Grace Terrace comes full circle; nonprofit announces closing for Arlington Heights affordable housing development
An affordable housing development for people with disabilities and veterans in Arlington Heights has reached an important milestone.
The nonprofit affordable housing developer Full Circle Communities announced it has closed on financing on Grace Terrace, a 25-unit development at 1519 S. Arlington Heights Road.
It will provide one- and two-bedroom apartments and feature a community room, laundry facilities, a library, on-site management and supportive services to promote housing stability and independence.
All units will be supported by project-based vouchers through the Housing Authority of Cook County to ensure long-term affordability for future residents.
“Grace Terrace reflects Full Circle Communities' commitment to creating housing that is both affordable and accessible for people who too often face barriers to stable housing,” said Lindsey Haines, interim president and CEO of Full Circle Communities.
The project gained zoning approval in January, after about three years and more than a dozen public meetings following its initial proposal. Plans were revised to scale down the project from three stories to two and have its entrance and parking lot facing the busy street instead of neighboring single-family homes to the east.
The $15 million investment is expected to generate approximately 180 construction jobs and three permanent positions once operational.
The project was made possible through partnerships among the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Cook County Department of Planning and Development, the Housing Authority of Cook County, the Village of Arlington Heights, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, ComEd and additional public and private funding partners.
Full Circle Communities partnered with the Housing Task Force, a local advocacy group that has pushed for accessible housing in the Northwest suburbs.
“This project represents years of advocacy by people who understand how limited housing options are for individuals with disabilities,” said Lorri Grainawi, co-president of the Housing Task Force. “Grace Terrace shows what is possible when communities come together to create housing that is accessible, affordable and rooted in dignity.”
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Dec. 4 at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with completion anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027.