Located along Ashland Avenue between Polk and Taylor Streets, SCIO at the Medical District sits on over five acres of property. The existing 410-unit rental community consisted of two, 12-story towers with a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom homes. Focus enhanced the residences with new flooring, appliances and upgraded kitchens and baths. In addition, Focus built a new amenity pavilion connecting the two residential towers. The new amenities include an outdoor pool and sundeck, fitness center, business center, lobby with concierge and complimentary wi-fi, bike room and parking garage.
All renovation and value-add construction occurred during occupancy and was structured in phases. Working from the top floor down, the Focus team renovated one floor of units (18 units total) every eight weeks with a four-week overlap between floors, so at any given time two floors were under construction. The remaining floors of units are occupied by residents during construction. Focus worked closely with property management to ensure that there was as little inconvenience as possible for the existing tenants.
This highly accessible location is steps from Rush University Medical Center, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and several major bus and rail lines. Also located nearby are popular shopping, dining and entertainment destinations, including Taylor Street’s restaurant row and the United Center, which is situated approximately one-mile northwest of the property.