$5.5 million in TIF approved for Grace Manor Apartments

The Community Development Commission has approved $5.5 million in TIF and a land sale for the Grace Manor Apartments at 3401 W. Ogden Ave. A venture between East Lake Management and Grace at Jerusalem CDC, the project site fronts W. Ogden Ave spanning from S. Homan Ave to S. Trumbull Ave. The property is currently a parking lot for the local 10th District police station.

Dubbed Grace Manor Apartments, the mixed-use building will stand six floors, holding 65 affordable housing units and ground floor retail space. The residential unit mix will deliver 46 apartments marketed at 60% AMI, including 22 one-beds and 24 two-bed configurations. The remaining 19 rentals will be fulfilled under the CHA RAD program, offering 9 one-beds and 10 two-bedroom units. 

Tenant amenities will include a fitness center, laundry, rooftop terrace, package room, computer room, and on-site management. 18 car parking spaces and a bike room will also be provided.

With a design from JGMA, the building is oriented to connect with the street at the edges, while folding back to create an open plaza along the streetscape. Creating relief along the urban edge, the exterior plaza welcomes people and residents to the building. Rising 72 feet, the building sets back further from the street above the ground floor, giving prominence to the ground floor while also giving space for balconies on the upper floors. 

The affordable project is funded with assistance from DPD, DOH, and CHA. With approvals locked in from the Plan Commission, Committee on Zoning, and City Council, the development is closer to coming to fruition. With preliminary approval for the land acquisition and TIF from the Community Development Commission, the developers are just now waiting for full approval by the City Council. An official timeline for completion is currently unknown.