Special to Chicago Construction News
Plans are moving forward for Trinity Square, a large new development next to Olivet Baptist Church in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. The project will be built on a vacant lot east of the church, located at 3101 S. King Drive, and would extend to face the main street.
Olivet Baptist Church, recently named one of Preservation Chicago’s “most endangered” sites for 2025, is the oldest standing African American Baptist church building in the city and home to Chicago’s second-oldest Black congregation. In the 1860s, it served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, offering shelter and food to people escaping slavery. While it once drew thousands of worshippers, the congregation today is about 100 people.
“Our goal is to show that Olivet is still active and committed to the community,” said Pastor John L. Smith. “We want to follow in the footsteps of those who came before us, by offering housing and services that support the people of Bronzeville.”
The $157 million project includes a 28-story tower with 366 apartments. Eighty percent of the units will be affordable housing for a range of income levels, and 10% will be set aside for people with no income. No more than 20% will be market-rate units, making this one of the largest affordable housing projects in the city in recent years.
The design includes a multi-story base wrapping around the historic church building. This podium would house a daycare center, food pantry, job training center, and a health clinic—facilities intended to meet everyday needs in the neighborhood.
Pastor Smith has spent the last two years working with Crossing Capital Group, a New Jersey-based firm, to line up funding and partners. Their goal is to keep the project financially viable while staying focused on community service.
Ratnika Prasad from Abundant Housing Illinois says the project is unusual for its size and mix of housing. Most faith-based developments have around 40 to 60 affordable units and no market-rate housing. Trinity Square could set a new example for similar efforts across the city.
Beyond housing, the development is meant to strengthen the neighborhood by providing access to childcare, food, health care, and job support.
The project still needs city approval, and no construction start date has been set yet. But with strong backing from the church, community leaders, and development partners, momentum is growing.
