The long-awaited ribbon cutting for the new Garden Center Services apartment complex for adults with disabilities took place the morning of Sept. 9 in Worth.
Garden Center Services was established in 1956 as a grassroots effort to support children with developmental disabilities and their families. The organization, which has been based out of Burbank, has now developed into a multi-program agency to provide services for adults with disabilities.
The apartment complex borders the corner of Crandall Avenue and Depot Street and has 16 units. The residents have disabilities but are functioning adults who desire to live on their own.
The project is close to the heart of Mayor Mary Werner. Gerry Beagles, who serves as the CEO for Garden Center Services, had approached the mayor about a home for adults with disabilities who seek their independence. The mayor recalled discussing possibilities over the years but then suggested that a parking lot that was once utilized by Metra could be available.
While Beagles and the organization had to overcome several obstacles, construction began on the apartment complex, which is located directly across the street from the Worth Village Hall.
“I used to look out every day from my office and saw the apartment complex being built,” Werner said. “My heart is open to these residents. The sad thing is that there is such a need for this housing. They have 16 units and there were requests for all of them within 48 hours. But it’s a start.”
Beagles thanked the mayor, Village Clerk Bonnie Price and all the members of the Worth Board of Trustees for their efforts in the development of this project. Beagles said that the mayor and local officials were so forthcoming and encouraging about this endeavor.
An emotional Beagles said this apartment complex provides a need and said the village response has been overwhelming.
“A nation shows that it’s not just great on its own but is best on how it treats the most marginalized,” Beagles said. “In the Village of Worth, we are living this.”
Along with Beagles and the mayor, guest speakers included Carrie Dorsey, a Garden Apartments resident; U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-6th); Christine Moran, managing director of the Multifamily Financing Illinois Housing Development Authority; and state Rep. Mary Gill (D-35th).
Dorsey was the first person to officially move into the Garden Apartments the previous day. The amenities in her one-bedroom apartment on the first floor provide for all her needs, and she is ecstatic after several years of despair.
“This allows me to spread my wings,” Dorsey said. “After sleeping in my single-bedroom apartment yesterday, I can say that I’m home. Garden Center is my family.”
“I want to thank everyone who made this happen,” Casten said. “If you look at our own country, we have been through a lot this year. But there are people out there who are committed to doing something more. Hatred can be loud, but love has got the numbers.”
Moran said that she has a son with developmental disabilities who is now 22 years old and added that the Garden Apartments will be an asset to the community.
Karl Bradley, deputy director of Housing and Strategic Finance for the Cook County Board of Planning and Development, echoed those sentiments. Bradley was filling in for Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison (R-17th), who was unable to attend.
Gill said she has been involved in the Special Olympics and taught students with special needs. She also mentioned that her Uncle Mike was in the Special Olympics, so the Garden Apartments are important to her because it provides dignity for adults with disabilities.
“I Love the Garden Center,” Gill said. “My uncle always chose to be kind and help people. It’s not just one person who can do this. This is not just another apartment building.”
After ribbon cutting, a tour of the three-story structure was offered for local officials and dignitaries. Ray Benaitis, director of facilities and project management for Garden Center Services, conducted the tour.
Guests had an opportunity to view a vast community room on the first floor that leads out in the back to a garden with a walking path. A workroom is also featured on the first floor.
The apartment has five two-bedroom units and the rest are one bedroom. The units are equipped with code keys to enter and each unit has a monitor to see who is contacting them.
The apartment complex was developed through the WJW Architects and the Blackwood Group. Garden Center Services also partners with the Cook County of Economic Development, Corporation of Supportive Housing, and the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
Beagles mentioned that a major appeal of locating in Worth is that the residents are within walking space of food stores and other businesses along 111th Street. They are also within walking distance of the Metra train station. Since the residents don’t drive, access to businesses and transportation is vital, Beagles added.
Due to the demand of housing for adults with disabilities and the warm reception Garden Center Services has had in Worth, Beagles said they approached the village and worked out the details for a second complex, which will be called Brush Hill Apartments that will be built at 7106 W. 107th St. According to WJW Architects, who will also oversee this project, Brush Hill will have 21 units due to the demand.
Construction for the Brush Hill Apartments will begin soon. WJW Architects said the maximum construction time will take about 16 months. Occupancy of the Brush Hill Apartments is scheduled for early in 2029.
The Brush Hill Apartments, like the Garden Apartments, was selected because both locations allow residents easier access to walk to specific amenities and to take public transportation. Beagles said that again this is important because the tenants do not drive.
“And that is why we did a second unit, the need is just huge,” Beagles said. “The second thing is our experience with Mayor Mary Werner and the Village of Worth. (They) just get it.”