The revitalization of a historic industrial building at 2508 W. 21st Street in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood is set to bring essential services to the area, providing much-needed shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. Spearheaded by Franciscan Outreach, this project will transform a largely vacant structure into a 120-bed non-congregate shelter, designed by LBBA Architects, offering a significant increase in shelter capacity for a community that desperately needs it.
Breathing New Life into a Historical Building
Originally constructed in 1900, the industrial building at 2508 W. 21st Street has gone through several expansions and renovations throughout its existence, but has mostly remained vacant in recent years. The upcoming project aims to restore this historical building by repairing the original facade, replacing the roof, and upgrading the building’s mechanical systems to bring it up to modern standards.
Chicago Yimby reports that the building’s unique layout, which includes multiple wings, will be adapted to accommodate various services and facilities. The development is being driven by a partnership between Franciscan Outreach and the Department of Housing (DOH), under the DOH Non-Congregate Shelter Acquisition program, to convert the 45,000-square-foot space into a shelter that can help address homelessness in the area.
Project Scope: Shelter and Community Facilities
The reimagined site will include several functional areas, each with a specific purpose to serve the shelter guests and the surrounding community:
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Dorm-Style Sleeping Units: The majority of the interior will be converted into dorm-style sleeping areas where two to four small sleeping rooms will share a common space and a bathroom. This layout is designed to offer more privacy and comfort to residents compared to traditional shelters.
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Overflow Capacity: For additional emergency shelter capacity, a dedicated overflow room will provide 36 cots, ensuring the space can adapt during high demand periods.
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Supportive Services Space: A significant part of the redevelopment will be focused on ensuring the space is well-equipped to support residents. The building will include office space for case management, a staff area for intake services, and areas where partner organizations can collaborate on-site.
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Additional Amenities: Shelter residents will have access to restrooms, laundry facilities, a dining room, computer lounge, and a clothing closet. The project also features two small outdoor green spaces and a small five-vehicle parking lot for convenience.
The expansion will increase the shelter's bed capacity from 70 to 120, which will be essential in helping Franciscan Outreach extend its services to more individuals in need. By doing so, the organization hopes to positively impact not only the individuals served but also the broader community.
Funding and Budget Breakdown
The project’s total cost is expected to be approximately $25.5 million. Funding for the shelter comes from a combination of sources:
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Tax Increment Financing (TIF): The Community Development Commission has initially approved $15 million in TIF funding.
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DOH Grant: A grant of $7.5 million from the Department of Housing will also contribute significantly to the funding.
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Philanthropy and Equity: The remaining $3 million will be covered by donations and equity contributions from the grantees and other philanthropic efforts.
Timeline and Contractor Details
With Walsh Construction selected as the general contractor for the project, the team is now in the pre-closing phase. Introduction to City Council is planned for January 2025, with construction expected to start shortly thereafter. If all goes as planned, construction will wrap up by July 2026, bringing this important resource online for the Little Village community.
Benefits for the Little Village Community
The selection of this site was driven by its strategic location near public transit, which will enable shelter residents to have easier access to critical resources such as medical appointments, training programs, and employment opportunities. Public transportation plays a significant role in supporting residents’ mobility and independence, making this location an ideal fit for a non-congregate shelter facility.
Design and Accessibility Features
The planned design for the redevelopment of 2508 W. 21st Street includes multiple essential features to cater to the needs of residents:
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Accessibility: The entire building will be accessible, ensuring that individuals with different mobility needs can comfortably use all facilities.
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Community Spaces: In addition to shelter beds and service offices, the shelter will include dining areas and community lounges, creating spaces where residents can connect and support one another.
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Service Integration: The project will include spaces for collaborating with third-party organizations. This integration will ensure that a wide range of services—from healthcare to employment counseling—are available to residents.
The Little Village shelter is an example of how cities can creatively adapt old structures to address modern social challenges. Franciscan Outreach, in partnership with LBBA Architects and other stakeholders, is laying the groundwork not only for a physical shelter but also for hope, stability, and community growth.
The Little Village community has faced numerous challenges, and the construction of this new shelter is a step towards meeting one of the most critical needs—housing for its most vulnerable residents. With a strong funding base, a clear timeline, and experienced contractors like Walsh Construction, the future of 2508 W. 21st Street looks bright as it moves towards providing a vital lifeline for those who need it most.
