North Lawndale

A working class neighborhood once centered around the world headquarters of Sears, Roebuck and Co., North Lawndale, on Chicago's West Side, is recovering from a long period of population decline and disinvestment.

Now home to 42,000 residents, down from 125,000 in 1960, the neighborhood has attracted significant new development over the past 15 years, including several housing developments and the creation of the Homan Square Community Center in the former Sears complex.

The population of North Lawndale fell by 8,487 to 41,768 from 1990 to 2005, leveling off somewhat after declines of 30,000 in the 1960s and 1970s. The community was 94 percent African American and 5.3 percent Latino in the 2005 census estimates, up from zero in 1990.

Owner-occupied housing continued a steady climb to 26.9 percent in 2005, but 42 percent of households had incomes below $15,000 while another 23 percent of households had an income above $35,000.

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Properties NSP has acquired (or are under contract) for rehabilitation in North Lawndale.

NSP properties that are for sale in North Lawndale.

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Lawndale Christian Development Corporation was established in 1987 by Lawndale Community Church to bring holistic revitalization to the lives and environments of Lawndale residents through economic empowerment, housing improvements, educational enrichments and community advocacy. The group has developed residential and commercial properties and has been a catalyst for revitalization in the North Lawndale community.

NEW DAY DAWNS ON DOUGLAS BOULEVARD

Fifty-four low- to moderate-income families are experiencing a new chapter in their lives as they move into the Renaissance Apartments, two- to four-bedroom units located in three buildings along Douglas Boulevard in North Lawndale. The rehabilitation project, celebrated Nov. 12 during an open house and unveiling of a brightly colored, three-story-high mural, has arisen through a partnership among NCP lead agency Lawndale Christian Development Corp. (LCDC), Harris Bank, Safeway Companies, Federal Home Loan Bank, the City of Chicago and others. Read the full story here.

KING LEGACY PROJECT SET TO  BEGIN

Construction of the $17 million Dr. King Legacy Apartments is expected to begin this fall on the site where Martin Luther King Jr. stayed during his 1966 visit to Chicago. In addition to 45 affordable apartments, the mixed-use building will include both affordable retail space and exhibition space memorializing King’s stay. Non-profit developer Lawndale Christian Development Corporation is partnering with Westside Federation of Chicago and Safeway Companies to build the structure on 1.5 acres of vacant land on the northwest corner of Hamlin Avenue and 16th Street. Read the full story here.