HUD's HOME Funds Bring
Affordable Housing to Downtown Joliet

The City of Joliet invested just over a million dollars of their HUD HOME grant to make possible the redevelopment of the old Hotel. City Planning Director Don Fisher calls it a major step towards establishing downtown Joliet as a place to live, as well as work. Fisher said the rapid lease up of the one and two bedroom apartments demonstrates the demand for downtown housing. "Developers are looking for additional opportunities," he said.

The Louis Joliet was built as a hotel in 1927. Some time later, after ceasing operations as a hotel, the building was acquired by the Carmelite nuns who operated it as a nursing home facility for many years. The structure was almost demolished a few years ago, but preservationists prevailed in the battle to save the stunning building, which offers commanding views of the city and Des Plaines River. It is located within a short walk of the train station.

The 8.3 million dollar project also includes a 3 million dollar private loan, $750,000 in housing trust funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority; and equity from the limited partnership, which will own and operate the building.

Following a tour of the newly opened building, Sister Therese and Community Planning and Development Representative, Amy Hudson, from the Chicago Office, paused for a photo opportunity.