City commission approves supportive family housing in East Garfield Park

A proposed supportive housing development targeting families experiencing homelessness is one step closer to breaking ground in East Garfield Park. The Chicago Community Development Commission voted Tuesday to sell the city-owned properties at 3346-3348 W. Carroll Avenue to nonprofit Breakthrough Urban Ministries and to provide financial assistance to remediate the site.

Known as the "Breakthrough Family Housing Project," the West Side development will rise three stories and contain 14 affordable apartments offered in two- and three-bedroom floorplans. Tenants will sign 1-year leases and will pay no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent. In cases where at-risk families have no income, the complex is prepared to accept zero rent.

The design of the upcoming masonry building comes from Deconstruct Architecture. It includes on-site parking for 14 vehicles and resident amenities such as a lounge, a laundry room, an exercise room, childcare facilities, a community garden, and a playground.

According to Breakthrough, the project is being supported by a variety of anonymous donors in these early stages. The building would rise just west of Breakthrough's woman's shelter and food pantry. The nonprofit also operates a men's shelter in the area and the multi-use Breakthrough FamilyPlex, which is located at nearby 3219 W. Carroll. 

The Community Development Commission recommended that the city enter a negotiated sale with Breakthrough, which will purchase the property at its market-rate value of $52,000. The Commission also voted to issue a request for alternative proposals as well as recommend that the city approve the sale if no responsive alternatives are received. The measures will next go before the City Council for final approvals.