Project Summary

The 40th Ward is partnering with the Chicago Department of Health (CDPH), the Department of Housing (DOH) to turn the former Diplomat Motel site into a new non-congregate stabilization housing development pilot: the Haven on Lincoln.
Project Overview
- Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Budlong Woods
- Zip Code: 60625
- Scope and boundaries: 5230 N Lincoln Avenue
- Timeline: Spring 2025-Fall 2025
Status: In progress
Quick Links
Scope & Design
The Haven on Lincoln
The Haven on Lincoln will build on the success of pilot stabilization housing program that started during the pandemic, which used hotels as non-congregate housing to improve health outcomes for unhoused people during the pandemic. The goal of the project is to provide transitional housing and services to people experiencing homelessness who are also living with untreated physical and behavioral health conditions, thereby improving overall health and housing outcomes for residents.​
The Haven on Lincoln also represents an aesthetic improvement, as one the newest additions to the Lincoln Avenue North Streetscape! The City of Chicago has chosen construction and design partner Gensler to provide architectural planning and redesign of the property from a trauma-informed lens, to transform the site from the Diplomat Motel to The Haven on Lincoln. You can see some images of the current design below:
Project Goals
- Provide transitional housing for 40th Ward neighbors experiencing homelessness
- Improve health outcomes for residents
- Connect residents with permanent housing
- Reduce healthcare and emergency services spending
Press & Media
- The Hotel for the Homeless, Chicago Magazine
- Lincoln Square’s Diplomat Motel Will Reopen As Transitional Housing Facility Later This Year, via Block Club Chicago
- Once targeted for demolition, Lincoln Square motel slated to be stabilization housing, via Chicago Sun Times

Design Exhibits
- Download the Haven on Lincoln final design presentation (PDF)
Project Features
- Pavers and concrete sidewalks
- Raised garden beds
- Mural wall
- Planters
- Greenspace with tables and seating
- Fencing and secured gates
- Bicycle parking
Timeline & Construction Updates
Project Timeline
- Groundbreaking: October 2024
- Construction: Spring 2025
- Estimated Completion: EOY 2025
Construction Updates
See below for the estimated timeline of the construction process:
- Q2 2024: Former Diplomat Motel Site was Acquired by the City
- Q3 2024: Groundbreaking and Community Update
- Q1-Q3 2025: Construction
- Q4 2025: Estimated Completion and ribbon cutting
- Q1 2026: Program begins
Periodic updates will be added as they are available below:
Engagement
Community Meetings
Meeting dates will be added as they are announced.
Public Engagement
The public feedback period has closed for this project, but there will be additional opportunities for engagement coming up! Subscribe for updates to be alerted for these events.
- Community Update: TBD, Q3 2025
- Ribbon Cutting: TBD, Q4 2025
Archived Meetings
- The 2025 Development Town Hall included updates on this project. View a summary and recording here!
- Groundbreaking in October 2024!
- The Haven on Lincoln project was officially announced at the 40th Ward Infrastructure Town Hall on June 5th. Watch the video presentation.
- Community Meeting held on May 31st, 2024
- Community Update and Q&A held on February 7th, 2024
Subscribe to Updates
From the blog