Less than a year ago, the corner of 22nd Street and Cedar Avenue was just an empty lot. Today, a six-story building is rising—Wadaag Commons, a new affordable housing development set to open in June 2025.
A collaboration between local nonprofit Redesign, Inc. and Noor Companies—an East African woman-owned business—Wadaag Commons will provide 39 deeply affordable homes designed for large families, High Priority Homeless households, and people with disabilities. More than just a building, it represents a model for development shaped by the people it serves.
Designed for the Community, by the Community
Before drafting any blueprints, the development team brought together likely future residents—primarily East African families and households with multiple children or children with disabilities—to talk about what they needed in a home. Their priorities weren’t extravagant, but they were essential: more three- and four-bedroom units, multiple bathrooms, large refrigerators, in-unit laundry, an on-site playground, and private entrances to foster a sense of ownership and community.
These conversations directly shaped the design of Wadaag Commons, proving that thoughtful engagement leads to practical, people-centered solutions. A recent tour of the construction site revealed stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious bathrooms and closets, breathtaking downtown views, and even an on-site fitness center—details that make this more than just housing, but a true home.
The Capstone of a Years-Long Vision
Wadaag Commons is the sixth and final phase of the larger Seward Commons redevelopment—a 15-year effort to transform nearly four acres of former industrial land into a thriving, transit-oriented community. Like Wadaag, Seward Commons was shaped by an extensive neighborhood planning process, with residents envisioning how life along the then-new Light Rail line could be more connected, inclusive, and dynamic.
What emerged was a collection of six unique buildings, each addressing a specific community need: supportive housing for individuals with mental health challenges, affordable senior living, the first market-rate apartments built in Seward in over 40 years, and a vibrant arts incubator. The project also tackled environmental cleanup, reimagined public spaces with art and placemaking strategies, and even rerouted 22nd Street to reconnect this once-isolated area with the city.
Seward Commons is a testament to the power of long-term, community-driven development—something only a mission-driven organization like Redesign can bring to life.
A Model for the Future
At the core of both Seward Commons and Wadaag Commons is a simple but powerful idea: real community revitalization happens when the people who live there have a voice in shaping it. By prioritizing local input, Redesign has ensured these developments aren’t just buildings but reflections of the community’s spirit, resilience, and aspirations.
As Wadaag Commons prepares to welcome its first residents later this year, it stands as a beacon of what’s possible when development is rooted in partnership, equity, and a shared vision for the future. And with the success of Seward Commons as a guide, the potential for community-led transformation in Greater Longfellow is limitless.
