Franciscan Outreach has broken ground on the redevelopment of a recently acquired site at 2508 W. 21st Street in Little Village. The project will bring a new non-congregate shelter to serve Chicago residents in need of safe, private housing. Led by the Chicago-based nonprofit, the shelter will be able to accommodate up to 120 guests.
Highlights
- Franciscan Outreach broke ground for its newest non-congregate shelter redevelopment in Little Village.
- The shelter facility can serve up to 120 guests at its 2508 W. 21st Street location.
- The Chicago developers are hoping to complete the construction by 2026.
Franciscan Outreach Breaks Ground
Franciscan Outreach broke ground for a non-congregate shelter project in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. The site, which sits between S. Western Ave and S. Rockwell St., spans 45,000 square feet.
The $25.5 Million Project Will Support 120 Guests
Franciscan Outreach aims to complete the $25.5 million project by 2026. The project is backed by $15 million in TIF funding, a $7.5 million grant from the Department of Housing, and $3 million from philanthropy and equity sources.
The Walsh Group is leading construction, with design by LBBA Architects. It can serve almost 120 Chicago residents. Other partners include the City of Chicago and Eagle Capital Projects.
The project is part of the DOH’s Non-Congregate Shelter Acquisition program.
Features of the Non-Congregate Shelter Space
Plans call for converting the easternmost building into a non-congregate shelter with dorm-style rooms. The layout will feature two- to four-bed dorms with shared bathrooms. It will further feature a dining and community area, as well as an elevator installation.
The second building will house staff offices and case management services. The site will also include a designated entry and intake area. The third building will include a multipurpose flex space, laundry facilities, shared bathrooms, and a commercial kitchen.
The westernmost building will be dedicated to offices for partner organizations. Franciscan Outreach and other involved developers chose the Little Village site due to its proximity to public transit.
Once completed, the non-congregate shelter facility could assist struggling Chicago residents with a safe and private space.
