The department also will request alternative proposals for theproperty at 2600-14 W. 63rd St. If none are received, the projectwill head to the plan commission and city council. Construction isexpected to take 12 months. "We have people calling us alreadyasking, how soon will you be opening?" says Greater SouthwestDevelopment Corp. executive director James Capraro.

Residents would pay $400 per month for their 536-sf unit,utilities, on-site activities and supportive services. An IllinoisDepartment of Public Aid pilot program would pay an additional$1,789 a month, says Capraro, whose non-profit group is leaddeveloper behind Churchview Supportive Living LP. Comparable unitsin the suburbs would rent for $3,000, he adds. The only othersupportive living facilities in the city are on the North and Westsides.

The development is combining low-income housing tax credits withthe state's pilot program that is using Medicaid money to subsidizethe rents, Capraro explains. A limited partner is being lined up tobuy the low-income tax credits, and potential candidates includePark Federal Savings, Marquette Bank, State Bank of Countryside andCharter One Bank, commission members were told Tuesday.