Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Cuts Ribbon on the Charles Earle School Apartments Bringing 50 Affordable Homes to Englewood

CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with Chicago Department of Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda, Gorman & Company, the Phoenix Foundation, and other community partners, gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of the Charles Earle School Apartments. This project, which received support from the city, has transformed the historic Charles Warrington Earle School into 50 affordable supportive homes in Englewood.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6121 S. Hermitage Ave., Mayor Johnson expressed his commitment to investing in opportunities and stability for communities that have been impacted by school closures. He stated, "While we can never undo or make up for the harm that was done to our communities when our schools were closed, we can decide what comes next." He believes that this project is a step towards providing residents with a place to call home and build a brighter future in Chicago.

The $34.9 million development received financial support from various sources including $4.2 million in Tax Increment Financing assistance and $540,000 from the Chicago Recovery Plan Permanent Supportive Housing funding granted by the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH). Other financing was provided by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Federal Home Loan Bank's Affordable Housing Program, ComEd energy incentives, private financing, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity, and federal and state Historic Tax Credit equity.

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DOH Commissioner Lissette Castañeda praised Gorman & Company and the Phoenix Foundation for their dedication to bringing affordable housing to West Englewood instead of turning it into luxury apartments. She stated, "They rolled their sleeves up and worked for over a decade to bring a fully affordable building to West Englewood."

Matt Burbach, Director of Development for Gorman & Company's Illinois market also expressed his gratitude towards all partners involved in making this project possible. He said, "Earle School Apartments reflects what is possible when preservation, partnership, and community needs come together." He also mentioned the ongoing efforts to redevelop former school properties in and around Englewood, including Gorman & Company's Regenerator project and the pending redevelopment of the former Bontemps School site.

The Earle School Apartments offers 30 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom apartments, all affordable to households at 60% of the area median income (AMI). Additionally, nine units are available for households at 15% AMI through the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund's MAUI program. The Phoenix Foundation will provide on-site supportive services for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The development also includes a community room, computer lab, exercise room, playground, community garden, green space, and on-site property management.

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Originally built in 1897 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Charles Warrington Earle School served Chicago students for over a century before its closure in 2014. This project is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize former school properties in Englewood. Its location near public transportation options such as the Ashland/63rd Green Line station and the 63rd Street bus corridor aligns with Mayor Johnson's goal to drive investment and revitalization within the Englewood community.

The Charles Earle School Apartments serve as a symbol of hope for residents in Englewood. With affordable housing options and supportive services available, it is a step towards creating stability and opportunities for those who call this community home.

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