Chicago Construction News staff writer
Construction is underway to transform a former school into affordable housing in Englewood.
The $33.5 million investment, led by Wisconsin-based developers Gorman & Company, will turn the Charles Warrington Earle School site into 50 apartments and social services offices.
Burling Builders, a local minority-owned general contracting and construction management company, will build the site. Beehyyve is the lead architect.
Also, Chicago City Council and the Department of Housing have greenlit an ordinance to issue $15 million from the Wilson Yards Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the rehabilitation of 103 affordable housing units in the Uptown community. This initiative aims to revitalize four properties within the TIF district and a fifth property will be funded through “alternative sources”.
Four of the five properties are located in the Wilson Yards TIF district. The fifth building will not use TIF, but rather will be funded from other sources. 100% of units will be affordable with households earning no more than 80% of the AMI.
The buildings were last rehabbed fifteen years ago. The 2024 rehab will prioritize repairs and upgrades to major building systems, including replacement of roofs, replacement of windows, masonry repairs, repairs to plumbing infrastructure, upgrade of HVAC equipment for better performance and greater efficiency, unit interior and common area upgrades.
Renovations will include the replacement of roofs and windows, masonry repairs, plumbing upgrades, and improvements to HVAC systems, enhancing both performance and efficiency.
Additionally, interior units and common areas will receive updates to improve living conditions for residents.
All 103 units will be designated as affordable housing, catering to households earning no more than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This commitment to affordability is crucial in addressing housing needs in a community where access to affordable options has become increasingly limited.
To manage the project, a new entity called OkHeart of Uptown Apartments LLC will be established in Illinois. The managing member, Heart of Town Apartments MM LLC, will hold a 100% ownership stake until an investor member is introduced. Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. (POAH) will hold a 75% stake in the project until the investor member comes on board, with HUPA Voice LLC retaining the remaining 25%.
This rehabilitation initiative is a significant step forward in enhancing the Uptown community’s housing landscape, ensuring that the properties not only meet the current needs of residents but also comply with modern building standards and sustainability practices.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local construction industry, creating jobs and driving economic growth in the area.
