Developers are kick-starting work to convert the former Charles Warrington Earle School into affordable apartments after the Englewood property was one of 50 schools to close its doors more than a decade ago. Wisconsin-based Gorman & Co. anticipates the project — with 100% affordable units — will welcome its first residents in December 2025.
The developer held a groundbreaking event on Tuesday at the school, 6121 S. Hermitage Ave. The building is currently getting a new roof, followed by windows, so it can be enclosed before winter.
Called the Earle School Apartments, the property will have 50 units and be available to those making 15% to 60% of the area median income. That means the monthly rent could be as low as $315 for a one-bedroom apartment, not including utilities. Most of the apartments will be one-bedroom units and the remaining 20 will be two-bedroom units.
Earle School Apartments is Gorman’s eighth project in Illinois, said Ron Clewer, Illinois market president. Gorman has completed more than 20 school-to-apartment conversion projects, creating both market-rate and affordable units. “We knew that in Englewood .
.. being able to serve those at risk of homelessness, we needed to have 100%-affordable property,” Clewer said.
Charles Warrington Earle School was one of 50 that shuttered in 2013 under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Some of the schools have since been converted into other uses, including luxury, low-income or senior citizen apartments. But a Sun-Time.
