OCTOBER MEETING BRINGS EXCITING FOCUS TO HOWARD STREET
At our September meeting, we learned about a couple of important real estate happenings on Howard Street.
First, we heard from Shelly Tucciarelli, Visionary Ventures and Crystal Rollins, Housing For All, LLC, a reputable affordable housing development team, who presented their transformative mixed-use site at a key intersection on the north side of the Rogers Park community. The Werner development at Howard & Paulina envisions the construction of 80 affordable, family-sized, accessible workforce apartments steps from the Howard Red Line station.
The developers will use low income tax credits issued by Illinois Housing Development Authority earlier this year to develop this project, which spans two sites at 7603–7619 N. Paulina and 1646–1660 W. Howard. All units will be reserved for households earning between 30% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Additionally, 10% of the units will be fully accessible, with another 20% easily adaptable to be fully accessible.
RPBG President Michael Glasser admitted that is far from the market rate development that many of us at the RPBG have long envisioned for the area. Yet, since this project is far from pencilling out as a market rate deal, we were open to learning how this could work as a tax credits affordable deal which can bring much needed disposable income to the area. We were happy to learn of the developers’ plans for bringing responsible experts to manage the development once its built, a key to successful projects of any type.
We then heard from our fellow Board member Tino Lukovic, Vice President of Operations at Becovic Management Group who introduced us to their important new tenant who will occupy the first floor commercial space — nearly 7000 square feet — to the north side of 1600 W. Howard. The new tenant, American Islamic College, will bring a positive new energy and vibrancy to Howard Street. IAC’s President Timothy Gianotti described the mission and purpose of the college, which is to offer rigorous and sound programs to its students, and to provide “culturally competent knowledge about Islam and Muslims.
IAC will be moving from its lakefront location on Irving Park Road and they look forward to being a vital part of the reemergence of Howard Street as a mainstay of the Rogers Park community.
The Werner development and the addition of a major quality tenant brought a feeling of confidence about this part of the Rogers Park community and we wish all parties the best of luck and our support.
Michael Glasser - RPBG President
NEXT UP!
JANUARY 27, 2026
TRENDS
WORKSHOP
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
JERRY ETTINGER
ETTINGER REALTY
I’m President and Managing Broker of Ettinger Realty, Ltd, formerly Hallmark & Johnson Properties, which I co-founded in 1979. We grew to a 30-agent commercial real
estate brokerage company. In 2008 we transformed into a smaller boutique real estate company specializing in the acquisition, brokerage and property management
of small to midsize commercial and investment properties in the Chicagoland area.
We also have an in-house construction crew which we keep busy with our property management and new acquisition projects. During our 40 plus years, we’ve built
many long-term relationships with clients, brokers, lenders, attorneys, suppliers and contractors that have been invaluable resources and sources of new business.
RPBG'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO
Watch our video showcasing RPBG's 30 year history. Learn how our organization was formed, of the challenges we faced and the opportunities we've been given.
CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS
Every year, the Rogers Park Builders Group strives to give back to the Rogers Park community in generous, creative and impactful ways. Below are a few projects from recent years that we are most proud.
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
For the 2nd year in a row, RPBG and some of its members covered the full cost for Sullivan High School's Annual Middle School Basketball Tournament. This free, double elimination tournament, provided a competitive and fun outlet for 120 Chicago area students. The youth were introduced to this terrific local high school and participated in classroom discussion focusing on Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy as well.
LIFE SKILLS CLASSROOM
One of RPBG's finest moments occurred in 2016, as the RPBG helped transform a regular classroom at Sullivan High School into a full fledged life skills space. Serving the students of the School's special needs program, which helps students with autism and Down Syndrome, the classroom includes a full kitchen, laundry and day bed. The students eagerly use this room to learn basic life skills and independent living.
FUNDRAISER FOR IMMIGRANTS
During Covid, our community partner, Northside Community Resources told us that many immigrant families living in Rogers Park were struggling, as they did not qualify for federal relief programs. RPBG and its members engaged in a special fundraising drive generating contributions totaling $18,000 to support our newest community members.
GLENWOOD ART FESTIVAL
Starting in 2002, RPBG has consistently sponsored the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, an important local festival, founded by our Board member Al Goldberg, which showcases our eclectic and creative community. Many of our members also support this summer street festival through booths and generous sponsorships.
CHICAGO HIGH RIDGE FOOTBALL TEAM
A tragic fire resulted in a local youth football program losing its equipment. RPBG's $2500 gift helped purchase new replacement items. Other local businesses and community members joined the RPBG in supporting this drive, which allows for the Hi Ridge Chargers to continue to compete, offering youngsters from around the neighborhood the chance to gain play tackle football, under the guidance of a set of skilled coaches.
RPBG believes that these sorts of time tested activities are what is needed to keep the neighborhood youngsters engaged and involved in challenging and fun activity.
RESTORED VINTAGE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR LOCAL H.S.
In 2019, Andrew, the Sullivan High School Music Director, told us that someone had uncovered 60 year old musical instruments in the school's basement. "If we can restore these," Andrew promised, "I can create a marching band and revive a rock 'n roll program. RPBG came through with funding, resulting in restoration of dozens of instruments. That Fall, Sullivan had a marching band and a successful rock 'n roll band program. RPBG also underwrote private music lessons in partnership with Loyola University Chicago and renown local music store, Flatts & Sharpe.
SULLIVAN GRADUATION PICNIC
Due to Covid, the Sullivan HS graduates in Spring, 2021 had no prom, and little fanfare to commemorate their important milestone. At Principal Thomas' request, the RPBG covered the cost of a pre-graduation picnic, attended by graduates and staff. Many students happily celebrated their accomplishment over tacos, pizza, raffle prizes and festivity with their friends and SHS's dedicated faculty.