Wing Schoolhouse

260 Center Street
Elgin, IL 60120

Photos
  • Jungle Gym
Project Type
Acquisition and Renovation
Year Built
Acquisition Date
Last Renovation
Number of Units
27
Tenancy
Family
Description

Elgin Schoolhouse is an affordable family property located in the historic Abbey Saunders Wing Schoolhouse near downtown Elgin, IL with 27 studio, 1-, 2- and 3- bedroom apartments. POAH acquired Elgin Schoolhouse in 2019, almost 40 years after the former school had been converted to a residential building in 1980, and completed an 11-month renovation of the property in 2022, the property’s first substantial upgrade in decades. Renovations included improvements to all 27 apartments -- new windows, air conditioners and appliances as well as bathroom upgrades, lighting, flooring, and paint.

ADA units were upgraded to current requirements. Common-area work included addition of a 2nd-floor accessible laundry room, new flooring, lighting and paint in hallways and stairwells, entryway upgrades and security/alarm systems. Work also included landscaping and parking lot improvements.
 

Elgin Schoolhouse is fully supported by a Section 8 (HAP) rental assistance contract. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) provided 9% low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). Kane County provided $750,000 in secondary HOME and CDBG financing.HUD provides rent subsidy to all 27 units. Huntington Bank is the first-mortgage lender and Enterprise Community Partners is the LIHTC investor. Initial acquisition included Capital Magnet Fund resources.