Chicago Construction News staff writer
A 44-unit affordable housing development on Chicago’s Southwest Side has broken ground, marking a significant step in efforts to rebuild communities affected by the 2007–08 financial crisis and its wave of foreclosures.
The project is being led by the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) as part of its broader Reclaiming Southwest Chicago Campaign, an initiative focused on converting vacant and foreclosed properties into sustainable, community-driven affordable housing.
Funding support includes a $233,352 grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s Community First Developer Program, secured in partnership with Marquette Bank. The funding will help expand SWOP’s fellowship program, which is training two emerging developers to take on complex housing projects.
The fellows are gaining hands-on experience across the full development process, including financing, construction management, property management and coordination with public agencies.
“This work is about building both housing and people,” said Chris Brown, SWOP’s director of operations. “We’re proud to have fellows involved in this process, gaining real, hands-on experience while contributing to developments like this that will have a lasting impact on the community.”
The Reclaiming Southwest Chicago Campaign includes both new construction and the rehabilitation of vacant properties. Alongside the 44-unit rental development, plans call for up to 110 new single-family homes, as well as continued acquisition and renovation of vacant buildings.
Organizers say the initiative is designed to strengthen housing stability while fostering long-term community investment, with the fellowship program playing a key role in preparing future housing leaders.
“Programs like the Community First Developer Program help build long-term capacity by supporting both housing development and the people behind it,” said Manny Jimenez, first vice-president and Community Reinvestment Act officer at Marquette Bank. “Through our partnership with FHLBank Chicago, we’re proud to support organizations like SWOP as they prepare aspiring housing leaders to carry this work forward in their communities.”
