HISTORY
Affordable housing in an independent-living community for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities for more than 50 years
Naperville Elderly Homes, Inc. (NEH) has been the non-profit owner of Martin Avenue Apartments for over 50 years. NEH’s Board of local citizens raised funds to construct the first building in 1973, and it reached full occupancy within three months of opening its doors. Since then, prospective residents joined waiting lists hopeful that an apartment would become available soon. The wait was usually several years.
In 2018, NEH received low-income tax credits from the Illinois Housing Development Authority and DuPage County for the purpose of constructing a new 5-story building and completely renovating all the existing Martin Avenue Apartments and community space. The new construction was completed in late 2020, and the community now holds nearly 200 residents.
“The expansion opens up many new opportunities to serve our residents better and to provide programs and services to the entire community.”
— Dave Weeks, NEH Board President
View Timeline
Timeline
1965
A group of Naperville residents recognized the need for affordable housing for low income seniors and individuals with disabilities in the community.
1967
Naperville Elderly Housing Inc. (NEH) was created.
1971
NEH broke ground on the Martin Avenue Apartments.
1973
Martin Manor (now Martin Avenue Apartments) opened to the public.
1978
Board Member Ann Carlson created the Martin Manor Auxiliary to raise public awareness of the facility and generate support through fundraising events.
1983
Martin Manor’s auxiliary opens drive for new bus.
1986
The Martin Manor Cookbook, which included recipes provided by residents, was published and sold to raise funds for the facility.
2013
The Martin Avenue Apartments celebrated its 40th anniversary.
2018
NEH received a $24 million dollars of Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The funds will be used to upgrade and expand the facility.
2020
New building added and all existing apartments and community spaces renovated.
Facebook Highlights
This fall, 90 residents responded to our annual survey inquiring about life in our community. We are honored to make such an incredible impact in the lives of our residents!
Thank you to Naperville Community Television (NCTV17) for interviewing Martin Avenue leadership featuring John Schillerstrom, Board President, and Mary Kerbs, Executive Director! We were thrilled to be able to share about how Martin Avenue improves the lives of the seniors in our community, and discuss our upcoming 50th anniversary celebration! https://www.nctv17.org/spotlight/martin-avenue-apartments-improves-the-lives-of-local-seniors/
Martin Avenue is proud to be the place our residents call home. We are an ally for families with aging relatives and seniors in need of affordable living in a welcoming, accessible, and flexible environment where they can thrive. Join our mission and donate today to help secure their future: https://martinave.org/
This month we’re celebrating 50 years since Martin Avenue Apartments first opened its doors to residents in 1973. We’re proud to say that thousands of lives have been changed since then by providing affordable homes for lower-income seniors. Discover the timeline of our history at: https://martinave.org/history/
Thank you NCTV for sharing our story. Thousands of lives have been changed since we opened our doors to lower income seniors 50 years ago!
Reflecting on 50 years...we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the city for its invaluable support and our dedicated community partners for their unwavering commitment to making Martin Avenue Apartments a reality.
Martin Avenue Apartments has reached a remarkable milestone - 50 years of celebrating our residents! Our unwavering commitment to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities has driven us to create an affordable, independent-living community that's safe and supportive. Join us as we reflect on some memorable moments from our journey, shaping our mission into what it is today.
Mayor Wehrli visited and took part in both of our 50th-anniversary celebrations last month. He shared his enthusiastic support for affordable housing and senior programs in the City of Naperville, Illinois, Government. Our residents enjoyed conversing with the Mayor, and he even joined them for some courtyard dancing!
This Giving Tuesday, let's make a real difference in the lives of those at Martin Avenue Apartments. Your donations will bring hope, comfort, and a brighter future to lower income seniors in need. Join us in spreading kindness and changing lives one contribution at a time. Visit:https://martinave.org/donate/
For our seniors, Martin Avenue is more than housing; it’s HOME. Is it time for you to start thinking of elderly care for your family members? Discover the unparalleled warmth, comfort, and community that makes Martin Avenue truly extraordinary. Visit https://martinave.org/history/ for more information
Imagine the word "home" evoking feelings of independence, safety, joy, and community. Now, picture seniors facing homelessness, isolation, and uncertainty about their future. This growing crisis affects those who have led independent, successful lives, leaving them at risk financially and physically. That's where we come in - we are Martin Avenue Apartments. We transform lives by providing affordable homes, fulfilling lifestyles, and reliable senior community resources to over 199 residents. For them, Martin Avenue Apartments isn't just a place; it's "home." We sustain our senior community through local support. However, without awareness and your involvement, their futures become insecure. YOU can make a difference. Become a donor, sponsor, or community partner. This is someone's family – maybe yours someday, and we are determined to continue providing homes to more and more of our community seniors. Your support today ensures their tomorrow.
Martin Avenue Apartments: Your premier choice for affordable senior housing in Greater Naperville and DuPage County! We're honored to be recognized as the go-to resource for seniors and their families. Discover a community that cares: https://martinave.org/the-apartments/
Our Executive Director, Mary Kerbs, said it best: we are truly changing lives and providing homes for those who may not have had them if not for Martin Avenue. Our mission is to transform lives by providing residents with affordable “homes,” not just a house. Our team, like Mary, is dedicated to ensuring that our seniors can continue living fulfilling lifestyles, and have access to reliable senior community resources. Learn more about our mission here 👉https://martinave.org/about-us/
Naperville Elderly Homes, Inc.
310 Martin Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540
630-357-0909
630-357-1699
© Naperville Elderly Homes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Site by: Paul Gregory Media
Office Hours
9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Monday through Friday
Naperville Elderly Homes, Inc. does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, ancestry, unfavorable military discharge, marital status or disability.
Managed by: Evergreen Real Estate Services, LLC.