Granite City, IL – On Thursday, February 13th, a groundbreaking ceremony signaled the start of the redevelopment of the historic Tri-County YMCA to the newly named Edison Avenue Lofts. About 100 people, including dignitaries, community members, and the development team, gathered in the rotunda of the City Hall before venturing outside for a short ceremony. The official groundbreaking was followed by guided tours of the former Y.
Located at 2001 Edison Avenue, this iconic building has been vacant since the Y left for a new location in 2004. The design’s new intent is to preserve historic elements of the building, while transforming the structure into 37 one-and two-bedroom affordable loft-style apartments and arts hub, along with commercial space, common area and amenities. Residency is geared towards the arts community, with a few units set aside for veterans who work with art either as therapy or for a living. All the units will be accessible by people with disabilities.
This project is a community venture made achievable through support from government, nonprofits and financial institutions using tax-increment financing, low-income housing tax credits, historic tax credits and a grant from the HOME program.
Rosemann & Associates, P.C. architects are leading the design for the restoration of the project, teaming with Rise Community Development, Altman Charter Company, City of Granite City, Madison County Community Development, Illinois Housing Development Authority, FCB Banks, and Associated Bank.
Edison Lofts Apartments is slated to welcome its first residents in late 2020.