A patch of land in the Village of Worth is still just dirt. But by 2026, it will be home to dozens of people who need more than just a roof over their heads.
On Friday, May 30, Garden Center Services broke ground on Garden Apartments, a permanent supportive housing project for adults with developmental disabilities. The future multi-family complex at 7019 W. Crandall will offer affordable, long-term housing designed to support residents’ independence and dignity.
“We are thrilled to mark the beginning of construction,” said Gerry Beagles, CEO and president of Garden Center Services. “This project is about dignity. It’s about building a place where people can live safely and thrive.”
The event drew community members, local leaders and agency partners to celebrate a project nearly a decade in the making. Worth Mayor Mary Werner opened the ceremony with remarks welcoming the crowd and highlighting the project’s importance to the community.
“I am a firm believer that organizations such as the Garden Center are the backbone of taking care of those with disabilities,” Werner said.
Also speaking at the ceremony were Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison; Doren Hilmer, senior development officer with the Illinois Housing Development Authority; Samantha Alloway, executive director of the Arc of Illinois; and Cindy Haworth, chief operating officer of Garden Center Services.
“These are my absolute favorite types of projects to work on,” Morrison said. “The relief that they provide for families and caregivers is real.”
The building will include 16 apartments —12 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units. Each has a private kitchen, bathroom and living space. Other features include on-site laundry, a secure entry system, and off-street parking.
Outside, residents will have access to a patio area and therapy garden. Inside, they’ll receive tailored support from Garden Center staff — trained professionals who will work with each resident to determine what services they need to live independently.
The location is another asset: within walking distance of stores, a pharmacy, library, restaurants, parks, and public transit, including the train and bus lines.
For nearly 70 years, Garden Center Services has served people with developmental disabilities from Chicago’s south suburbs. Founded in 1956, the agency’s mission is to advance lives of connection, contribution and meaning, for both the individuals it supports and the caregivers who walk alongside them.
Beagles has personally worked with Garden Center Services for 54 years this fall and said these new apartments will give people with disabilities the opportunity to live in their own homes, with the help they need right there when they need it.
“It’s so heartwarming to see this come true,” Beagles said.
Support for the project comes from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Cook County Department of Planning and Development, and the Housing Authority of Cook County.
“Since we opened a group home in Worth a number of years ago, it has been a positive growth experience for all involved,” Beagles said. “The village administration fully supported and welcomed the idea of our agency building the Garden Apartments in their backyard. As the individuals we support share their goodness and gifts with the community, it has been so uplifting to observe the warmth of kindness melting past misconceptions and how individuals supporting one another can truly make a community stronger.”
After the ceremonial groundbreaking, guests made their way down the block to the American Legion Marrs-Meyer Post 991, where the celebration continued.
Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.
