On Sept. 1, Williams, 79, was the first tenant to move into the new Churchview Supportive Living Facility, 2626 W. 63rd St.

"I like living here," she said of the studio she calls home in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood. "I'm still able to live on my own and take care of myself."

And Williams got a special treat Saturday when Mayor Richard Daley brought her a bouquet as he and several community officials and planners cut the ribbon on the $16 million facility.

City officials said the 67,000-square-foot, 86-unit building is an example of the city's commitment to support the growing housing needs of seniors. The building officially opened Saturday just days after a three-year state moratorium on supportive-living programs was lifted.

"Seniors have raised families, cared for our neighborhoods, supported our schools, participated in community organizations and, most importantly, set a fine example for the generations that will follow," Daley said. "Because of their hard work, Chicago has become the best city in America for anyone to live, work and raise a family."

The facility offers assistance such as light housekeeping and meals to seniors unable to live alone. Staff members are also on-hand to provide diet consulting, laundry services, medication reminders and assistance with dressing and bathing.

The 10 one-bedroom apartments and 76 efficiencies come with microwave ovens and small refrigerators, and rent starts at $474 per month.

The supportive living facility is adjacent to Churchview Manor Apartments, a low-income senior housing development completed in 1992.

Daley said the facility fills a major void in the community, "by bridging the gap between independent living and skilled nursing home care."

Ivory Howell, Williams' son, said his mother's new home is just what she needed.

"She wanted to be by herself, but we didn't want her to have to worry about needing anything," Howell said.

The facility was built by Greater Southwest Development Corporation. Executive Director Jim Capraro said the facility improved the neighborhood's appearance.

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