R2025-308 Resolution Authorizing Real Estate Purchase Agreement Between City of Decatur, Illinois and Garfield School Associates, LP for the Property Located at 1077 West Grand Ave Lot One of Garfield School Apartments Addition

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ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT No. 2025-35 December 1, 2025 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council Members FROM: Melissa Hon, Interim City Manager Lacie Elzy, Economic & Community Development Director SUBJECT: Resolutions Authorizing Real Estate Purchase Agreements for Garfield School Lot One and Lot Two 1. Resolution Authorizing Real Estate Purchase Agreement Between City of Decatur, Illinois and Garfield School Associates, LP for the Property Located at 1077 West Grand Ave Lot One of Garfield School Apartments Addition and 2. Resolution Authorizing Real Estate Purchase Agreement Between City of Decatur, Illinois and Garfield School Associates, LP for the Property Located At 1077 West Grand Ave Lot Two of Garfield School Apartments Addition SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of two companion resolutions authorizing execution of the Real Estate Purchase Agreements between the City of Decatur and Garfield School Associates, LP for the sale of Lot One and Lot Two of the Garfield School Apartments Addition, located at 1077 West Grand Avenue. BACKGROUND: The former Garfield School, constructed in 1925, remains a key historic asset and redevelopment priority for both the City and surrounding neighborhood. Through extensive stakeholder discussions and collaboration with the Illinois Housing Development Authority(IHDA), a clear redevelopment vision emerged—one that preserves the school's architectural character while delivering much- needed senior housing. Garfield School Associates, LP (a partnership including Bywater Development Group, Simmons Development Group, SOCAYR, and their design and construction partners) proposes a $20.7 million redevelopment that includes: • 63 affordable, energy-efficient senior apartments (for residents age 55+) o 32 units created through historic rehabilitation of the existing building o 31 units constructed in a new addition • A mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments • 18 units reserved for Decatur Housing Authority-assisted households • On-site management, community spaces, lounges, and shared amenities • Solar panel installation and Enterprise Green Community Plus sustainability certification goals Market analysis continues to confirm strong demand for quality senior housing at 50%, 60%, and 80% AMI, reinforcing the project's alignment with community needs.