Photo credit: Pat A. Robinson

In Milwaukee’s 30th Street Industrial Corridor, a neighborhood is reclaiming its future. The Garden Homes redevelopment—led by the 30th Street Industrial Corridor Corporation in partnership with IFF and Cinnaire Solutions— transformed 24 long-vacant units, including 11 with historic designation, into affordable rental housing.

Located within the nation’s first municipally sponsored housing cooperative, these homes had been vacant for over a decade. Prior to receiving their historic designation, they were targeted for demolition and had seen a rise in criminal activity. Their restoration became a catalyst for broader revitalization—expanding housing supply, improving safety, and fostering long-term neighborhood stability. 

From the beginning, residents helped shape the vision. Through a community-led planning process, neighbors, churches, and local partners ensured the development reflected the area’s historic roots and future potential. 

A creative capital stack brought that vision to life. A key source was a $360,000 Affordable Housing Program General Fund grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, awarded in 2020 to member IFF to support the acquisition and rehabilitation. “The AHP grant from FHLBank Chicago was absolutely critical,” said Cheryl Blue, executive director of the 30th Street Industrial Corridor Corporation. “We needed every dollar to make this work.” 

In 2024, IFF pledged its loan to the project through FHLBank Chicago’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Collateral Pilot Program, increasing access to capital beyond construction.