Pearl Street Commons

Pearl Street Commons was conceived on the idea that low-income veteran and disabled households are faced with unique housing challenges. Chicago-based non-profit developer Full Circle Communities has built its reputation on tackling these unique challenges, recognizing that while stable housing is the foundation for stable lives, the coupling of stable housing with targeted support services can transform entire communities. This is the model that Full Circle has operated on since its inception- preserving and developing affordable housing while dedicating at least 75% of revenue towards targeted support services for its building residents.

On an approximately 67,000 square foot lot that sat vacant for 15 years in a prime downtown McHenry location, Full Circle Communities saw an opportunity to provide permanent supportive housing for low-income veterans and people living with a disability. After the submission of the development proposal resulted in some community backlash expressed on social media, Full Circle hosted an open house to provide the community a forum to ask questions and express concerns, in addition to the public Planning and Zoning Commission hearing. While most of the community’s concerns centered around the density of the building, the affordability of the building was rarely questioned conceptually, and many in the community felt strongly about the need for affordable housing. Ultimately, local officials passed the proposal; agreeing that the development would be of great benefit not only to the 25 low-income households that would be provided a quality, affordable place to live, but also to the city; which would see a vacant lot brought back into productive-use and an expanded consumer base for its downtown shopping district. The proposal passed in 2017, ground was broken in December of that year, and doors were opened in January 2019.

Constructed by Novak Construction, the three-story Pearl Street Commons building offers 25 fully handicapped-accessible apartments, three of which are two-bedroom, and 22 of which are one-bedroom. All 25 apartments are reserved for households earning up to 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with preference given to veterans and people with disabilities; and all residents pay 30% of their income towards rent. The building is Enterprise Green Communities certified and offers community amenities such as a library, computer lab, laundry room, community room, storage lockers, on-site property management, and on-site maintenance. Additionally, Full Circles partnered with local non-profit service providers Association for Individual Development (AID) and Veterans Path to Hope (formerly called TLS Veterans) to provide on-site, targeted support services to veteran and disabled residents. Some of the services offered to residents by these groups include medical screenings, therapist visits, transportation resources, case management, health and fitness resources, community activities, and benefits assistance, among others. Highly walkable, residents are within one mile of three different grocery stores, two Pace bus stops, McHenry Metra station, McHenry riverwalk, the public library, and much more.

Shortly after the building opened its doors, all available apartments were occupied. At initial occupancy, there were nine veterans and 21 people living with a disability (some with both, as there are 25 units), evidence of the clear demand for housing models like Pearl Street Commons.