GARY – Construction has begun on a 60-unit residential development to serve as permanent, supportive housing for the homeless. South Shore Commons is a four-year project in the making to provide suitable housing with the added benefit of supportive services and case management provided by Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living.
Serving as co-general partners in the project are Edgewater Systems and UP Development, LLC of Chicago. Additional partners in the project include NSP Consultants, Broadway Area Community Development Corp., and the City of Gary. The project is located on an undeveloped parcel located on 20th Avenue between Lincoln and Pierce streets. Ledcor Construction Corp. is serving as the project’s General Contractor.
“Edgewater is excited to finally be moving forward with this project that meets a critical need. No one should be without a stable place to live. For 60 people this is the first step toward a better quality of life and will enhance recovery physically, mentally and spiritually,” said Danita Johnson Hughes, President and CEO of Edgewater Systems.
The $12 million project includes 48 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom furnished apartments.Common area amenities include laundry facilities, reception area, a computer room, and places to gather for both large and small groups. The project is the first in the region to be developed based on the strategy of Housing First. Housing First is an innovative approach to human service programming where the primary need of stable housing is addressed first, and other issues affecting the household can then be addressed once housing is obtained.
