A shuttered senior living facility in East Peoria is set to be redeveloped into a residential apartment complex. The former Accolade Healthcare of East Peoria building, located at 500 Centennial Drive, will be transformed into rental units, offering a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.
Key Takeaways
- The former Accolade Healthcare facility will be converted into 50 apartment units.
- The project aims to serve a diverse range of residents, including students and business professionals.
- Potential complementary uses like a daycare and dog grooming facility are being considered for the site.
Redevelopment Plans
Developers are planning to convert the 100-unit senior living facility into 50 apartment units, a move intended to better suit market demands. Kim Rooney, representing Mathen Realty Services, explained that this consolidation would allow for a design more akin to building from scratch. The proposal received unanimous approval from the East Peoria City Council for a special use allowance, permitting multi-family redevelopment in an area previously zoned for senior housing.
Parking and Amenities
Initially, developers had sought a waiver for the city’s parking requirement of 1.5 spaces per unit. However, by reducing the number of apartments, the project now exceeds the parking requirements, eliminating the need for a waiver. Ty Livingston, the city’s planning and community development director, noted that the excess parking could accommodate potential complementary uses. These could include a daycare center or a dog grooming facility, which would enhance the development’s appeal and convenience for residents.
Unit Mix and Affordability
The market-rate apartments are projected to have monthly rents ranging from $700 for studios to $1,600 for three-bedroom units. The project does not include any low-income housing subsidies. Developers aim to broaden the complex’s appeal by increasing the number of multi-bedroom units, catering to a variety of residents and the community’s growing needs.
Timeline and Future Considerations
Renovations are scheduled to be completed in phases over two years, with the first tenants expected to move in by late summer or early fall of next year. City officials have expressed eagerness for the site’s redevelopment, especially after the nursing home’s closure in March. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential improvements to a nearby hillside bus stop on Centennial Drive, including the possibility of a bridge to enhance safety and accessibility.
