At North Arrow Partners, we are dedicated to creating community-centric housing solutions. Our innovative approach combines thoughtful architecture and design to provide homes that meet the needs of individuals and families in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and beyond.
Mission & VIsion
Building Innovative Solutions for Stronger Communities
At North Arrow Partners, we are dedicated to understanding the unique needs and challenges of each community we work with. By listening to the concerns and aspirations of local residents, we are able to create innovative solutions that directly address these issues. Our approach to real estate development goes beyond just constructing buildings; we strive to build stronger, more vibrant communities.
Understanding Community Needs
Creating Innovative Solutions
Building Stronger Communities
Innovative
Building Affordable Housing with a Community Focus
We believe in creating more than just buildings. We approach every project development with a deep sense of community, understanding the unique issues each community faces and addressing them with innovative solutions.
Community-Driven
We prioritize the needs of the community, ensuring our housing developments are accessible and sustainable.
Design Excellence
Our team brings a unique focus on architecture and design to each housing development.
Our Process
From concept to reality
Our process for creating exceptional developments leads to more livable communities made to stand the test of time.
Our development approach turns ideas into vibrant communities
We believe in a collaborative and community-focused process. We start by deeply understanding the needs and aspirations of the community we are working with. This allows us to create innovative and sustainable solutions that address their unique challenges.
Our commitment to architectural excellence with a purpose
We believe that architecture and design play a crucial role in creating vibrant and livable communities. We bring a unique focus on architectural excellence to each of our developments, ensuring that they not only meet the needs of the community but also enhance the overall aesthetic and quality of life.
Our sustainable and forward-thinking approach is built for the future
We are committed to creating sustainable and future-proof developments. We integrate innovative technologies and design strategies that reduce environmental impact and promote energy efficiency. Our goal is to create developments that not only meet the needs of today but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Impact
Building Communities Through multi-family housing developments
North Arrow Partners is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community through their affordable housing projects. By addressing community issues and providing innovative solutions, they create homes that uplift and empower residents.
$460M+
In total development
2600+
Units built or under construction
Projects
Explore Our Work
Discover the variety and scale of our completed projects.
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Beech Street Lofts
Beech Street Senior Lofts is a 52 unit rental property located in the Chicago Metro area. The development was built in compliance with Green Communities Net Zero Plus Certification Program.
Hall Street Lofts
Hall Street Lofts is a new NGBS Silver Certified 28 unit apartment building located in Sandwich, Illinois.
Water’s Edge
Hope Bound Development Corporation was awarded funding to redevelop an existing site with 124 deteriorating townhomes. The 6.9 acre / city block property was redeveloped to include 69 family units including a mix of attached and detached single family dwellings as well as a new clubhouse. The project was completed in October, 2017.
Woodlawn 6
Our team assembled permit/bid drawings for the renovation of 6 vintage buildings with 100 apartments located in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. We assessed and documented existing conditions and worked closely with the developer in defining scope of work based on available funds. We were retained for construction administration, as well; work was completed in early 2014. Funding is through Government bonds issued through the Illinois Housing Development Authority. Our work follows their strict guidelines in addition to Chicago Code, DCEO energy requirements, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Illinois Accessibility Code.
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Williams Street Townhomes
32 Townhome development in a small Illinois city. Completion expected in early 2024
Westport Village Apartments
Westport Village consists of 121 family and senior apartments (new construction and renovated units).
Whiting Hall
Whiting Hall is a 60 unit property in the senior and disabled community of Galesburg, IL in Knox County. Built in 1857, this historical five story building was formerly a women’s dormitory for Knox College. It was constructed on a stone masonry foundation with wood framed upper floors and heavy timber framing details. Exterior facade is painted brick masonry. The property was renovated and turned into a residential HUD property in 1981 but has not been substantially renovated since that time. The building is comprised of 2 studios, 48 1 Bedroom Units and 10 2 bedroom units. In order to extend the useful life of this property and improve the housing of the current elderly and disabled residents, the developer is renovating this property via IHDA's tax credit program.
Township Village Apartments
Extensive interior and exterior renovation of an existing 9-story senior apartment building and 2 townhouse buildings. (122 units). The property was originally developed in 1980. This project is funded through IHDA’s 4% Tax Credit Program. Property is 100% occupied. Construction was completed with great efficiency in less than one year without any relocation of tenants required.
The Berwyn Apartments
Renovation of a 3-story historic hotel into 28 apartments including a 4th floor addition.
St. Elizabeth Residences
New construction of 49 senior apartments. 9% TC approved in Fall, 2015. Construction completed 2017.
Seguin Services
Our team is responsible for the renovation of the 45,000 square foot Carr Center in Cicero. This building is used as a hub of activity for Seguin’s nearly 500 daily participants living in the Chicago region. Spaces within the building include office space for staff members, multiple classrooms and group activity spaces, lunchrooms and break rooms, numerous ADA compliant restrooms. All spaces meet applicable local codes and the Illinois Accessibility Code. We worked with our client in managing paperwork for funding through CDBG, Department of Human Services and various foundations.
River Run Apartments
Extensive renovation of 100-unit, multi-tenant apartment complex in Macomb, Illinois providing housing for families. Our work included permit drawings and construction administration for site work including parking/pavement replacement, new playground, new exterior lighting, correction of site drainage issues, upgrades and replacement to MEP systems, renovation of building envelopes (siding/windows/roofing) replacement of interior finishes/ fixtures and creation of new accessible and adaptable units per code.
Prairie View Apartments
Renovation of a 224 unit multi-tenant apartment complex in North Chicago, Illinois providing housing for families. The property consists of eleven 2-story apartment buildings on a 15.45 acre site.
Newton Senior Living
New 35 unit / 2-story apartment building currently under construction in Newton, IL.
Macoupin Homes
Gillespie, Staunton and Bunker Hill, IL. New construction of 38 single family homes to be owned and operated by Macoupin County Housing Authority. 9% TC approved in summer, 2014. Construction completed late summer, 2016. IHDA Announces Winners of 2017 Housing Champion Awards
Main Street Lofts
New 24 units of permanent supportive housing located in a thriving downtown community in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Landings on Villa
We assisted A Local Non-Profit Social Service Agency in locating a parcel in DuPage County zoned to build a multi-family. Our team designed and constructed a 3-story building with 16 apartments for individuals with special needs receiving on-site services through Trinity Services. Funding is through IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing Program. Construction completed in October, 2014.
Lincoln Park Senior Villas
New construction of 72 senior apartments and new community center in O'Fallon, IL. Completed spring, 2018.
Longwood Gardens
Renovation of existing 64 unit senior apartment building in Rockford, IL. Construction to begin spring, 2021.
Lincoln Lofts
Lincoln Lofts 1 is the first phase of two building non-age restricted development in Bloomington, IL.. This property has 56 one, two and three bedroom apartments in addition to numerous amenities.
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Kimball Court Apartments
Local Non-Profit Social Service Agency - Alsip, IL – We assisted in locating a parcel in Suburban Cook County zoned to build a multi-family dwelling. Our team found a suitable parcel and generated drawings for a 3-story building which creates 16 apartments for individuals with special needs receiving on-site services through Sertoma Centre. Funding through IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing Program and Cook County Home funds. Construction completed fall, 2015.
Homeless Veterans housing
An historic west suburban home with six apartments renovated in order to create permanent supportive housing for veterans.
Hope Springs Apartments
Our team partnered with the Local Non-Profit Social Service Agency and Non-Profit Developer in creating 36 units of permanent supportive housing to fill their need for safe, clean apartments for their participants. An attached 1-story space contains offices for members of the Psychiatry Department along with community and therapy spaces. Exterior features include an urban garden and multiple walking paths. This development is located in Springfield, Illinois. Construction was completed in January, 2013. $5M in funding was through IHDA’s Build Illinois Bond Program, Springfield HOME, DCEO grant and rents are subsidized by DMH and the local housing authority.
Garden Place Apartments
New construction of 60 family apartments and new community center in Cary, IL. 9% TC approved in fall, 2015. Construction commenced early summer, 2016.
Flax Meadow Townhomes
Flax Meadow Townhomes is a new construction, 8 building, 32-unit development for families. Completed in 2020.
Grandview Senior Residences
Grandview Senior Residences, located in Marine, IL is a new construction, 1 story building with 24 units for senior residents.
Finley Supportive Housing
Our team located a parcel in DuPage County zoned to build a multi-family dwelling by right. We developed a concept that would work for both the city and for a potential end user serving people with disabilities. We designed and constructed a single 3-story elevator building with 12 apartments for individuals with special needs receiving on-site services through Trinity Services. Community room, fitness room, and offices are located on the 1st floor. Funding is through IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing Program. Completed in 2016.
Delta Terrace Apartments
Our team partnered with Delta Center, Inc. in creating 10 units of permanent supportive housing to fill their need for safe, clean apartments for their participants living in Cairo, IL. Construction was completed $120,000 under budget in February, 2012. $1.3M in funding was through the Illinois Housing Development Authority / Illinois Department of Human Services via Neighborhood Stabilization Program (2008 stimulus package). Davis Bacon wage standards applied.
Altamont Senior Residences
Our team assisted an Illinois based non profit housing developer in locating a parcel in Effingham County to build 30 new safe, clean apartments for seniors on a fixed-income. We ushered the proposed development through the zoning process and through the funding application process. 9% LIHTC Funding was awarded by IHDA in October, 2017. Construction completed in 2019.
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Buena Vista Tower
Renovation of an existing 9-story building with a total of 96 units for families. We provided full architectural permit drawings and specifications for approval by IHDA and local building departments. Construction was completed in early 2015. Our firm provided an additional 1 point to the developer’s LIHTC application via CMS WBE/FBE (female business enterprise) certification.
Colonial Park Apartments
Renovation of a 40 building, 320 apartment complex in Park City, Illinois providing housing for families. Work also included design/construction of a new indoor pool, fitness center and management office. New elevators were added to several buildings in order to create new housing options for people with mobility issues. Financing through HUD.
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THE STELLA
THE STELLA is a 34 unit townhome development located directly across from Grinnell High School in Grinnell, Iowa.
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Willis Senior Lofts
Willis Senior Lofts is a 60 unit senior housing development located in northern Illinois
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Jefferson School Lofts
A new senior 42 unit rental development to be located in central Iowa. This projects includes an adaptive reuse of a historic grade school building as well as a new 2-story addition on a centrally located city block.
NEW APARTMENT BUILDING
A new 40-unit apartment building with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments is proposed outside of the Chicago metro area.
PROPOSED PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
This development will house 20 individuals with special needs in a thriving Chicago metro community.
PROPOSED SENIOR DEVELOPMENT
This development proposes 48 one and two bedroom apartments for independent seniors living in the Chicago suburbs.
PROPOSED FAMILY APARTMENT BUILDING
This 40 unit, 3 story structure with covered parking is proposed for a location in northern Illinois.
PROPOSED SENIOR HOUSING
Project is in the conceptual phase. Zoning / public hearings are pending. Check back soon!
PROPOSED SENIOR APARTMENT BUILDING
Proposed 4-story, 45 unit senior apartment building in the planning stage.
PROPOSED PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
Sixteen apartments proposed along with community space and social service offices.
NEW APARTMENT BUILDING
Proposed 2-building development with 48 apartments for families to be located in the Chicago metro area.
ADAPTIVE REUSE
Proposed adaptive reuse of historic armory site. Converting armory to shared space. New market-rate multi-family rental units proposed at the perimeter of the building. Includes 24 new townhomes constructed of repurposed shipping containers. Providing architectural services to local innovative developers. Concept pending approval fall, 2016.
Customer testimonials
Read testimonials from our satisfied residents and community leaders.
“Dulcinea and I met many years ago when I helped her advocate for a new permanent supportive housing (PSH) development in central Illinois. After running into each other here and there over the years, she reached out to partner on a new PSH deal in the Chicago suburbs. The site was inexpensive, next to transportation and zoned by right! We worked together to secure funding and the building will soon be ready for occupancy with 24 new, safe, clean affordable apartments for people with disabilities.”
Lore Baker
President & CEO
“Nothing is going to catch the team at North Arrow Partners off guard. They bring such a broad range of skills and knowledge: architecture, design, construction AND functionality related to the intended use of a space. They truly transform visions into reality. Plus they are an absolute delight to work with and remain so composed under pressure.”
Jim Haptonstahl
Executive V.P. , UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago
“Dulcinea and I met many years ago when I helped her advocate for a new permanent supportive housing (PSH) development in central Illinois. After running into each other here and there over the years, she reached out to partner on a new PSH deal in the Chicago suburbs. The site was inexpensive, next to transportation and zoned by right! We worked together to secure funding and the building will soon be ready for occupancy with 24 new, safe, clean affordable apartments for people with disabilities.”
Lore Baker
President & CEO, AIDcares.org
“It was my distinct pleasure to work with North Arrow Partners on the Hope Springs living center for mentally disabled and economically disadvantaged populations in Springfield, Illinois. It is quite remarkable how Dulcinea helped this project come together so harmoniously, especially with neighborhood opposition and such complex financing.Thanks to the help of Dulcinea, Hope Springs is now valued as a committed provider in an improving neighborhood and considered a vital health care institution in the city.”
Michael Farmer, Director
Office of Planning & Economic Development, Springfield, Illinois
“I’ve worked with Dulcinea, John and their group for 9 years and counting. They have a deep knowledge of federal and state funding programs. They do a great job of finding great sites and working with communities to create new multi-family housing developments. Their approach is creative, flexible and technically proficient.”
Maggy Jares
Affordable Housing Practice Leader
"North Arrow Partners helped us salvage a complex $12M deal that we would have had to pass on without their involvement. Because of multiple site issues in 3 different cities, it just didn’t look like we could make it fit within our financial model. They were able to present concepts that solved these challenges and brought it back in line and made it cost effective. They even went out as part of the team to build consensus at the political level in each municipality."
James Roberts
Affordable Housing Consultant
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about housing and our services.
Where do you build?
We specialize in building housing in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan. Our developments are strategically located to address the housing needs of various communities and to maximize access to amenities to enhance quality of life for our community members.
How can I apply?
To apply for our housing units, please visit our website and navigate to the 'Apply' section. There, you will find instructions on how to submit your application.
What sets you apart?
Our partners are architects who are driven to make a positive impact on each community through good design and sustainable building practices.
Do you offer support services?
North Arrow Partners does not provide support services, however, we have many resources to share with our residents. These may include access to community resources, educational programs, and social services to enhance the well-being of our residents.
Are there any special certifications or designation that your firm holds?
North Arrow Partners is a WBE (woman owned and led) architecture firm and a WBE general contracting company.
How is your housing priced?
Our housing is priced within the means of low to moderate-income individuals or families. It aims to provide safe and decent housing options for those who may otherwise struggle to afford market-rate housing.
Still have questions?
Contact us for further assistance.