Elizabeth presents at 2018 Housing Matters! Conference

Elizabeth recently gave a presentation at the 2018 Housing Matters! Conference in Bloomington, IL, with Dena Bell of IFF.  Titled “Models for Affordable Housing Scattered Site Developments: Two Case Studies and Perspectives,” their presentation provided both a developer’s and an architect’s perspective on design, regulatory review, and construction processes, and focused on two scattered site developments of affordable housing for people with disabilities that were funded with IHDA Permanent Supportive Housing grants and other sources.

The first, Illinois Accessible Housing Initiative (Phases I & II), was completed from 2011-2015, with phase one in Chicago and phase two in suburban Cook County. 70 foreclosed condominium units were purchased and renovated to include accessible/adaptable features for residents with mobility impairments, and common areas were also made more accessible. Leasing was targeted specifically to Colbert consent decree members relocating from nursing homes to independent living.

The second development, Access Peoria, was completed in 2016 and consisted of the new construction of eight duplexes built on scattered sites in the East Bluff neighborhood of Peoria, IL. Buildings were designed with accessibility in mind within very tight site constraints.

Elizabeth and Dena discussed site selection strategies, regulatory requirements, design/construction processes, challenges, lessons learned and positive outcomes for residents.

WJW is proud to have been part of the team on these projects!