by Alex Morales
Published: October 15, 2009
In March 2009, The Resurrection Project embarked on the construction of a new state-of-the-art living facility for Chicago’s independent seniors, Casa Maravilla. Located in the Pilsen neighborhood and less than 5 minutes from the downtown area, Casa Maravilla will help meet the need for affordable senior living in the lower southwest side of Chicago.
This $20 million project will be the first affordable senior housing development in Pilsen and will offer 73 affordable units—a mix that includes studios, one and two-bedroom apartments.  Depending on income, rents will fluctuate between $350 to $900 monthly (including heat).
Among Casa Maravilla’s unique features is a Satellite Senior Center run by City of Chicago Department of Family Services.  The center will be open for the whole community and will feature a fitness facility as well as the popular Golden Dinner Program, offering seniors hot nutritious meals daily and more.  Health education sessions, exercise classes, conferences and trips will also be part of this innovative community facility.
The Resurrection Project also considered the environmental impact that its developments have in the community and have included advanced green elements like geo-thermal heating, a 75% recycled-material exterior insulation, a semi-permeable parking lot and a green roof (designed to decrease cooling costs), into the new building’s design. Residents of Casa Maravilla can also take advantage of the community gardening opportunities located in their block, just steps away at El Paseo’s Growing Stations Community Garden.
Another convenience is Casa Maravilla’s proximity to Alivio Medical Center, a local bilingual medical non-for-profit organization, which will improve access to affordable health care to all those seniors taking advantage of this great housing opportunity.
Casa Maravilla’s attractive new apartments are currently is slated to open by May of 2010.