American Islamic College campus to become senior housing

A residential high-rise will replace a historical college campus in Uptown.

The Chicago City Council approved developer K Giles’ plan to build a 22-story residential building with units reserved for area seniors, Block Club Chicago reported. The development will replace the American Islamic College at Irving Park Road and Marine Drive.

The plans call for a total of 437 apartments. The new high-rise, which will include 192 units, will go up on the school’s parking lot to the north of the building. The existing school building will be used for the remaining 245 units.

Ald. James Cappleman’s advisory zoning committee approved the development this summer after K Giles scaled back the proposal from being 27 stories and having 495 residential units. Nearby residents had previously expressed concerns about the project adding too much density to an overcrowded neighborhood.

The housing will include independent living units and memory care options.

During Tuesday’s council meeting Cappleman said there were concessions made from both parties, but the need for the housing, particularly on the North Side, was clear.

Designed by Barry Byrne, who worked under Frank Lloyd Wright, the existing building was originally opened in 1921 as Immaculata High School, an all-girls Catholic school. The American Islamic College moved into the property two years after the school closed in 1983, when the complex was designated as a Chicago Landmark.

American Islamic College said it plans to sell the campus to finance the group moving to a new location, which it hasn’t chosen yet.

— Victoria Pruitt