Lawson House - Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation

The historic YMCA headquarters in the Near North Side, one of the most expensive areas in Chicago, once housed 583 single room occupancy units. Holsten overcame significant financing and scaling challenges to rehabilitate and modernize the massive structure—relying on multiple funding sources including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, IHDA and City of Chicago Home Loans, Historic tax credits and ComEd Affordable Housing loans to ensure the units could stay affordable. The renovated building now boasts 409 studio apartments with private kitchens and baths, common room spaces on each floor, a roof deck and an enhanced welcome area—improving both security and community amenities.