Uptown Could Lose 2 More SRO Buildings, Neighbors Warn 'We Want To Still Live Here'

In Uptown, residents are rallying to save the Chatelaine and Northmere, two remaining single-room occupancy buildings threatened with closure. The Chatelaine is for sale, with residents receiving eviction notices, while the Northmere faces potential closure due to code violations. Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth highlighted the importance of these buildings as a crucial safety net for those at risk of homelessness. Cheia Myers, a resident of Chatelaine, described her attachment to the area and the stability the building has provided during difficult times.

The city's SRO Preservation Ordinance has not yielded a buyer committed to keeping Chatelaine affordable, leaving residents worried about their rights. Organizers argue that the termination notices issued to Chatelaine residents violate city SRO laws. Both buildings represent the last five SROs in Uptown, with their loss likely causing significant displacement. Experts warn that a vacate order could soon be issued for the Northmere, further exacerbating the housing crisis.