Garfield School Apartments Development

Garfield School Senior Apartments

Garfield School Senior Apartments is a transformative 63-unit senior housing community in Decatur, Illinois, developed through a partnership between Bywater Development Group and SOCAYR and Simmons. This mixed adaptive reuse and new construction project is breathing new life into the historic Garfield School, revitalizing both the building and the surrounding neighborhood.

The project includes the full historic rehabilitation of the existing school building, creating 32 units, alongside a newly constructed wing with 31 additional units. Designed for residents aged 55 and older, the development offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with universal design features to support aging in place. All units are energy-efficient, and the project is pursuing Enterprise Green Communities Plus certification. A rooftop solar array will generate power for the community areas.

Amenities include a community room in the restored school auditorium, a fitness room, package room, outdoor pavilion, picnic areas, walking paths, raised garden beds, and on-site management. Residents will benefit from a range of supportive services and referrals, coordinated by Beacon Properties.

Eighteen units are supported with project-based vouchers from the Decatur Housing Authority, allowing the property to serve a wide range of incomes, from as low as 30% AMI to 80% AMI, through income averaging. Located adjacent to the soon-to-be-renovated Garfield Park and within a City-designated revitalization area, this project is a cornerstone of neighborhood renewal and a high-quality housing option for low- to moderate-income seniors in Decatur.