F.H. Paschen has topped off the first phase of the Bellwood Gateway Development, a $43 million workforce housing project in the Chicago suburbs.
Serving as the developer and general contractor, F.H. Paschen now moves towards the enclosure of the structures. Once enclosed, work will move on to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection installations, followed by drywall, windows, and façade work in the final phase.
“Through the dedication of our team and partners, F.H. Paschen has delivered the Bellwood workforce apartments to this construction milestone on time and within budget,” said Tom Cross, head of the firm’s housing unit. “This workforce housing development will directly address the growing affordability crisis impacting middle-income families in Cook County.”
The Bellwood Gateway Development broke ground in July 2024, repurposing the sites of the former Village Hall, police and fire stations, and emergency management office. Designed by Chicago-based DesignBridge, the community will feature a modern aesthetic with light-filled spaces.
Financed through a combination of TIF financing, a State of Illinois grant secured by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, and the first-of-its-kind use of workforce housing bonds in Illinois.
“This project is a testament to what vision and collaboration can achieve,” said Peter Tsiolis of Strategic Project Management, Inc., which serves as the village’s Economic Development Department. “Bellwood is creating a new standard for workforce housing development in Cook County.”
Workforce housing, as defined by the Brookings Institute, serves households earning too much for traditional affordable housing subsidies but still struggling with high housing costs. Bellwood Mayor André Harvey sees the development as a way to attract working professionals back to the community.
“We want to build housing that keeps professionals—doctors, lawyers, first responders—here in Bellwood,” Harvey said. “This project is a key part of our vision for a thriving downtown.”
Located a mile from Interstate 290 and public transportation, the development offers easy access to greater Chicago.
F.H. Paschen, a 115-year-old national leader in large-scale construction and infrastructure development has recently seen growth in public-private housing work. The Bellwood Gateway Apartments are the most recent addition to F.H. Paschen’s growing public-private housing portfolio, which includes the nearby $31 million Bellwood Senior Apartments and the $46 million Leyden Township Senior Apartments and Senior Center in Franklin Park. The company has quickly become a preferred partner for municipalities and local governments in Illinois and nationwide, delivering workforce, affordable and senior housing solutions from design to financing and execution.
“In markets across the U.S., F.H. Paschen is beginning to build transformative housing developments that serve communities and meet critical housing needs,” Cross added. “Our integrated approach, in partnership with partners like Mesirow Financial can make local government housing investments a reality.”
Headquartered in Chicago, F.H. Paschen is a national General Contractor, Construction Manager and Design-Builder with over 115 years of experience and a legacy of delivering exceptional construction projects across various sectors. Known for innovation and community impact, the company’s expertise ensures built environments meet both practical and social goals.
