The plan commission recently endorsed Pacific Garden Mission's attempt to build a 135,000-sf shelter, which would consolidate operations now on State Street as well as a women's shelter at 955 W. Grand Ave. The proposed site, owned by Grandy, CT-based Envirotest Illinois, Inc. and used as an auto emissions testing site, is zoned for light industrial use. The rezoning to commercial use would allow for a shelter that could house 916 overnight, a dining room, classrooms, medical office, auditorium, chapel and radio studio. However, Pacific Garden Mission estimates it will need at least $15 million, and perhaps more than $20 million, to accomplish its move.

The building, designed by Chicago architect Stanley Tigerman, also includes solar heating, a 24,000-sf rooftop greenhouse and a courtyard. "This is one of the most outstanding architectural designs I've seen," says 50th Ward Alderman Bernard Stone.

The new shelter actually would be in Alderman Madeleine Haithcock's 2nd Ward, but also involves Alderman Burton Natarus. The current men's shelter, which would make way for a $20-million expansion of neighboring Jones College Prep High School, is in his 42nd Ward. "This has been a matter of controversy," Natarus concedes. "Two good functions are performed here."