Construction began recently for a new senior housing development in south suburban Riverdale thanks in part to financial support it received from Cook County taxpayers.
Construction began recently for a new senior housing development in south suburban Riverdale thanks in part to financial support it received from Cook County taxpayers.
The soon-to-be built Riverdale Senior Apartments, at 335 W. 138th St., comes at a time when there is a growing need for more affordable housing for seniors, said Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. “There is a great and growing need for quality, affordable housing for our seniors in the region,” Stroger said in a written statement. “This new senior housing development brings together construction designed specifically for our senior community with a mix of social services that will create a truly supportive, nurturing environment for our elders.”
The Cook County Department of Planning & Development is providing $2.1 million for the project while $4.7 million in federal stimulus funds is coming from the Housing Authority of Cook County. The 52-unit, five-story complex is expected to be complete by March 2011. Turnstone Development is the developer, owner and operator of the apartment complex and McShane Construction is the general contractor.
Additionally, the development will include 43 one-bedroom units and nine two-bedroom units, three units will be ADA accessible, along with eight additional residences that will be designed as ADA adaptable to accommodate future conversion.
Riverdale Mayor Deyon Dean, who attended the groundbreaking with Stroger, said upon completion seniors will have more living options.
“This new senior housing development will add another level of enhancement to our expanding community,” he said. “The Riverdale Senior Apartments will offer much needed additional housing options for today’s growing senior population.”
He added that the Village of Riverdale is embracing the project as part of a larger effort to maintain the standard of living in the community.
Eligible seniors include those age 62 and older and those who are eligible for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s affordable rental housing programs, where residents pay 30 percent of their income toward rent.
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender.
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