The Chicago Committee on Zoning has officially approved a transformative elderly residential project in the Washington Park neighborhood, known as Abrams Intergenerational Village. This development will be constructed at 5300 S Calumet Avenue, on the corner with E 53rd Street, replacing a long-vacant lot across the street from another property owned by The Renaissance Collaborative (TRC), the project's developers.
The six-story building, designed by local architecture firm Moody Nolan, will bring much-needed housing and community spaces to the area. This blog will take a deeper dive into what makes this project a noteworthy addition to the community and an exciting opportunity for those in the commercial construction field.
Project Overview
The Abrams Intergenerational Village aims to address housing needs for seniors while also serving grandfamilies (grandparents raising their grandchildren) and providing a place for young college students in need. Rising approximately 78 feet tall, the building will include 71 affordable residential units targeted at individuals making 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less. Here is a detailed breakdown of the units:
- 21 units: Two- and three-bedroom layouts intended for grandfamilies, particularly for grandparents aged 55+ raising grandchildren.
- 39 units: Apartments for independent seniors, consisting of studios and two-bedroom options.
- Seven studios: Allocated for homeless college students, aged 18-24, who will serve as resident assistants and provide light assistance to the seniors living in the building.
The Abrams Intergenerational Village will be a key addition to the neighborhood, providing much-needed affordable housing and establishing a community environment that encourages interaction and mutual support across generations.
Design and Amenities
Chicago Yimby reports that the project, designed by Moody Nolan, has been thoughtfully planned to foster a sense of community and provide essential amenities for the residents. The gray precast panels on the exterior will give the building a modern, yet durable, look that fits in with the urban setting.
Community Spaces and Amenities:
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Rooftop Terrace: A communal rooftop terrace will be available to all residents, providing an outdoor space to relax, socialize, and enjoy views of the neighborhood.
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Community Rooms: Several community rooms will be included to encourage gatherings and foster interaction among residents.
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Fitness Room: A fitness area for residents to exercise and stay active.
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Library and Computer Room: A library and a computer room will be provided for continued learning and access to information.
Outdoor Features
The Abrams Intergenerational Village will also offer a number of outdoor amenities to create a welcoming environment for residents. The grounds will include:
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Small Entry Plaza: A welcoming plaza area for residents and visitors.
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Accessible Gardens and Playground: Outdoor gardens will be designed with accessibility in mind, along with a playground area to cater to families and children.
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Parking: A 24-vehicle parking lot will be available, ensuring adequate parking for residents and guests.
These features are designed to enhance the overall livability of the development, ensuring that residents of all ages can enjoy the facilities and engage in outdoor activities.
Construction Timeline and Budget
The project is budgeted at $36 million, and the developer has already secured 97 percent of the funding through grants, loans, and tax credits. With plans finalized and zoning approval granted, the project is currently under review by the City Council to receive its final approval. If everything proceeds on schedule, the development team expects to break ground this coming spring.
Benefits for the Commercial Construction Sector
For professionals in the commercial construction field, Abrams Intergenerational Village is an example of a thoughtfully designed, multi-generational housing solution that is both community-focused and economically feasible. Here are some of the key aspects that make this project noteworthy:
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Multi-Generational Living: The inclusion of grandfamilies, independent seniors, and college students sets this project apart from typical residential developments. This model not only meets the diverse needs of the community but also fosters social connections among residents of different ages.
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Sustainable and Durable Design: The use of gray precast panels provides the building with a modern, durable facade that requires less maintenance, reducing long-term costs.
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Affordable Housing: With a focus on providing units to individuals making 60 percent AMI or less, this development meets the growing demand for affordable housing in urban areas while creating an inclusive community.
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On-Site Services and Amenities: Incorporating on-site services like case managers, community rooms, and fitness facilities ensures that residents have access to necessary resources, which can improve their quality of life and enhance the appeal of the property.
For those in the commercial construction industry, the Abrams Intergenerational Village offers valuable insights into the future of urban development: blending affordability, sustainability, and community-focused amenities to create vibrant, supportive places for people to live. As the construction process begins this spring, it will be exciting to see how this project helps revitalize the Washington Park neighborhood and sets a new standard for inclusive residential design.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - Abrams Intergenerational Village Senior Housing Development Washington Park - Chicago (0041092024)
