The $14.6-million project being developed by AIDSCare, Inc. is believed to be the first of its kind in the US. It will include 34 independent living units, 30 single-resident-occupancy units, a community center as well as a health center. Health and social services will be available to low-income residents and homeless persons with HIV or AIDS. Construction is expected to begin this spring with completion of the entire project in 2004.
The city is assisting the developer with a land write-down of nearly $380,000. It is selling 23 lots near Roosevelt Road and Kedzie Avenue for $23. Besides writing down the cost of nearly three acres, the city is providing another $2.2 million--$1.2 million from the department of public health to help pay construction costs and a $1 million HOME loan through the department of housing.
"This project is a dream realized to develop a resident campus for people living with HIV/AIDS," says AIDSCare founder and president Jim Flosi. "We will now be able to provide additional housing and support in West Side communities that have been heavily impacted by HIV/AIDS."
Alderman Ed H. Smith is credited with pushing for the campus to be built in his 28th Ward.
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