concentrated poverty. The decision to redevelop the site was not taken lightly, and involved extensive community engagement to ensure the needs of existing residents were addressed. Many former Horner Homes residents were given priority access to the new units at Westhaven Park Station, ensuring continuity and minimizing displacement.

Resident Lakeisha Washington, a longtime resident of the area and now a tenant at Westhaven Park Station, voiced her enthusiasm. "This is a big deal. We deserve to have these kinds of opportunities. It feels good to be part of something new and positive."

Westhaven Park Station represents a broader city-wide initiative to combat Chicago's ongoing affordable housing crisis. The city faces a significant shortfall in available affordable units, exacerbated by rising rents and limited new construction. Westhaven Park Station, along with other similar projects planned across the city, is intended to address this gap and ensure that all Chicagoans have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing.

The success of Westhaven Park Station will likely serve as a blueprint for future public housing developments in Chicago and potentially other cities grappling with similar challenges. Experts point to the integration of mixed-income housing, robust public transit access, and strong community engagement as key factors in its potential to transform the West Side. Looking ahead, the city is exploring ways to replicate this model in other under-served neighborhoods, prioritizing projects that prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and community empowerment. The long-term impact of Westhaven Park Station will be measured not just in the number of housing units built, but in the lives it transforms and the vibrancy it brings to the West Side of Chicago.