The city’s vacant YMCA building will spring to life next year as it is transformed into a home for senior citizens on fixed incomes.
Ground was broken for the $18.7 million project Wednesday morning, but that didn’t dampen the sprits of dozens of well-wishers outside the historic building.
Chicago-based Senior Lifestyle Corp. is in charge of the project. Plans call for the Senior Suites of Joliet at 215 Ottawa St. to provide 90 affordable rental apartments for people 62 and older. In addition to 74 one-bedroom apartments and 16 studio apartments, the renovated facility will provide 5,500 square feet of common space for residents. It is expected to open in December 2007.
The maximum annual income for an individual applicant is $31,680 and the maximum for an applicant couple is $36,180, according to the firm.
Mayor Art Schultz said the introduction of senior-oriented housing creates a ripple effect in Joliet’s downtown revitalization. “As more people move in, other people follow,” Schultz said.
Work on the complex is scheduled to begin by Oct. 21. Construction includes adding a sixth story, welcome area and new parking lot.
The YMCA building, erected in 1928, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in February.