McShane Construction Company has completed the construction and renovation assignment for the Grove Apartments on behalf of developer, Interfaith Housing Development Corporation. The 51-unit, LEED-registered, affordable housing residence is located at 442 S. Grove Ave. at the Madison Street intersection in Oak Park.
Previously a two-story office building occupied by Comcast, McShane completely transformed the facility into a contemporary, four-story, mixed-use development. McShane performed comprehensive demolition and reconstruction throughout the existing two floors of office space while also completing the new construction of two additional stories to the existing structure.
Grove Apartments now features 51 residential units on floors two through four offering a variety of one-bedroom unit configurations, several of which are handicap accessible, together with on-floor laundry facilities. The ground level of the complex incorporates a large community room, tenant storage and 5,230 square feet of retail space.
The construction assignment met the requirements of a LEED-registered facility incorporating numerous sustainable features such as a geothermal HVAC system, Energy Star appliances and low-E windows throughout the complex. The site also incorporates water-efficient landscaping to achieve an overall 30 percent reduction of water use.
As part of the assignment, McShane Construction restored the building’s original Albert Kahn design that required a comprehensive brick and precast façade makeover that replaced the former stucco exterior. McShane also completed sitework, on-site parking and a new 23-space parking lot across the street from the property.
Grove Apartments was funded primarily through low income housing tax credits. IHDC partnered with the Oak Park Housing Authority and Catholic Charities, which assists individuals who are income-eligible and qualified for supportive, independent living. Catholic Charities is providing on-site case management, linking residents to existing services within the community, while promoting stability for permanent residency.
“McShane’s extensive restoration, renovation and new construction experience aided the successful transformation of this former vacant office building into an affordable housing option for area residents,” said Jeffrey Raday, president of McShane Construction. “The addition of the Grove Apartments residential and mixed-use property will assist in revitalizing this portion of Madison Street within the community of Oak Park.”
Weese Langley Weese Architects Ltd. provided the architectural services for this renovation and new construction assignment.
