Chicago Tackles Vacant Land with Housing Initiative

The City of Chicago is actively working to transform vacant lots into new housing through the Missing Middle Infill Housing program. This initiative aims to address neighborhood disinvestment by encouraging development on previously unused land.

Program Details and Land Sales

Vacant city-owned plots are being sold to developers, with prices varying from as little as $1 to upwards of $150,000. The program provides opportunities for developers to build multi-unit housing on these sites.

Developer Plans and Neighborhood Impact

Last year, developers submitted plans for 35 vacant lots in North Lawndale, 30 in Chatham, South Chicago, and Morgan Park, and 24 in East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, and McKinley Park. These plans will result in the construction of 106 new multi-unit buildings across these neighborhoods.

West Side Community Group's Involvement

Jasmine Hagan, a real estate developer with West Side Community Group, highlighted the program’s benefits. “We’re standing right on two of the lots that we’ll be building three flats on,” Hagan stated. She emphasized the program allows for the construction of “quality new construction three-family housing that allows buyers to have an affordable option that they not only can just live in but have some income-producing asset as well.”

Financial Support and Project Timeline

Hagan’s company is utilizing $4 million in city grant money, alongside personal funding, to build 27 units of housing on South Trumbull and surrounding vacant plots. They also plan to construct 33 additional units in East Garfield Park. Construction is expected to begin in Lawndale next week.

Recent Groundbreakings and Future Expansion

In January, Citizens Building a Better Community broke ground on seven two-flats in North Lawndale as part of the same initiative. Hagan noted that city funds are crucial, stating, “With the city funds, it helps us bring a more challenging project to life.”

New Applications Accepted

The city has recently begun accepting applications for development on 30 additional vacant lots located in South Chicago and West Englewood, signaling a continued commitment to the program’s expansion.