The Heiwa Terrace Story

In the 1970s, the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC), the Midwest’s oldest Asian American social-services agency, identified the growing need for affordable housing to serve its community’s aging population. Naming the project “heiwa,” the Japanese word for peace, JASC spearheaded the development of Heiwa Terrace, with construction financed through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD continues to provide rental assistance. Eligibility for residency at Heiwa Terrace is governed by HUD rules and regulations that restrict occupancy to seniors 62 and older. Those who require wheelchair-accessible housing must be 18 and older. Income restrictions mandate 40% occupancy by residents whose annual adjusted gross income is classified as “extremely low income.”

Heiwa Terrace strictly observes open housing laws that prohibit discrimination because of race, religion or national origin. It has a diverse occupancy including all races and many different cultures. It is one of a few subsidized housing facilities sponsored by Asian Americans in Chicago and the only one built by the Japanese American community.

Thanks to the service of its volunteers, financial support of its donors, and the dedication and hard work of its management and staff, Heiwa Terrace serves as a model of excellence in subsidized senior housing. It is ranked by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as one of the top senior facilities in Chicago.

Heiwa Terrace is a 12-story apartment building with 201 units, providing federally subsidized housing for seniors and those who require wheelchair accessible housing. Owned and operated by the Japanese American Service Committee Housing Corporation, a not-for-profit organization, Heiwa Terrace is located at 920 W. Lawrence, Chicago. Its lovely Japanese garden is a notable landmark that adorns the northeast corner of Sheridan Road and Lawrence Avenue.