A COMMUNITY COMES HOME
There are moments in this work that remind us exactly why we do it. The recent Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Taylor Place Apartments was one of those moments.
Nearly 60 community members, project partners, elected officials, and, most importantly, residents gathered in the beautifully restored historic Hanley Mill to celebrate the opening of Taylor Place.
A community designed to provide quality, affordable housing for people who have roots in McHenry but have struggled to remain here, Taylor Place is fully leased and actively making a difference in the lives of the people who call it home.
IN THE NEWS
Taylor Place was featured in the Northwest Herald. Reporter Janelle Walker spoke with residents and partners about what affordable workforce housing means for McHenry County. Read the full story here.
VOICES THAT SHAPED THE DAY
The speaking program brought together an remarkable group of leaders who helped make Taylor Place possible. Jake Victor of Northpointe Development opened with a reflection on health, wellness, and community impact. Mayor Wayne Jett spoke to the transformation of the space itself. County Board Chair Mike Buehler recognized the county’s commitment to thoughtful, impactful development. Tom O’Brien of Henry Bros. Co. expressed the pride his team takes in building places that become true homes. Richard Koenig closed by reminding everyone that creating a home is the most important thing we can possibly do — then invited the crowd outside for the ribbon cutting.
Videos of all the speeches are available below.
THE MOMENT THAT STOPPED THE ROOM
If there was one moment that captured the heart of the day, it was the speech delivered by Kimberly, a resident of Taylor Place.
Kimberly spoke about her long, deep ties to McHenry, a community she has always considered home. She shared her struggles to stay locally housed in the community she loves. She spoke of praying for the safety of the construction workers as the building rose, hoping and believing that it would one day become her home.
And then she told us what she named her apartment: “Oasis.”
“This is my little water spot in the middle of my desert,” she said. “My address has to change, but I’m still a resident of McHenry and for that, I’m truly grateful.”
The room gave her a standing ovation. In that moment, every challenge and every year of hard work distilled itself into something clear and simple: this is why it matters.
A PLACE WITH PURPOSE
We are proud to share that Taylor Place is fully leased. Every unit has a resident. Every door has someone behind it who is building a life and finding stability. For most of our residents, like Kimberly, this is not a new community. It is the one they have already lived and worked in. Taylor Place simply makes it possible for them to stay.
That is the measure of success that matters most to us.
Taylor Place would not exist without an exceptional team of partners and supporters.
To our development partner Northpointe Development and our contractor Henry Bros. Co.: Thank you for your expertise and shared commitment to this work.
To our financial partners, Illinois Housing Development Authority, Wintrust Bank & Trust, McHenry County, City of McHenry, and ComEd Energy Efficiency: Thank you for making Taylor Place possible.
To Mayor Wayne Jett and County Board Chair Mike Buehler: Thank you for your leadership and your investment in projects that make a lasting difference.
For More Information About Taylor Place
