Sarah's Circle Expands Women's Housing in Uptown Development Push

Sarah’s Circle, a Chicago nonprofit focused on women’s housing, will convert a former Edgewater church into 32 apartments, marking the latest residential development pushing into the Far North Side as downtown markets struggle.

The project represents part of a broader shift in Chicago’s real estate development patterns, with developers increasingly targeting neighborhoods outside the Loop and Near North Side. While West Loop office vacancy hits record highs, residential projects in areas like Uptown and Edgewater are moving forward.

Sarah’s Circle purchased the former church building at 1032 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue for an undisclosed amount. The conversion will add to the organization’s existing portfolio of 354 housing units across Chicago, specifically serving women experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

“This expansion allows us to meet growing demand for women’s housing while contributing to neighborhood revitalization,” said a Sarah’s Circle spokesperson. The organization operates facilities in Uptown, Rogers Park, and other North Side neighborhoods.

The Edgewater project comes as several other developments take shape across the Far North Side. A five-story residential building is planned for a parking lot at 4800 N. Broadway in Uptown, adding market-rate apartments to an area that has seen increased investment over the past two years.

Development activity in these neighborhoods reflects broader economic pressures reshaping Chicago’s residential market. Construction costs remain elevated, but land prices in areas like Uptown and Edgewater offer better margins than premium locations where record-breaking sales have pushed acquisition costs beyond many developers’ reach.

Uptown has emerged as particularly attractive for residential development. The neighborhood’s proximity to the Red Line, entertainment venues like the Aragon Ballroom and Riviera Theatre, and relatively affordable housing stock appeals to both developers and residents priced out of Lincoln Park or Lakeview.

City data shows building permits for residential projects in Uptown increased 18% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The trend extends beyond market-rate housing to include affordable and supportive housing developments like Sarah’s Circle’s latest project.

For Sarah’s Circle, the Edgewater expansion represents strategic growth in an area with established social services infrastructure. The organization’s model combines housing with case management, mental health services, and job training programs specifically designed for women.

The nonprofit sector’s involvement in Far North Side development adds a different dynamic than purely commercial projects. Organizations like Sarah’s Circle often access tax credit financing and grant funding that can make projects viable in areas where market-rate developers might struggle with returns.

Edgewater’s development pipeline includes several mixed-income and affordable housing projects, reflecting both community demand and city policy priorities. The neighborhood’s lakefront location and transit access make it attractive for residential development, while existing housing stock provides opportunities for conversion projects like the former church.

Construction timelines for both the Sarah’s Circle project and the Broadway development remain unclear. Material costs and labor availability continue to impact project schedules across Chicago, though the Far North Side has seen fewer delays than some downtown developments.

The projects also highlight ongoing changes in Chicago’s residential development geography. While premium neighborhoods command higher sale prices and rents, development costs and community resistance can complicate new construction. Areas like Uptown and Edgewater offer developers more straightforward approval processes and community support for appropriate density increases.

For Sarah’s Circle, the expansion continues a growth strategy focused on serving women experiencing homelessness in neighborhoods with strong transit connections and social services. The organization has doubled its housing capacity over the past five years, reflecting both increased need and successful fundraising efforts.

The Far North Side developments represent broader trends in Chicago’s housing market, where affordability pressures, changing work patterns, and neighborhood investment cycles are reshaping where and how residential projects move forward. Both market-rate and nonprofit developers are finding opportunities in areas that offer better economics than premium locations while still providing residents with urban amenities and transportation access.