Skender Completes Massive Renovation of Two 17-Story Apartment Buildings on Chicago’s West Side

The updated apartment buildings will continue to provide affordable housing for the South Lawndale and East Garfield Park communities.  

Skender and its joint venture partner, Blackwood Group, completed the extensive renovations of two west-side senior living apartment buildings in partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority and Michaels Development. The combined 400,000-square-foot renovation, designed by Canopy Architecture, brings both senior living facilities up to modern standards for years to come.

The project team successfully completed both buildings as occupied rehab construction, coordinating and carefully sequencing the work to ensure safe, smooth delivery with minimal interference with resident lives.

Irene McCoy Gaines Apartments. Located at 3700 W Congress Parkway in East Garfield Park, the 17-story, 150-unit property was built in 1964. All units underwent substantial renovations, including updated HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems. New amenity spaces, such as a redesigned dining and community room, an exterior courtyard, and upgraded laundry spaces, were added, contributing to the sense of community in the building and quality of life for the residents. The building’s re-opening ceremony was held on October 29.

Albany Terrace Apartments. Located at 3030 W 21st Place in South Lawndale, the 17-story, 350-unit senior complex was built in 1974. The building underwent a massive revitalization to upgrade resident units, amenity common spaces, and HVAC systems, including electrical and plumbing systems. In addition, a new elevator was installed to meet residents’ needs. The building’s re-opening celebration was held on November 21.

Every unit in both buildings was given new flooring, paint, LED lights, kitchens and baths, and air conditioning and thermostats. In addition, internet connectivity and Wi-Fi was upgraded in all common areas and units.

“This transformative project shows what can be achieved when teamwork and shared vision come together,” said Afshan Barshan, Senior Vice President at Skender Construction. “The chemistry between Skender and Blackwood Group, along with all partners, was instrumental in bringing this ambitious renovation to life. Beyond the construction, this project creates lasting benefits in the community, ensuring high-quality, accessible housing for generations to come.”

Photography credits:

• Exterior aerials of Albany Terrace and Irene McCoy Gaines by Skender
• Irene McCoy Gaines building common areas by Chris Barrett
• Irene McCoy Gaines unit interiors by Mark Ballogg