Rock Island Today

City and state officials recently gathered at a groundbreaking ceremony for what will be a redevelopment of Moline's century-old former Garfield Elementary School building into 57 new one- and two bedroom apartments for low- and moderate-income seniors.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) said the project would include preserving the historic building and constructing a new three-story addition on what was the school's former playground.  Plans also call for the classrooms to be renovated into apartments with the gym being turned into a common space including a fitness center, kitchen, and a multipurpose room for events and classes. 

IHDA Executive Director Audra Hamernik said there is a critical need for senior housing in the community.

IHDA Executive Director Audra Hamernik

"These are critically needed apartments that will go a long way to meet the growing demand for affordable senior housing in the community, and we're grateful to have had the city's support as our partners worked to preserve this piece of neighborhood history," Hamernik said in a statement. 

The project headed by Gorman & Company will largely be financed by federal tax credits expected to generate $9.6 million in private capital and is slated to be complete in April 2019, according to the IHDA. 

Also according to the IHDA, 42 of the units will be reserved for seniors earning less than 60 percent of the Area Median Income, which is no more than $34,740 for a two-person household in Rock Island County.  The remaining units will be for households earning less than 30 percent of the Area Median Income, which for Rock Island County is capped at $17,370 for a household of two.