“The South Chicago community joined with Mayor Lightfoot, U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, and 10th Ward Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski Garza to celebrate the formal opening of a renovated senior affordable apartment building and its new community center in a building preserved by two Chicago nonprofits.
“Built 93 years ago for the YMCA, the property at 3039 East 91st Street served as the Southeast side’s community and athletic center and provided low-income affordable housing. When the building was put up for sale, many feared that the critical community asset would be lost. Instead, the building was purchased and renovated by a partnership between two of Chicago’s most respected advocates for community development and affordable housing advocates – the South Chicago-based Claretian Associates and Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), the Chicago affiliate of one of the nation’s pre-eminent housing preservation organizations.
“The $29 million renovated building is now home to the 40,000 square foot Salud Center operated by the Claretian Associates and 101 affordable senior apartments updated and improved by POAH. Upgrades to the building included modernizing apartments, replacing heating and cooling systems with energy efficient mechanicals, installation of a new roof and landscaping and repurposing of the non- residential portion of the building as the Salud community Center.
“We’ve been proud and excited to be part of this unique partnership with the Claretian Associates,’ said Bill Eager, Senior Vice President, POAH. ‘We were able to not only update and improve the building but to also provide the housing and support services that are all important to the community’s health and contribute to the revitalization of South Chicago.’
“The Salud Center’s revitalization is a great example of the wonderful collaborative efforts happening in South Chicago to bring resources to the entire community,’ said Congresswoman Kelly. ‘Not only does the Salud Center provide affordable housing to our seniors, but it also provides recreational space for youth, resources for our growing businesses and fitness opportunities for everyone. I am so grateful to everyone who worked together to bring this project to life. The Salud Center is a space our whole community can be proud of, and I look forward to the future collaborative endeavors coming to South Chicago.'” (Chicago Defender, 12/21/21)