Michaels and CHA Celebrate Revitalization of Irene McCoy Gaines Apartments

Joined by Alderman Jason Ervin and Chicago residents, The Michaels Organization and the Chicago Housing Authority celebrated the completion of extensive renovations on the 150-unit Irene McCoy Gaines Apartments with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. 

“The senior residents here are our ‘why’ – the reason we do the work that we do,” said CHA CEO Tracey Scott. “One of the residents said it’s like walking into a hotel. I’d like to think of my mother or grandmother aging well in a place that affords them dignity – dignity they deserve for working hard and raising a family. Human dignity that everyone deserves. To the residents: this is all for you; may you enjoy it and continue to live rich, healthy lives.”

“We’re so proud to celebrate this new beginning for Irene McCoy Gaines with CHA,” said Greg Olson, Regional Vice President of Development for The Michaels Organization. “This substantial rehabilitation will provide our senior residents with modern and sustainable affordable housing for years to come, and we are so grateful to this City, State, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and all our private sector partners that made this revitalization possible.”

The $60 million rehabilitation effort for the 17-story senior building includes new HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, and new amenity spaces that include renovated and expanded dining and community rooms, reception areas, meeting, game, exercise, and computer rooms, and updated laundry spaces. 

Apartments now feature new flooring, painting, LED lighting, and upgraded kitchens and baths, including heating and air conditioning that allow residents to control the temperature. The exterior of the property has also been landscaped and hardscaped to provide ample spaces for recreation. 

Financing for the rehabilitation of Irene McCoy was made possible through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) RAD program and support from the City of Chicago and the Chicago Housing Authority. US Bank was the project’s construction lender and tax-credit investor. A joint venture between Skender Construction and Blackwood Group led the rehabilitation efforts. Canopy Architecture + Design served as the project’s architect.

The Michaels Organization will continue to provide property management services for the community, ensuring high-quality and long-term affordable housing for Chicago seniors. 

Photo credit: The Michaels Organization

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