Alton Leaders Celebrate Opening of New Affordable Housing Complex

The Alton Sunnybrook Affordable Housing Development will house 40 families; Governor J.B. Pritzker voices his support.

Sydney Sinks, News Reporter

Nov 5, 2025 2:47 PM Nov 6, 2025 11:15 AM

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ALTON - Community leaders came together in Alton to celebrate the grand opening of a new affordable housing development.

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, elected officials and community members gathered at the Alton Sunnybrook Affordable Housing Development at 767 Washington Avenue in Alton for speeches and a ribbon-cutting. Spearheaded by Dr. Ed Hightower, the development will provide 40 apartments for families earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income, or $60,180 for a household of three.

“Today we celebrate the grand opening of the Alton Community Housing Development, a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together with purpose and vision,” Hightower said. “These new affordable homes symbolize the chance to build a better future for 40 families.”

Hightower acknowledged many people who came together to advocate for and build the Sunnybrook complex, including the legal team that argued for the development in front of the Illinois Supreme Court. He referred to “the nonsense that we have to go through to get this type of affordable housing” and the many people who contributed to the ultimate vision.

Governor J.B. Pritzker echoed Hightower’s message of thanks and praised the Alton area’s “great local leadership,” including State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik. He shared that Hightower reminded him early in his tenure to never forget the Metro East and downstate Illinois, and he vowed to continue to show up for the region.

“It really is truly another great day for Illinois families because we’re providing access to lower-cost housing and a better quality of life,” Pritzker said. “It’s a project that’s come about because of an awful lot of hard work and faith and commitment by people over a long period of time, especially by the community leaders that are here today.”

Alton Mayor David Goins welcomed Pritzker and called him “a steadfast friend to downstate Illinois.” Goins also noted his excitement to see Sunnybrook provide housing opportunities to families throughout Alton.

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“The Community of Sunnybrook is a powerful example of what can happen when commitment and collaboration come together for the good of our residents,” Goins said. “These new homes not only provide families with quality, affordable housing — they strengthen Alton’s neighborhoods and support our broader revitalization goals across the city.”

Kristin Faust, executive director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, thanked the IHDA team for their commitment to “the creation and preservation of affordable housing.”

Senator Harriss recognized “the craftsmanship and dedication” of the laborers who built the complex. Representative Elik acknowledged housing as “a vital issue to Alton” and said that "thriving communities have options for everyone.”

Taylor Thorn represents the National Equity Fund, a nonprofit real estate investment manager for multifamily affordable housing. She said that “increased access to affordable housing empowers every individual and family to reach their full potential.”

Karlee Macer with the Laborers Home Development Corporation spoke about “the positive impact” Sunnybrook will have and acknowledged the “good local union jobs and lasting economic benefits” that the development has already provided.

Funding for the Sunnybrook complex primarily came from Illinois’ Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and COVID-19 Affordable Housing grants. The $20 million development stretches across seven acres and offers a community building and playground in addition to the ten four-plex townhomes.

As the Nov. 5 ceremony wrapped up, the community toured the apartments and celebrated a new chapter in Alton’s housing industry.

“We’re working to make life more affordable for working families, foster growth and opportunity, and contribute to the culture and the character of our state,” Pritzker added. “Our communities have more demand, more opportunity, more room for new housing, and it’s on us to deliver. This is some of the most important work that we will ever do.”