1. Brief history of Immaculata High School in Chicago

2. Why they will redevelop the property

3. What will the redevelopment offer?

4. How will this redevelopment help Chicago?

Immaculata High School

Immaculata High School was an all-girls Catholic high school in the Lakeview district. 

The school was founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was open from 1921 until 1981. 

On July 27, 1983, the campus structures were designated as Chicago Landmarks.

The school was initially located at the Greenlee Mansion, which Ralph S. Greenlee erected in 1893.

Barry Byrne, a well-known architect, created the main school building, which the BVMs inaugurated in 1922. 

It is now situated near Marine Drive and Irving Park Road. 

The Immaculata High School archives are currently housed in the Women and Leadership Archives.

Why will they redevelop the property?

The current owner of the site, the American Islamic College wants to sell the campus to fund the institution and a move to a new location. 

This project will renovate the existing school building and preserve the building's historic character while also updating it with modern amenities. 

It will create new housing options for both seniors and young professionals, and it will also help to revitalize the neighborhood. 

Now let’s get down to business. What will the redevelopment of Immaculata High School offer?

What will the redevelopment offer?

This will be a $65 million adaptive reuse project focusing on apartments and senior housing.  This project is under the helm of K Giles LLC and CA Ventures.

After negotiations with neighbors, the developers reduced the plan from 495 to 437 units, and included parking spots for neighbors and a new entrance off Marine Drive to help reduce traffic in the area. 

Twenty percent of the development — 69 units — will be deemed affordable under the city’s affordable requirements ordinance. 

49 will be in the redeveloped school campus buildings while 20 will be in the senior living building.

The building will be converted into 265 apartments, of which 10% will be affordable housing.

46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman said, “There was a lot of give and take on both sides, scoring wins and providing concessions,” he said. “It’s also a proposal that will provide some sorely needed housing that will address the high demand we’re seeing on the North Side, especially the senior housing, which will allow a lot of seniors — I’m one of them — to age in place.”

A, Apartments

Keith Giles and Anthology Senior Living, the senior housing division of CA Ventures, will convert the multi-building campus of the former Immaculata High School into 245 apartment units. 

These apartments will consist of mostly studios and one-bedrooms with five two-bedroom units. 

Residents could enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, lounges, a theater and outdoor terraces.

B. Senior Living Tower

Next - the Senior Living Tower. This 22-story high-rise apartment building will have 192 units, built in Immaculata High School’s parking lot, which is close to Bittersweet Place. 

The project also aims to provide independent living, assisted living, and memory care options to its future senior residents. 

C. Parking spaces

Keith Giles checked with senior housing operators so the seniors’ parking needs would be modest. The redevelopment will also have 118 parking spaces. 

These spaces exceed zoning requirements, and with curbside service from several CTA bus lines, this reduces the possibility of congestion from cars. 

How will this redevelopment help Uptown?

Chicago, especially the Uptown community, will benefit from more housing, especially one catering to seniors who are looking for a vibrant and walkable community.

It will also revitalize the neighborhood. The new apartments and senior living tower will attract new residents and businesses to the area, and it will also help to improve the overall quality of life in the neighborhood.

The renovation of the school building will preserve a significant piece of Uptown's history. The school building, which was designed by architect Barry Byrne, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation will ensure that this important building is preserved for future generations.

Conclusion

Immaculata High School’s redevelopment project has the approvals from 46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman’s zoning and development advisory committee, the Permit Review Committee, and the Chicago Plan Commission. It’s a great opportunity to help add critically needed housing on the North Side of Chicago. This would also increase property values as investors would see the potential for growth in the community.

The development is expected to be completed in 2024. The redevelopment of Immaculata High School is a sign of the changing demographics of Uptown. The neighborhood is becoming increasingly diverse, and the development will provide housing for a variety of people. The project is also a sign of the growing demand for senior housing in Chicago.

Want to know more about other significant housing developments in Chicago? Subscribe to our newsletter now!