Chicago Construction News staff writer
Construction has begun on C.A.R.E. Manor, a 44-unit affordable housing development in West Garfield Park that will transform vacant land along Washington Boulevard into affordable housing for families and multigenerational households.
Community leaders, residents, project partners and elected officials gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the three-story development at 4531-55 W. Washington Blvd., a project years in the making that aims to expand affordable housing options on Chicago’s West Side.
Developed by United for Better Living in partnership with Corinth Temple Church of God, C.A.R.E. Manor will include 43 two- and three-bedroom apartments and one one-bedroom unit. All units will be adaptable, while half will be fully accessible for residents with physical disabilities.
The $32 million development will feature a community room, kitchen, management office, on-site laundry facilities and 21 parking spaces.
“For more than 50 years, we have served the West Garfield Park community through spiritual, social and economic development initiatives, and C.A.R.E. Manor is a continuation of that commitment,” said Bishop David Whittley, CEO and board president of United for Better Living. “This development will provide quality affordable housing at a time when demand is so great that a waitlist began forming before construction started.”
General contractor GMA Construction Group said the groundbreaking marked a significant milestone made possible through collaboration among United for Better Living and a range of public and private partners, including the Chicago Department of Housing, National Equity Fund, CIBC Bank and members of the project’s development team.
During the event, representatives from GMA Construction Group met with residents and stakeholders to discuss the project’s goals, development timeline, anticipated community impact and employment opportunities that will be created during construction.
“We look forward to bringing Care Manor to life and helping create lasting opportunities for the community for years to come,” the company said in a statement.
The project is being financed through a combination of public and private funding sources, including up to $9.5 million in tax increment financing support, $9.75 million from the city’s Housing and Economic Development Bond program and approximately $14.76 million in tax-exempt bond financing expected to generate roughly $9.5 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity. The city also transferred two previously city-owned parcels to help reduce development costs.
Department of Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda said the development will bring new investment to the Washington Boulevard corridor while providing affordable housing for longtime residents.
“By transforming formerly vacant land into 44 affordable housing units, we are helping revitalize the Washington Boulevard corridor while investing directly in the residents who have called this community home for decades,” Castañeda said.
All 44 apartments will be reserved for households earning at or below 60% of the area median income. Two units will serve households earning 30% of the area median income, five units will be available to households earning 50% and 37 units will be reserved for households earning 60%.
Located near the Madison Street commercial corridor and about a half-mile from the Cicero Green Line station, C.A.R.E. Manor is expected to support ongoing revitalization efforts in West Garfield Park while expanding access to affordable housing for working families.
Project leaders said the development reflects years of planning and partnership among community, faith-based, government and private-sector organizations working to increase housing opportunities on Chicago’s West Side.
