CHA, partners break ground on Sheffield of Lincoln Park, renovation of Spurlock Sampson Apartments
CHICAGO (Dec. 7, 2021): The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), 43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith and representatives from Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and CHA co-development partner PIRHL Developers hosted a groundbreaking for the new Sheffield of Lincoln Park family building and the renovation of the Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments and Annex Tuesday.
The $150 million project will turn an aging senior development into a vibrant mixed-income community with new features and amenities. The project includes the renovation of two existing, 394-unit senior buildings, and the addition of a brand new “bridge” building that will include 80 new family units. It is expected to be completed in 2024.
“CHA is here to help people, whether they are younger, older or in between,” CEO Tracey Scott said. “This innovative project will assist a large range of age groups, while also turning this area into an affordable, multi-generational mixed-income living and community space. We are so grateful to all our partners who made this effort possible.”
IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said: “This groundbreaking represents what is possible when the state’s public-private partners work together to address the shortage of affordable housing that exists in communities throughout Illinois. These will be critically needed, high quality apartments that offer more than a stable home for seniors and families. These new and rehabilitated residences will promote diversity and inclusion throughout the entire neighborhood, and IHDA is proud to work with the City and others in this effort to create more housing opportunity and choice for residents of all incomes.”
David Burg, President of Development for PIRHL, said: “PIRHL is honored to be a co-developer in the dynamic transformation of the Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments into Sheffield at Lincoln Park. Over four years, we have worked hand-in-glove with the Chicago Housing Authority team – and with many other key stakeholders – to prepare for this fantastic and complex modernization project, which is now underway. Once completed, Sheffield at Lincoln Park will shine, and offer an amenity-rich, intergenerational, mixed-income community serving the diverse housing needs of Lincoln Park seniors and families alike.”
Ald. Smith said: "The expansion of the Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments from a senior living facility to a community which will welcome members of all ages, from all communities, and from all income levels and backgrounds promises not only a new direction for public housing in Chicago but a great opportunity for Lincoln Park be at the forefront this exciting project and projects like it in the future. I'm honored to have been a part of it, and am pleased to welcome this exciting project to our community"
The Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments and Annex includes two 11-story senior buildings built in 1965 and was formerly known as Lincoln and Sheffield Apartments and Annex. It is named in honor of Edith Spurlock Sampson, an American lawyer and judge and the first Black U.S. delegate appointed to the United Nations. It currently serves seniors age 62 and older.
The renovation will restore all 394 units and add 11 new senior units. Renovations will include: new kitchen appliances, cabinets, countertops, breakfast bars, floor tiles and air conditioning. Upgrades will include: plumbing and electrical, new roofs, masonry repairs, HVAC piping, boilers and air-cooled chillers and elevator upgrades and modern LED lighting installed in common and amenity spaces
The new six-story bridge building will provide 80 new family units and will be built between the two existing senior buildings. It will offer community, operational and supportive service spaces, as well as affordable and market-rate family units. It will offer modern, high-quality and sustainable features that fit seamlessly into the surrounding community in scale and character.
The new building will also include a community hub with an activity/dining room, big enough to accommodate 200 residents. It will include space for both the Golden Diner program and gathering areas for residents.
The entire property is a Transit-Oriented-Development site and is within easy walking distance to medical offices, grocery stores, other retail, and parks as well as jobs and education options. The addition of family units to the CHA property will provide more opportunities for low-income families to live in this thriving community.
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ABOUT THE CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY (CHA)
CHA’s vision is to foster strong, vibrant communities throughout Chicago by increasing affordable housing choices for low-income families. CHA is also the largest rental housing owner in the City of Chicago. It serves more than 133,000 people in 63,000 households across the city through our Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Project-Based Voucher programs. For more information, visit www.thecha.org.