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House of Peace Limited Equity Cooperative
The House of Peace Limited Equity Cooperative was RPDC’s first development project. In the mid-1990s, 700-702 Monroe Street faced challenges, ranking high in police calls due to drug-related gang activity. Swiftly, with a Mayor’s Fund loan, RPDC and the city acquired the 12-unit building, naming it "House of Peace." Residents united for cooperative ownership, expressing a shared commitment to positive change.
Funds secured enabled renovations, conducted in phases with local hires relocating three units at a time. This collaborative effort not only upgraded House of Peace but fostered community unity and hope.
Chicago Mutual Housing Network trained residents in co-op management; each paid $2,500 for one of 12 shares in a limited-equity co-op. By 1999, enough residents met the requirements to establish the House of Peace Co-op, electing its board. RPDC, as the sponsor, holds one board seat with veto power.
The co-op is financially robust. The monthly assessment for a two-bedroom is $975, seeing modest increases. The co-op saved for improvements like a backyard fence, stairway enclosures, meeting room upgrades, and window replacements. Annual elections yield proud, energetic board members. RPDC's investment in training pays off; our inaugural project, House of Peace, thrives as a self-supported co-op.
Quick Facts
12 affordable units
Became a co-op in 1999
The House of Peace Limited Equity Cooperative was RPDC’s first development project
Building Amenities
On-site laundry
Heat included
Closed-in back porches
Area Amenities
CTA Purple line and METRA access
Lincoln, Oakton, and Dawes Elementary Schools, Chute and Nichols Middle Schools, Evanston Township High School
Jewel and Trader Joe’s
Seward Apartments
Before RPDC took ownership, this sizable rental property had become a gathering spot for street-level drug activity and was burdened with six pages of code violations. Other apartments in the vicinity were being purchased by profit-driven developers, posing a threat to displace residents.
Beating out the for-profit competition, RPDC's bid of $975,000 was accepted by the original owner who values his longstanding relationships with tenants and wanted to prevent displacement of the community. Post-acquisition, RPDC connected with Seward Apartment residents, sharing a forward-looking vision for the building. Those able to remain through the necessary renovations were encouraged to stay, with assurances of minimal rental increases, provided they continued paying rent, adhered to the law, and respected neighbors.
The building underwent a transformation. RPDC fostered personal relationships with residents, local youth were hired for cleanup and moving assistance, and the general contractor involved residents and neighbors in the renovation project. Through this process, residents began to embrace and support the building.
In 2002, RPDC conducted a satisfaction survey, leading to the installation of a common laundry facility. High marks were also given to RPDC's building management for overseeing maintenance.
Today, 707-713 Seward Street is fully rented, contributing to neighborhood stability and fostering a sense of community. RPDC's commitment to positive change and tenant well-being continues to make a lasting impact.
Quick Facts
25 units, 2 and 3 bedrooms
100% affordable units
Building Amenities
On-site laundry
Hardwood floors
Stainless steel appliances
Heat included
Area Amenities
CTA Purple line and METRA access
Lincoln, Oakton, and Dawes Elementary Schools, Chute and Nichols Middle Schools, Evanston Township High School
Jewel and Trader Joe’s
Mulford Commons Condominiums
Evanston real estate values have escalated to the point that few moderate (much less low) income families can afford to own a home. Increasingly, apartments are being converted into pricey condominiums, thereby displacing tenants and leaving them with few options. Upon learning that 602 Mulford was on the market, RPDC made plans to purchase and convert its twelve units into affordable condominiums. It is located in a changing neighborhood across from Elks Park and alongside the Metra train embankment.
In February 2005, the City of Evanston granted RPDC $600,000 in HOME Program funds to assist in financing the purchase of 602 Mulford. The following June, the City required a fire-prevention sprinkler system in each unit, entailing significant additional expenses. It was also determined that a new roof was needed, so funding was sought from FHLB and IHDA to cover these unforeseen expenses with additional assistance from the City. In 2007, the City made an additional grant of $80,000 to assist with city-mandated improvements.
Since that time, all units have been renovated with new kitchens and fire-suppression sprinkler systems; common areas have also been upgraded. Subsidized unit sale prices have ranged from $80,000 to $140,000. The Mulford Commons Condo Association has been trained, and with a newly-elected board, has taken over responsibility for building management.
Quick Facts
12 affordable units
100% affordable units
Building Amenities
In-unit dishwasher
On-site laundry
Deeded parking spaces
Side patio
Area Amenities
CTA Purple line and METRA access
Lincoln, Oakton, and Dawes Elementary Schools, Chute and Nichols Middle Schools, Evanston Township High School
Jewel and Trader Joe’s