IFF’s in-house development group, Home First, has been tasked since 2011 with establishing new models of housing for people with disabilities while revitalizing vacant or underutilized properties in Illinois, developing more than 320 units of accessible, affordable housing across the state.
The newest development, Access South Cook in South suburban Park Forest, Illinois, officially closed at the end of September and construction is underway.
Access South Cook is a new construction affordable housing development located on the Park Forest village campus near retail businesses, government offices, banks, a prairie garden, restaurants, and a farmers market. The project includes new construction of 44 rental units (24 one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units), a shared green space, and a community building. The residential units will feature central air-conditioning, in-unit laundry, high-quality cabinetry and flooring, energy efficient appliances and lighting. All first-floor apartments will be fully accessible. Additionally, the site will be designed with landscaping that complements the natural prairie grass across the street at Village Hall and includes state-of-the-art storm water features for the first time in Park Forest.
Leasing will begin in November 2025.
This project has been conceptualized for over two decades with the Village of Park Forest’s desire for more residential development. In late 2021, IFF approached the Village of Park Forest about the potential for a development and over the past two and a half years, they have been working together to bring this new development to life.
The project architect is WJW Architects and the general contractor is Blackwood Group/Crane Construction. Financing partners include the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the Illinois Department of Human Services, ComEd, First Merchants Bank, PNC Bank, and IFF equity.
