Revitalizing Englewood: Historic Earle School to Transform into Affordable Apartment Community

Earle School Apartments - Gorman & Company's Illinois Project
Earle School Apartments - Gorman & Company's Illinois Project

Revitalizing Englewood: Historic Earle School to Transform into Affordable Apartment Community


CHICAGO (Sept. 30, 2024) — Gorman & Company, in collaboration with Burling Builders, the City of Chicago, and The Phoenix Foundation, proudly announces the financial closing and construction commencement for the adaptive reuse of the historic Charles Warrington Earle School, located within the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago. The groundbreaking celebration will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. at 61st Street between Paulina and Hermitage.

This pivotal project, originally constructed in 1897, will transform the former school, closed by Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in 2014, into 50 affordable supportive apartment homes. The redevelopment is a testament to revitalization efforts in the Englewood community, with an emphasis on preserving the historical significance of the building while redesigning a new and inspiring purpose.

“I am so pleased we were able to invest in the reimagining of the Charles Earle School through financial support of more than $4.7 million,” Chicago Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda said. “The Chicago Department of Housing is committed to projects like these that preserve our city’s rich history and expand opportunities for quality, affordable housing while also providing supportive services. We are excited to see this development’s impact on the Englewood community.”

Earle School Apartments, situated on 61st Street between Paulina and Hermitage, will offer essential services to residents, thanks to the partnership between The Phoenix Foundation and Phoenix Recovery Services. These services aim to support individuals and families with unique housing needs, contributing to the overall well-being and stability of the community.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to help bring new life to this historic landmark and provide much-needed affordable housing for the Englewood community," Ron Clewer, Illinois Market President, Gorman & Company, said. "This project reflects Gorman & Company’s dedication to building partnerships, working alongside the community, and preserving its rich history while addressing the critical housing needs of today."

When complete, Earle School Apartments will feature energy-efficient HVAC technology, high-efficiency heat pumps, lighting, and other measures. Together, these technologies will help the building qualify for Enterprise Green Communities certification and potential ComEd incentives of more than $250,000, used to offset construction costs. New energy-efficient technologies are expected to save the building a total of 816,000 kilowatt-hours, helping to prevent 600,000 pounds of carbon emissions from being released into the atmosphere, equivalent to planting nearly 325 acres of trees. Incentivizing projects that help reduce energy consumption while lowering carbon emissions is a hallmark of the award-winning ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, which, since 2008, has saved families and businesses a total of $9 billion on their electric bills.

“The Phoenix Foundation, NFP, is honored to partner with Gorman & Company, City of Chicago, and Burling Builders on the Earle School Apartments redevelopment in the Englewood community. This project will ensure not only the creation of quality housing, but the delivery of essential supportive services that empower residents to thrive,” Sherri Allen-Reeves, Executive Director of Phoenix Foundation, NFP, said. “We believe residents will meaningfully contribute to the Englewood neighborhood, helping to strengthen and enrich the community. Together with our partners, we look forward to fostering an environment that promotes stability, growth, and integration.”

Earle School Apartments is financed and supported by the following additional partners: Burling Builders, The Phoenix Foundation, Alderman Raymond Lopez, City of Chicago, Illinois Housing Development Authority, City of Chicago Department of Housing, Beehyyve, ComEd, E.G. Woode, R.A.G.E., FHLBank Chicago, Merchants Bank of Indiana, Merchants Capital, Greater Illinois Title Company, Gorman Architecture, and Gorman Property Management.

“ComEd is proud to support projects like the Earle School Apartments in Englewood, which combines the expansion of affordable housing with sustainable building practices to help reduce emissions and lower energy costs for customers,” Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President, Customer Operations & Strategic Initiatives, ComEd, said. “Projects like these are a win for our customers and the planet. We look forward to continuing to work with the community to ensure that this redevelopment incorporates the best energy efficiency practices to support the transition toward a cleaner and more just future for all.”

About Gorman & Company

Gorman & Company is a leader in community revitalization through a steadfast dedication to high-quality, affordable workforce and public and senior housing nationwide. Their fully integrated platform, led by a team of industry leaders in development, architectural design, construction, and portfolio management, provides their partners with the highest level of customer care. At the heart of Gorman’s philosophy is a commitment to collaboratively build strong, inclusive neighborhoods alongside municipalities, governmental organizations, and nonprofits. Headquartered in Wisconsin and celebrating 40 years of neighborhood revitalization, Gorman has been recognized as one of the nation’s top “Affordable Housing Developers” by Affordable Housing Finance magazine for over a decade. Learn more about their diverse portfolio of national projects on their website.

About The Phoenix Foundation

The Phoenix Foundation is a Chicago-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families by providing comprehensive supportive services, with a focus on recovery, mental health, and housing stability. Through collaboration with community partners, The Phoenix Foundation delivers tailored programs that promote self-sufficiency, resilience, and long-term well-being. Committed to fostering positive change, the foundation plays a key role in transforming lives and revitalizing neighborhoods across Chicago. Learn more on their website.

About Burling Builders

Burling Builders, Inc. is a leading minority-owned general contracting and construction management firm based in Chicago. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and community empowerment, Burling Builders delivers high-quality construction solutions across a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Known for its collaborative approach and dedication to diversity, the firm takes pride in creating lasting partnerships and contributing to the revitalization of underserved communities. Burling Builders consistently upholds the highest standards in safety, craftsmanship, and innovation. Learn more on their website.

About ComEd

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 200 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

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