Grace Manor celebrates groundbreaking

Mayor Brandon Johnson yesterday joined Rev. Marvin Hunter of Grace Memorial Baptist Church, developers Grace at Jerusalem CDC and East Lake Management, and city officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of Grace Manor Apartments.  Located at 3401 W. Ogden, the site is currently a parking lot for the local 10th District police station along W. Ogden Ave spanning from S. Homan Ave to S. Trumbull Ave.

“I want to congratulate Pastor Marvin Hunter, the Grace Memorial Baptist Church, Grace at Jerusalem CDC, and the entire East Lake Management and Development Corporation team for leading us to this momentous moment, “said Mayor Johnson. ”This $40 million, 65-unit housing development is an example of the power that public and private partnerships can bring to a place like North Lawndale.”

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, including 5.5 million in TIF funding. With project financing in place and permits already issued, general contractor Burling Builders Inc will now officially begin construction. Completion is expected for Spring 2025.