Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO) formally submitted plans for an ambitious 160-unit affordable housing development located at 8701 S Western Avenue. The proposed mixed-use development called ‘SOLA at 87th’ will feature 160 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units spread across an 84,150-square foot (SF) site which currently consists of several vacant lots and a closed Bank of America branch.
Known for providing award winning affordable housing, IHO’s proposed plan reflects the non-profit developer’s desire to stimulate “catalytic community revitalization”. Even the project’s physical design reflects an attention to detail and community-centric approach not always present in affordable housing developments.
The current plan reveals the developer intends on maintaining the neighborhood’s single-family integrity, by positioning townhome style units on both 87th and 88th Street in order to step down the scale. While along Western Avenue, the more densely designed buildings will include a ground floor, sit down restaurant and commercial tenants “to encourage positive activity vital to revitalizing the commercial corridor”.
The site was originally purchased last November for $7.65M from ICEF, a local education provider that operates several charter schools across the city, including View Park High School. If approved, the project will include more than 7,000 SF of commercial space, 28,000 SF of designated open areas, 112 parking stalls, and wrap-around support services for residents.
