A highly-anticipated and widely-publicized project to bring LGBT-friendly senior housing to Lakeview is on track to open in Spring 2014.
According to Hume An, director of real estate development at Heartland Housing, the $21 million project is just months away from closing on its financing and starting construction on the former historic 23rd Dist. Town Hall Police Station. Construction could begin as soon as November.
A collaborative effort between Heartland Housing and Center on Halsted, the new apartments aim to ease some of the burdens placed on LGBT seniors who are often forced back into the closet as they age.
"There are a great deal of additional stressors that LGBT seniors face," said An. "In addition to the normal issues that LGBT seniors face… a lot of LGBT seniors face discrimination."
Many LGBT seniors report feelings of social isolation, lack of culturally-competent medical care and exclusion from younger LGBT communities.
The project aims to ease those burdens by connecting seniors in the new building with Center on Halsted services, including case management.
According to An, the new housing will be made up of 79 units, spread out over six floors. The units will be both studio and one-bedroom apartments. The building will also contain common areas for residents and an outdoor patio overlooking Halsted Street.
Approximately 4,500 square feet will also be allocated to retail space. Organizers have considered filling the space with healthcare providers or an LGBT museum, An said.
Construction will include green design features and aim for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold or silver certification.
A combination of city, state and federal money is funding the project. Project organizers are also pursuing rental subsidies from the Chicago Housing Authority, An said.
