Old Garfield School in Decatur to officially be renovated into senior apartments

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The former Garfield School on Grand Avenue in Decatur will officially be renovated into affordable housing apartments for senior citizens.

"We have affordable units here in Decatur but we haven't seen new affordable units in quite some time," said Cordaryl Patrick, the Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Decatur. "What we know from our housing analysis is that we have seniors that are in a position where they want to age in place, but they can't take care of their home."

The $20.7 million project is being funded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Decatur Housing Authority, and Bywater Development Group, a private company.

"Had it not been for our partners working together and collaborating with each other, this project would still be a dream," Patrick said. "It would not be a reality today. The funds will be used to totally rehab the existing structure of the Garfield School into 63 senior living apartments. We're also going to add on to the existing building as well to include additional apartments."

The city is also investing an extra $250 thousand into renovating Garfield Park, which sits right next to the abandoned school building.

Patrick said, "We need to create a climate and an atmosphere where they can live into an independent living facility -- apartment -- and still be able to live in their neighborhood."

The city hopes to begin construction within the next 12 months and blueprint plans are currently being drawn up.