Local officials and construction partners gathered Oct. 28 to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Leyden Senior Apartments. The new development is a four-story, 80-unit independent senior living community in Franklin Park, Illinois, in Chicago’s near-west suburbs.
The Leyden Township Board and other development partners were joined at the grand opening ceremony by Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, President of the Illinois Senate Don Harmon, Speaker of the Illinois House Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Illinois State Representative Brad Stephens, Illinois State Representative Norma Hernandez and representatives from the Cook County Department of Planning and Development.
Located at 2506 N. Mannheim Road, Leyden Senior Apartments offers 72 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom residences, designed for seniors aged 62 or older, with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI). The adjacent newly constructed Carl Fiorito Senior Center, owned by Leyden Township and opening in November, will be available to the entire community. The one-story community center will complement the apartments, offering programs, activities and services tailored to the needs of the township’s older residents.
Owned by Leyden Apartments LP, Leyden Senior Apartments was designed by Weese Langley Klein Architects with accessible floor plans, energy-efficient appliances and a host of on-site amenities.
“A new chapter begins in Leyden Township,” said Rocco Biscaglio, Leyden township supervisor. “Through dedication, partnership and vision, this project has become a reality. We celebrate a place where seniors can live comfortably, safely and proudly within the community they call home.”
F.H. Paschen managed construction from start to finish, continuing the firm’s work on public-private housing partnerships across the Chicago suburbs.
“Leyden Township is proving what is possible when local leaders take charge of community infrastructure and housing,” said Tom Cross, chief growth officer of F.H. Paschen. “Other suburbs need to pay attention to what Supervisor Biscaglio and Leyden Township are accomplishing here and start replicating this approach.”
Evergreen Real Estate Group served as developer for the apartments and the Senior Center and is handling leasing and property management for the community.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to drive down Mannheim Road and see this beautiful, modern senior housing community standing on what was formerly a vacant lot,” said David Block, director of development for Evergreen Real Estate Group. “For nearly three years, we’ve worked closely with Township Supervisor Rocco Biscaglio and the Board to bring their vision to life. Now, serving as property manager, we’re honored to welcome the first residents to Leyden Senior Apartments and provide this brand-new, much-needed affordable housing option, which allows area seniors to remain in the community while enhancing their quality of life.”
Leyden Senior Apartments includes a community room with kitchen, fitness room, lounge spaces, laundry rooms on each level and a patio. On-site parking is available for residents.
The combined development is a highlight of the township’s Moving Mannheim Forward initiative, which seeks to revitalize the broader Mannheim Road corridor. Financing came from several public and private sources. Funding partners include the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Bank of America, KeyBanc Capital Markets, Hudson Housing Capital, Leyden Township and the Cook County Department of Planning and Development. Mesirow Financial participated in the underwriting syndicate for the IHDA financing and served as lead underwriter for Leyden Township’s general obligation bond offering, securing the remaining capital needed to finish the project. Additional support covered site preparation and utility connection costs.
Leyden Senior Apartments is located near major retailers, including a Jewel-Osco grocery store, as well as a variety of restaurants and stores near the intersection of Mannheim Road and Grand Avenue. Directly across the street is Leyden Township Hall, and the Franklin Park Public Library is nearby. The community also is a short drive to the Franklin Park Metra train station and is close to several bus routes.
