The City of Chicago's department of community development has issued a request for proposal ( RFP ) for the purchase and development of 3600-3616 N. Halsted, a site that currently includes the landmark Town Hall police station.
The development goal, according to the executive summary, is to create "a mixed-use development containing 60 to 90 affordable senior rental housing units targeting, but not limited to, the senior lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT ) population. Senior housing is defined as housing developed for people age fifty-five and above."
Because the 23rd District police station ( constructed in 1907 ) has been landmarked, the building would have to stay and be rehabilitated as part of the development project, in accordance with landmark guidelines.
The Center on Halstedconsidered by many to be the hub of the LGBT communityis located just north, at 3656 N. Halsted. According to the summary, "the location was selected because of the large and growing population of LGBT seniors and the proximity to LGBT activities and social services located at the [ Center ] . The beneficial location nets an expectation that services and activities will be integrated into any development."
The target price is $4.13 million. The summary states that said price is not a minimum bid but applicants are advised that the purchase price is "an important consideration in [ the department's ] evalution of responses to the RFP." A good-faith deposit of $413,000 ( or 10 percent of that amount ) would be needed.
Lakeview Action Coalition's Bob Zuley applauded the move, telling Windy City Times that it "is a major achievement for the city to recognize the needs of LGBT seniors. [ It's ] a terrific first step on the housing front in Chicagoand certainly another demonstration of the mayor's commitment to our community."
Tunney told Windy City Times that he has been advocating for this type of housing since he "became alderman, if not before. We're really excited about the RFP process and, hopefully, we will come up with some really innovative ideas for our community. And what better place is there to have it than next to the Center on Halsted?"
The response due date is July 6. Interested parties can contact project manager Oneida Pate at oneida.pate@cityofchicago.org or 312-744-7471.