A development designed to provide seniors with moderately-priced homes and health facilities is taking shape in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood.
Developer North Center Associates broke ground in late January at Belle Plaine Commons, a 92-unit, five-story senior condo development at 2335 W Belle Plaine Ave. The building will anchor the northern end of the five-acre North Center Senior Campus, bounded by Irving Park, Western, Belle Plaine and Oakley.
Belle Plaine Commons is the third and final residential building to break ground on the site, after two rental buildings for seniors (the 104-unit Martha Washington was also developed by North Center Associates and the 86-unit St. Vincent DePaul Residence was developed by Catholic Charities). An Advocate Health Center was built on the site in the late ’90s. Two parks are also planned.
About sixty percent of Belle Plaine Commons’ one- and two-bedroom condos, some of which have dens, have sold, according to developer Kenneth Barnes. Prices range from the $180s to the $300s, and first occupancy is slated for February 2008. Features include ceramic tile in the the entryways, kitchens and bathrooms; carpet in the bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms; GE appliances and nine-foot ceiling heights. To qualify, one member of the household must be 55 or older. Other members may be as young as 48.
Building amenities include a fitness center, community room, library / business center and individual storage lockers. The on-site sales center is open Saturdays through Wednesdays from 10 am to 5 pm.