Charles Warrington Earle School reopens as affordable housing in Chicago

The former Charles Warrington Earle School in Chicago’s West Englewood neighborhood has been repurposed into the Earle Residences, a 50-unit affordable housing development. The historic building, originally constructed in 1897, had remained vacant since its closure by Chicago Public Schools in 2014.

The nearly $35 million project was led by Gorman & Co. and supported by various funding sources, including $4.2 million in tax increment financing and $540,000 in Chicago Recovery Plan Permanent Supportive Housing funds. The apartments are designated for households earning up to 60% of the area median income, with some units specifically reserved for those at 15% of the area median income through the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund’s MAUI program.

In addition to residential units, the development includes amenities such as a community room, computer lab, fitness room, playground, and community garden. The project also features a partnership with the Phoenix Foundation and Phoenix Recovery Services to provide on-site supportive services for individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness.