City Council approves funding for Sarah’s Circle at 4737 N. Sheridan

The Chicago City Council has approved funding for Sarah’s Circle's latest project, located at 4737 N. Sheridan. Set to replace a portion of a surface parking lot, Sarah’s Circle has partnered with Brinshore Development to deliver the supportive housing development. 

With Perkins & Will in charge of the design, the new building will rise five floors, providing 28 SRO units and office space for Sarah’s Circle. A large meeting room, demo kitchen, computer lab, and laundry rooms will be available for use by the women living there. For Sarah’s Circle staff, there will be offices on the second floor including a conference room and outdoor terrace. 6 parking spaces will be provided alongside the alley.

The Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units will be approximately 350 square feet and will include a refrigerator, oven, range, microwave, and individual HVAC unit. They will come furnished with a bed, dresser, nightstand, dining table and chairs. The organization will provide residents with bed linens, dishes, and cutlery.  

The design of the 65-foot-tall building consists of three masses that separate the building. The base of the building is wrapped with brick and holds public space, the upper mass will hold the SRO units and office space, and the core of the building consists of a solid bar along the north side of the building. The separation reduces the scale by setting back the apartments from W. Lakeside Pl, while landscaping softens the corner of the property at the building’s entry. A mural will be painted on the north facade.  

The $16 million project’s funding stack includes $4 million in multi-family program funds from the Chicago Department of Housing, approximately $3.85 million in IHDA Supporting Housing Program Funds, $1.35 million in IAHTC proceeds, roughly $3.1 million in ARO fee in-lieu funds from the 4600 N. Marine Dr development, approximately $2.1 million in IHDA grant money, and $2 million in Sarah’s Circle equity. 

With final funding secured for the development, Sarah’s Circle will likely begin construction imminently. Construction permits have been filed and are awaiting issuance, while Sarah’s Circle’s website indicates a Summer 2023 completion.