Chicago Construction News staff writer
A new chapter in the revitalization of Bronzeville began Tuesday with the groundbreaking of Legends South A3, a mixed-income housing complex located on the former site of the Robert Taylor Homes.
The development, a partnership between the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and The Michaels Organization, will deliver 42 affordable units and 10 market-rate units at 4520 S. State St. It marks the third residential project to rise on the CHA-owned land as part of a long-term redevelopment effort aimed at rebuilding and reuniting the historic South Side community.
“Today we’re turning the page on the legacy of disinvestment which has for too long left spaces like this vacant in the heart of our communities,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson at the groundbreaking event. “This project adds a new and dynamic development to this neighborhood… We are taking steps towards rectifying the mistakes of the past.”
City officials, including Alderwoman Pat Dowell (3rd), CHA Commissioner Angela Hurlock, representatives from Imagine Group and GMA Construction, and community members joined the celebration.
“This development will bring more units of affordable housing to our community to ensure that families can stay together in Bronzeville and enjoy the growth we are experiencing in this historic community,” Dowell said.
The Department of Housing (DOH) and Department of Planning and Development (DPD) contributed financial support, including $10 million in reallocated tax increment financing (TIF) funds, $2.9 million in HOME funds, and $1.5 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
“Legends South A3 stands as a powerful testament to our shared commitment to housing justice and equitable investment in communities long disenfranchised by decades of neglect,” said DOH Commissioner Lissette Castañeda.
The development includes a four-story, elevator-equipped building with 40 apartments and a three-story walk-up with 12 apartments. In addition to housing, the project will introduce 3,500 square feet of retail space on the ground floor and a public plaza at State and 45th streets. Forty-seven parking spaces will be available on site.
Designed by LBBA and Brook Architecture, the project will include 39 affordable units set at 60 per cent of the area median income (AMI), three units at 50 per cent AMI, and 10 market-rate apartments. The CHA will provide subsidies for 21 of the units.
“This latest phase of Legends South will continue to build vibrant, inclusive communities rooted in opportunity and progress,” said Andrea Keeney, Vice President of Development at The Michaels Organization.
CHA Interim Board Chair Matthew Brewer praised the development as part of a larger momentum in housing progress across the city. “Together with the latest phase of Legends South, which includes 21 new CHA apartments and its first retail space, these efforts are powerful examples of what’s possible when we lead with purpose, persistence, and partnership,” he said.
The Legends South A3 project builds on the city’s broader commitment to equitable development and restoring historically underserved communities.
