Chicago City Wire

Sixteen new multi-unit residential buildings are planned for North Lawndale, following a proposal by Mayor Brandon Johnson to sell 12 city-owned lots and provide financial incentives. The projects are part of the Department of Planning and Development’s Missing Middle Infill Housing initiative, which aims to revitalize vacant city lots with new walk-up residential buildings.

Minority developers Sunshine Management and Beauty for Ashes LLC would lead the two market-rate projects. According to the City, each completed building is intended to be sold to at least one owner-occupant as part of community wealth-building efforts.

Sunshine Management’s $13.2 million project targets the 1400 and 1500 blocks of South Spaulding Avenue and the 3200 block of West Douglas Boulevard. It involves replacing seven vacant lots—valued collectively at $164,849—with 11 three-flat buildings on a total area of 36,090 square feet. These lots would be sold for $1 each.

Beauty for Ashes LLC plans a $6.7 million development on the 1400 and 1500 blocks of South Christiana Avenue, replacing five vacant lots—valued at $77,966—with five three-flats across 15,593 square feet. These lots would also be sold for $1 each.

Each developer is set to receive $150,000 in city bond proceeds per unit constructed in their respective projects. This funding is intended to help ensure that purchase prices align with current market rates.

The proposals are now before City Council for consideration. More information about these developments can be found on the Missing Middle website.