Plan Commission OKs supportive housing at 4737 N. Sheridan

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved plans for a supportive housing project in Uptown. Located at 4737 N. Sheridan Rd, the new building is set to replace a portion of a surface parking lot. The development is a venture between Sarah’s Circle and development partner Brinshore Development. Sarah’s Circle is a non-profit organization that charges itself with ending homelessness for women by providing supportive housing. The organization already has two sites at 4838 N. Sheridan Rd and 1005 W. Leland Ave. 

With Perkins+Will behind 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 against 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.  

Sustainability will be addressed by designing to earn Energy Star, exceeding energy code by 10%, installing working landscapes, reducing indoor water use by 25%, being located in proximity to transit, providing bike parking, installing a CTA digital display, ensuring 80% construction waste diversion, and including bird protection.

The $15.9 million project will be funded through a variety of sources, including state grants and city funding. The city funding comes in part from the nearby 4600 N Marine Dr project that was recently approved. As part of its affordable housing obligation, the developers paid $3.1 million in-lieu of on-site units, earmarking those funds for Sarah’s Circle. 

With Lakefront Protection Ordinance approval from the Chicago Plan Commission, the project is cleared to progress. Construction permits have been filed and are awaiting issuance. According to Sarah’s Circle website, the project is expected to be completed in summer 2023.