Aurora's landscape is evolving with the completion of the Fox Valley Apartments, a new affordable housing venture carved from the shells of bygone educational institutions. McShane Construction Company spearheaded the transformation. The Chicago Tribune reported that the former Lincoln and Todd schools, which have sat vacant for years, now serve a reinvigorated purpose with 47 units of workforce housing.
The partnership responsible for this transition, Housing for All, LLC, is a collaborative effort between Visionary Ventures, Cordogan Clark & Associates, and JTE Real Estate Services. The inclusion of affordable housing units is a strategic move to support the working-class populace of Aurora. According to the same source, the remodeled Lincoln Elementary School, dating to 1893, has been reborn into 14 modern living spaces. In addition to the historical renovation, a newly constructed building on the same grounds boasts an additional 22 units.
Meanwhile, the iconic Todd School at 100 Oak Avenue has undergone its own metamorphosis. It includes not only 11 apartment units but also a healthcare clinic that caters to the underinsured and uninsured families within the West Aurora School District. As noted by World Construction Network, the preservation of historical elements was a priority, maintaining the essence of the original school buildings while repurposing them for contemporary use.
The creative reconfiguration of these spaces, showcasing a striking balance between old and new, is the result of an architecture designed by Cordogan Clark & Associates. Their blueprints encompass a mix of one- to three-bedroom units, along with shared amenities such as laundry facilities and a community room. "We are very excited to announce the completion of Fox Valley Apartments," said David Rintz, McShane's regional vice president of multi-family, as reported by the World Construction Network. "Transforming two historical school buildings into apartments has been a fascinating process."
Aurora's initiative to invest in its community's well-being is evidenced by the financial support provided for the project. The city contributed $2.9 million from its HOME Investment Partnerships allocation and an additional $600,000 from its Community Development Block Grant funds. These apartments, aimed at tenants earning between 30% to 60% of the median area income, offer a tangible embodiment of the city's commitment to affordable housing solutions.
