Gurnee apartment complex upgrades for low-wage renters

Federal tax breaks offered to developers are expected to result in the renovation of a Gurnee apartment complex and the continuation of rental housing for low-to-moderate-income families and individuals.

Plans call for the Carriage House complex to undergo major interior and exterior work likely within the next couple of months. The 136-unit apartment complex is near O'Plaine Road and Grand Avenue on the village's east side.

Lake County Partners - a public-private venture designed to spur economic growth - has assisted in assembling the deal for Chicago-based TSM Development to revamp the Carriage House apartments.

David Young, president of Lake County Partners, said the apartment project would be a boost for Gurnee.

"It really improves the (village's) eastern gateway," Young said Friday. "That's why everybody is excited about it.

Lake County government administers development-related federal programs. A county board committee Tuesday will be asked to informally endorse required federal financial technicalities so TSM Development can receive tax breaks for the Carriage House work in exchange for keeping the rental units for low-to-moderate-income individuals or families. The redevelopment is projected to cost $15 million.

Under the proposal, TSM would create a mix of 153 studio, one and two-bedroom apartments - an increase from the existing 136 units. Each apartment would have a heating control, washer, dryer and electric meter.

Mayor Kristina Kovarik said the Carriage House apartment complex rehabilitation should improve property values in the area, which includes single-family homes to the south. She said the apartments won't be federally subsidized housing.

"These apartments - low-to-moderate housing - are for good, hard-working people who don't make as much as others in Gurnee," Kovarik said.

Kovarik said it's important for Gurnee to have a wide range of housing prices. She said affordable units, such as those at Carriage House, can attract retail employees who work in Gurnee and want to live in the village.

Young said he expects the Carriage House residents will be able to continue living in the complex during the renovations.