FAQs
What is The 801?
The 801, located at 801 S. Oak Park Ave, is the newest addition to the Southtown community of Oak Park, slated to open in 2021. The transit-oriented development consists of 35 high quality, yet affordable, rental apartments above two live/work units and approximately 1,000 square feet of commercial retail space. It is a signature building on a key community retail block in one of Oak Park’s vibrant neighborhoods and is designed to complement the rich amenities in the surrounding area.
What type of apartments are available to rent?
There are 3 Studios, 30 one-bedrooms, 2 two-bedrooms, and 2 live/work units.
What is the application process?
The application process will begin in Fall 2020. There will be an online pre-application process in place once lease-up begins. We encourage all interested applications to leave contact information on the Sign-Up page to be added to the interested person list. Please note The 801 is committed to helping provide more affordable rents in Oak Park. Financing that made The 801 possible requires the use of income limits. Applicant will be required to provide financial information evidencing household income. Credit, criminal and eviction records of the applicant will also be obtained with service fees paid by the applicant.
Are there income restrictions?
Financing that made The 801 possible requires the use of income limits, which are set as a percentage of Area Median Income as established by HUD. Different apartments at The 801 will have different maximum incomes. However, the highest income limits, as currently provided by HUD, are provided below. These limits are updated annually.
Household Size Income Limit at 60% of Area Median Income
1 Person $37,440
2 Persons $42,780
3 Persons $48,120
4 Persons $53,460
As of 2/10/20
What happens if my income goes up after I move in?
For The 801, incomes at time of move in can’t be higher than 60% of Area Median Income (“AMI”), which is currently $37,440 for one person. After move in, if you get a raise and your income exceeds 60% AMI, we will be the first to congratulate you. We hope our well-located, quality housing with affordable rents help our residents improve their economic outcomes. However, because The 801 is committed to maintaining rents that are affordable to households earning 60% of AMI or less, HUD requires that we can’t rent to households whose incomes rise to more than 140% of AMI after move in. Currently, 140% of AMI for 1 person is $87,360.
Household Size Income Limit at 60% of Area Median Income (AMI)
1 Person $37,440
2 Persons $42,780
3 Persons $48,120
4 Persons $53,460
As of 2/10/20
How much is rent?
Actual rents will be determined closer to the completion of construction and are based on the most up to date Area Median Incomes. Generally, rents are as follows:
Studio – $587 – $905
1 Bedroom – $612 – $953
2 Bedroom – $1,137
Live/Work – $953 (803 Van Buren St), Contact our leasing agent for the rent at 807 S Oak Park Ave.
What utilities are included in the rent?
How much is the Security Deposit?
What is a live/work unit?
For the artist preference live/work unit, how do you define artists?
We understand that artists work within a wide spectrum of creative pursuits. Consequently, our definition of “artist” broadly includes individuals actively engaged in artists and literary activities including; visual arts, theater, multi-media, dance, music, writing, design, and functional art such as furniture making. During the application process, evidence of professional commitment will be requested which can be done through:
- A resume and/or portfolio that evidences art education, professional training, exhibitions, performances, samples of work, and any career-related information that demonstrates professional intent
- Advanced education and/or training or knowledge or art or;
- Other evidence of the attainment of special artistic skills as a workman or craftsman.
Are all art forms allowed for the live/work unit?
Who manages The 801?
What tenant will occupy the commercial retail space?
The tenant occupying the commercial retail space is still to be determined. The Community Builders is working with Theresa Jurgus, a local commercial broker with Baird & Warner, to secure a business that complements, yet not compete with, the existing businesses on S. Oak Park Ave. If you are interested in becoming a tenant at The 801, please contact Theresa at Theresa.jurgus@bairdwarner.com
When will leasing begin?
How do I apply?
There is a two-step application process for rental of units at The 801
- Initial Pre-Application Submitted Online: The primary leaseholder must be at least 18 years old.
- Tenant Income Verification: Upon receipt of a complete pre-application, the property manager will schedule an interview to verify your household’s financial, rental, credit, and criminal history, which will include completing a Tenant Income Certification form, and full lease application. The Property Manager will screen the information that you provide in this interview.
Will the parking lot at The 801 be available for non-residents and retail customers?
What amenities are included?
Building amenities include secured bicycle storage, on-site parking, trash chute, accessible / elevator access to all floors and 9′ ceilings. The top floor includes a multi-purpose room with expansive glass facing a roof-top terrace overlooking the quaint retail corridor below. The roof-top terrace will be used as a social gathering place for residents to engage in community and enjoy time with one another. The setting is intimate and will be highlighted with comfortable seating.
Unit amenities include well-designed units focused on contemporary open plan living, in-unit washers and dryers, Energy Star dishwashers, microwaves, and tenant-controlled heating and cooling. High quality plank flooring will be used through the living areas and ceramic tile in the bathrooms. Two live/work units on the first floor will provide an opportunity for small business owners to live and work affordably while positioning their work for quality access and visibility to the commercial corridor. Extensive use of low-energy LED lighting and ample daylighting are employed to reduce energy consumption.
Will any of the apartments receive rental assistance?
Who are The Community Builders?
The Community Builders is one of the nation’s leading non-profit, mission-driven real estate developers. Our mission is to help build and sustain communities where all people can thrive. For over 50 years, our business, infrastructure and community program investments help make neighborhoods work for people of all incomes. For twenty years, The Community Builders has been dedicated to supporting mixed-income communities in metropolitan Chicago.
How can I learn more information about The 801?
How do I report any issues about the property?
During construction, people can contact us via email. Once the property starts pre-leasing, people can contact the property management team. The property management team is committed to providing responsive and respectful services to both residents, retail tenants, and community members. Any issues or concerns should be directed to the property management office within the building. Property management contact information will be provided closer to construction completion.
When will construction start?
Construction has begun and slated to be complete in spring 2021