Edison Ave Art Lofts, Granite City

2025 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Adaptive Reuse

Edison Avenue Art Lofts is a vibrant, mixed-use development featuring affordable housing and community space in the historic former Tri-County YMCA. Constructed between 1924 and 1926 and designed by architects Wedemeyer and Nelson in the Late Gothic Revival style, the 48,000 square-foot building is locally landmarked and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The thoughtful and creative adaptive reuse, which blends historic preservation and modern adaptation, was spearheaded by Rise Community Development. The building is now home to 37 one-of-a-kind, affordable loft-style and split-level apartments, thanks to the reimagining of spaces like the former gymnasium and dance studio. The development aims to provide long-term housing with units specifically reserved for veterans. The renewed building also features a community art hub with galleries, studios and a performance venue. Overall, the project has successfully created a catalyst for community renewal and provided needed community services like housing, all while celebrating the original character of the YMCA building.

(Photo credit: Wideiphoto)

Additional Information

The adaptive reuse of the former YMCA retained original architectural elements such as coffered ceilings, tiled floors, paneled walls, original fireplaces and the main entry lobby. The project began in May 2018 and was completed in July 2021. Funding sources include Affordable Housing Tax Credits, Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, Equity HOME Funds, Madison County Community Development, Illinois Housing Development Corporation, IAHT Charitable Contribution and Construction Financing.

(Photo credit: Wideiphoto)

Project Principals

• Rise Community Development, Owner/Developer
• Rosemann & Associates, PC, Architect
• Altman Charter Company, Project Manager
• Horner & Shifrin, Structural Engineer
• McCormack Baron Salazar, Property Manager
• Karen Baxter Bode, Historic Consultant
• FCB Banks, Construction/Perm Lender
• City of Granite City, Madison County Community Development
• Illinois Housing Development Authority
• Associated Bank
• Boston Capital, Equity Investor

(The development team. Photo credit: Rosemann & Associates)

Why is this place important to you?

Nancy Rodney, Architect and Senior Project Manager, Rosemann & Associates

The collective goal and vision of Rise, Rosemann & Associates, PC and all entities involved was to increase affordable housing in Granite City and bring new economic development and strength to the city’s center, boost activity in nearby areas and passionately preserve the historic elements of the building already present, while purposefully transforming the 48,000-square-foot structure into affordable loft style apartments and arts hub, along with a full list of attractive amenities.

(Photo credit: Wideiphoto)

How did saving this place impact people in your community?

Nancy Rodney, Architect and Senior Project Manager, Rosemann & Associates

Edison Avenue Lofts not only offers residents a comfortable place to live, but also a strong community with a deep connection to the arts. Residency is geared towards the arts, with a few units set aside for veterans who work with art. These units are fully ADA accessible. The Madison County Housing Authority committed Project-Based Housing Choice Vouchers for 10 apartments, two of which are reserved for veterans and six for individuals utilizing the Statewide Referral Network. A range of custom services for the residents includes financial literacy, employment assistance and art therapy. Residents enjoy a convenient location where they will find coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, the Granite City Cinema, a burgeoning Granite City arts scene and public transportation a short walk from their front door.

(Before & after lobby restoration. Photo credit: Rosemann & Associates (top) & Wideiphoto (bottom).)