Ehersman Management for Lawndale Restoration preservation projects

While small, entrepreneurial developers don’t always attract citywide attention, they often offer some of the most important housing opportunities inChicago’s neighborhoods. Among the best regarded is Ehresman Management. A long time contributor to Chicago’s affordable housing mix, Ehresman’s most recent accomplishment is the preservation of 153 units of affordable rental housing in five properties in North Lawndale. Throughout the project, Ehresman Management worked with all takeholders – government agencies, funders and community members – to ensure that buildings were completed quickly, efficiently and with the input of those most affected by the changes. Starting with a community meeting before construction even began, residents were an integral part of the process. Local workers were hired whenever possible, including teens for summer internships. This level of community engagement, as well as the focus on producing high-quality housing, has earned Ehresman Management the respect of building residents, the North Lawndale community and beyond. For its dedication to preserving cost-effective and desirable low cost ental housing and its ongoing esponsiveness to community needs, Ehresman Management is the recipient of the 2009 Polk Bros. Foundation Affordable Rental Housing Preservation Award.