Second Phase for LGBT-Friendly Senior Housing at 3600 N. Halsted
Alderman Tom Tunney, Heartland Housing and Center on Halsted Announce Next Phase for LGBT-Friendly Senior Housing at former historic Town Hall Police Station
CHICAGO, IL - Alderman Tom Tunney, Heartland Housing, Inc., and Center on Halsted announced today that the redevelopment plans for a LGBT-friendly affordable senior housing building in Lakeview would be moving onto its next phase. In May 2011, Heartland Housing-a division of Heartland Alliance, Chicago's largest anti-poverty organization- and Center on Halsted were chosen to be the developer of an affordable senior rental community of up to 90 units for the former historic 23rd District Town Hall District police station and adjacent city-owned land at 3600 N. Halsted. The Department of Housing and Economic Development has selected this project to receive city funding and will work with Heartland to transition onto Stage II of the allocation and reservation process.
"Since our announcement last year, many people have already begun to contact my office to express their support. I am excited to say we are one step closer to making this project a reality," said Alderman Tunney. "This facility will be the first-of-its-kind in the Midwest and will be a destination where our seniors can have a safe space to live their lives with pride and confidence."
"We applaud Mayor Emanuel and the Department of Housing and Economic Development for bringing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and other seniors within reach of safe and affordable housing options in the Lakeview community. We look forward to breaking ground on the project, and eventually, opening new doors to seniors in need," said Michael Goldberg, Executive Director of Heartland Housing.
The housing will be open to all seniors and there will be an age minimum and an income ceiling. Heartland is partnering with Center on Halsted to develop a housing program that serves the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) seniors. Center on Halsted, which is located adjacent to the development site, currently provides a wide range of services to the LGBT community. Center on Halsted will offer resident and community-based services for seniors who will live in the new-construction building, as well as expand its existing SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elderly) program.
"Due to a lack of adequate housing options, LGBT Seniors are often forced back into the closet as they get older," said Modesto Tico Valle, CEO of the Center on Halsted. "This project will unlock new possibilities for LGBT Seniors, by providing an affordable and affirming place to live their golden years right in the heart of Chicago."
The new development is expected to preserve a major portion of the old police station building while creating a new building with commercial space on the ground level that will benefit from and complement the bustling Addison/Halsted commercial corridor.