High-Quality Affordable Housing Designed Around Community Collaboration
This 53-unit affordable housing development in Wheeling, Illinois, demonstrates General Capital's commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed housing that reflects the character of its surrounding community. Completed in 2023, the four-story building features a mix of 14 one-bedroom, 12 two-bedroom, and 27 three-bedroom apartments, providing housing opportunities for households of varying sizes. General Capital worked closely with Village of Wheeling staff, the Plan Commission, and the Village Board throughout the design process to create a building that met the community's expectations for architectural quality. The exterior design incorporates traditional architectural elements, including distinctive gables added in response to Village feedback, establishing a visual connection to the surrounding neighborhood.
The development combines high-quality architecture with extensive resident amenities and sustainable building practices. Approximately 3,000 square feet of ground-floor community, leasing, and Wi-Fi café space complements a fitness center, business center, and additional gathering areas designed to encourage resident interaction and convenience. The 3.781-acre property also includes 120 parking spaces and outdoor community spaces. Designed to meet LEED green building standards, the development emphasizes energy efficiency and long-term sustainability while offering amenities comparable to market-rate apartment communities. Celebrating its grand opening on December 4, 2023, the project demonstrates how collaborative municipal planning and thoughtful design can deliver affordable housing that contributes positively to the surrounding community.
Key Themes
- High-quality affordable housing combining thoughtful architecture with extensive resident amenities.
- Collaborative municipal planning incorporating feedback from Village leadership and stakeholders.
- Context-sensitive architecture reflecting local character through traditional gables and design.
- Family-oriented housing offering diverse apartment layouts and community spaces.
- LEED-certified development emphasizing sustainability and market-rate-quality design standards.
Results
- 53 affordable apartments delivered in December 2023.
- 14 one-bedroom, 12 two-bedroom, and 27 three-bedroom residences completed.
- 3,000 SF of community space supporting leasing, gathering, and resident activities.
- 120 parking spaces provided across a 3.781-acre development site.
- Four-story residential building featuring fitness, business, and community amenities.