Chicago City Wire

Seventeen multi-unit residential buildings are set to be built in North Lawndale following the City Council's approval of the sale of 16 city-owned lots and additional financial backing. The projects will be developed by Westside Community Group and Citizens Building a Better Community LLC as part of the Department of Planning and Development’s Missing Middle Infill Housing initiative. This initiative aims to revitalize vacant lots with walk-up buildings that have been absent due to prolonged disinvestment. Each building, once completed, will be sold to at least one owner-occupant, aligning with the initiative’s goal of fostering community wealth.

The Westside Community Group is undertaking a $6.5 million project on South Drake and Trumbull avenues' 1600 and 1800 blocks. This development will replace eight vacant lots with nine market-rate three-flats, covering 30,000 square feet. These lots, valued at $104,322, will be sold for $1 each.

Citizens Building a Better Community LLC is managing a $5.9 million project on South Trumbull and Homan avenues' 1400 and 1500 blocks and West Douglas Boulevard's 3300 block. This project will transform eight vacant lots into eight market-rate two-flats over an area of 26,598 square feet. The lots are valued at $116,800 but will also be sold for $1 each.

Moreover, each unit within these projects will receive $150,000 from City bond proceeds to ensure purchase prices align with market rates.

North Lawndale is included in the Missing Middle pilot phase, with two more multifamily projects awaiting City Council introduction.

For further details, individuals can visit the Missing Middle website.