Chicago House is in the midst of a significant expansion of our housing portfolio, with projects ranging from the renovation of existing properties to new construction. Guiding that work is the Building Committee, a group of professionals who advise Chicago House throughout the development and construction process.

“Committee members comprise a diverse background of building industry professions; lending oversight and expertise as needed,” says Anthony Zamer, chair of the committee and a member of Chicago House’s Board of Trustees. “Architecture, engineering, project management, development and construction disciplines are all represented through the Building Committee members.”

As the Director of Program Management at University of Chicago Medicine, Anthony manages capital renovations and new construction. His background, along with the range of disciplines represented on the committee, gives Chicago House another perspective when decisions arise during planning, financing, or construction. “Drawing on decades of experience, the committee members bring a critical eye to each building initiative, but also advise as challenges may appear,” Anthony says.

That expertise is especially valuable now, as Chicago House has several capital projects at different stages. Englewood Family Homes is now fully occupied, while we undergo construction in East Garfield Park and West Town. “This is a critical time as unforeseen conditions, building inspections and construction resources can present obstacles for any project. Augusta Home is particularly challenging as the project involves renovating an existing building and changing occupancy.”

For Christina Swanson, a longtime Chicago House consultant and member of the Building Committee, the group's role extends beyond decisions on individual properties. “The committee acts as a sounding board for real estate development and construction projects for Chicago House as they embark on their strategic initiative to increase the availability of permanent supportive housing across the City of Chicago,” she says.

Christina sees the work through the experience of the people who will ultimately live in these spaces. “Housing is healthcare!” she says. “We know that stable, affordable, safe, decent housing is the foundation that supports health and well-being for our tenants.” For Chicago House, that means the decisions made during development have consequences well beyond the construction site.

That knowledge is also being put to use beyond Chicago House’s own work. Last week, the LISC Next Generation Capacity Building Initiative cohort visited our East Garfield Park site for a class on working with contractors. Using the site as a real-world example, participants explored contractor selection, pricing, change orders, and the ongoing communication required throughout construction.

What is taking shape across Chicago will become part of the organization’s housing portfolio for decades. The Building Committee’s experience helps Chicago House make those decisions with the long view in mind, creating spaces that can serve residents well today and remain useful for the people who will live there in the years ahead.

Building for the Long Term