Wayside Cross Ministries’ plans to convert a former bank into transitional housing received the backing Monday of the Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission.
The 42,000-square-foot building, constructed at 890 N. State St. in 2004 for Bank of Elgin, would house 94 people in a dorm-like setting with separate floors for males and females, Senior Planner Damir Latinovic told commissioners.
It could be expanded to accommodate up to 120 people, and would include office space for 10 staff members and housing for residential staff members who have graduated from the program, Latinovic said. A security guard would be on the premises 24 hours a day.
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The basement would have a shared kitchen, dining area and laundry while the first floor would consist of flex space with offices for employees and programs, he said. Dorms for women are planned for the second floor and the men would sleep on the third and fourth floors.
A drive-thru section of the old bank building will be enclosed to create a retail shop and donation drop-off, Latinovic said.
The center’s proposed location is in an industrial area near a Habitat for Humanity ReStore and a flea market. The ministry plans to purchase the building.
Wayside needs city approval for two variances from the building code to move forward with the project. One for a sign on the property that is larger than what’s allowed and the other to create the resale shop and donation area.
With the commission’s endorsement, a final decision will be made by the Elgin City Council.
Latinovic said Wayside currently operates out of a building it owns at 1732 Berkley St.
“Their intent is to consolidate and move their operations to this facility, if approved and once completed,” he said.
Architect Stephen Silva said they created a very similar residential/office/retail center at a 48,000-square-foot building in Aurora.
Commissioner Samuel Olson said Wayside has done an impressive job in the community for decades, and he understands the need for its programs in Elgin.
“I appreciate you guys providing more for our community,” he said.
Wayside, with a 90-year history in the Fox Valley, works to prevent homelessness before it happens. It had a location at an east side church in Elgin but left the space last month, Executive Director James Lukose said.
Lukose said Wayside will work with the city on its homeless issue.
Currently, Wayside shares its building on Berkley Street with PADS of Elgin, Lukose said. They plan to give PADS “the first option to expand it or buy it,” he said.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.