Ground has broken on Phase II of a Bronzeville project that will deliver 95 affordable units to the area.
In an effort to bring equitable transit-oriented development to Chicago's historic Bronzeville region through the INVEST South/West initiative, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot was joined by city officials and stakeholders for the groundbreaking ceremony for 43 Green, according to a news release from the City of Chicago.
The two-building project has an estimated construction cost of $81.8 million.
The first phase of the project received $9.95 million in funds from numerous entities and involved the development of 99 multifamily units with 51 of them designated to be available to people making at or below 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). The apartments come in three different sizes: studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, and there are 5,000 square feet of retail space available on the ground floor.
"This development is the product of years of advocacy, negotiation and community engagement," said Alderman Pat Dowell. "43 Green is a step in the right direction and we still have a lot of work to do to ensure Bronzeville residents have access to reliable public transportation, affordable housing and retail opportunities."
The second phase of the development received $16.7 million in funds from various entities and will consist of 80 units with 44 units earmarked for people making 60 percent or less of the AMI. The ground floor also includes 3,600 square feet of retail space. Future residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom unit types.
“43 Green Phase II is a continuation of a vision to re-populate, re-vitalize and continue this catalytic ETOD development in the heart of historic Bronzeville on the south side of Chicago,” said Phil Beckham, Principal, P3 Markets LLC, the developers of the project.
Located on the city’s South Side, Bronzeville has an extensive Black cultural history that was home to writers and activists Ida B. Wells, Gwendolyn Brooks and Bessie Coleman during Chicago's Black Renaissance.