Demo permit issued to clear way for Care for Friends community center

A demolition permit has been issued to clear the way for the new community ceenter for local nonprofit Care for Friends planned at 530 W. Fullerton. Located midblock between N. Geneva Terr and N. Clark St, the $9.2 million project will be built behind the Church of Our Saviour, replacing the existing two-story frame structure. 

Designed by MKB Architects, the new building will include a commercial-grade kitchen, dedicated space for a health clinic, flexible/office space, restrooms, and multi-purpose space to provide services. When it opens, Care for Friends plans to continue operating in its current Edgewater site, Church of the Atonement, 5749 N Kenmore Ave. as well as restarting services in Lincoln Park. 

The nonprofit offers healthcare services like podiatry and substance use disorder clinics. During the pandemic it created a grocery-delivery service for students in marginal housing and their families. In addition to providing hot meals, the group seeks to connect guests to primary care, housing, jobs and services offered by partner agencies.

The development recently received zoning approvals from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The approved variations will allow for the reduction of the rear setback from 50 feet to one foot, the reduction of the rear yard open space from a required 1,197 square feet to zero, and to eliminate the four-foot ornamental fence along the street. 

With the demolition permit issued, demolition contractor Precision Excavation can begin clearing the site to make way for the new building. Construction on the new community center is set to wrap up in Spring 2025.