Chicago's 'Missing Middle' Initiative Takes a Major Step Forward with Groundbreaking of 7 Two-Flat Homes in North Lawndale.
A city-led initiative aimed at bringing more affordable housing to the South and West Sides took a significant leap forward on Tuesday, as Citizens Building a Better Community broke ground on seven two-flats in North Lawndale. The project is one of five initiatives under the city's 'Missing Middle' program, which seeks to create denser, more affordable housing options for working-class families.
The development will provide 35 units at market rate, with buyers able to earn up to 140% of the area median income - currently $134,400 for a two-person household. The homes are designed to be an attractive alternative to traditional single-family residences and high-rise apartments, offering a more affordable solution for families struggling to find housing in Chicago.
The 'Missing Middle' program was launched last fall with the goal of transforming vacant city land into affordable housing options. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the city to address the shortage of affordable housing on the South and West Sides, where decades of disinvestment have led to significant poverty and gentrification.
"We're moving from destruction to construction," said Mayor Brandon Johnson at the groundbreaking ceremony. "When we empower developers with the funding and tools they need to realize their vision, that's when real transformation can occur."
The $5.4 million project is part of a larger initiative by Citizens Building a Better Community, which has committed to building 115 market-rate units across seven clusters in North Lawndale. The city is providing up to $150,000 per unit in construction funds, making the development possible.
Four additional projects under the program's first round are expected to break ground later this year, with developers including Alteza Group, Westside Community Group, Beauty for Ashes and Sunshine Management. These developments collectively include 40 multi-unit buildings valued at more than $37 million.
The expansion of the 'Missing Middle' program has been welcomed by local organizations, who see it as a vital step towards addressing the affordable housing crisis on the South Side. The city plans to continue expanding the initiative in coming years, with new projects expected to be announced this spring for McKinley Park, West Garfield Park and East Garfield Park.
A city-led initiative aimed at bringing more affordable housing to the South and West Sides took a significant leap forward on Tuesday, as Citizens Building a Better Community broke ground on seven two-flats in North Lawndale. The project is one of five initiatives under the city's 'Missing Middle' program, which seeks to create denser, more affordable housing options for working-class families.
The development will provide 35 units at market rate, with buyers able to earn up to 140% of the area median income - currently $134,400 for a two-person household. The homes are designed to be an attractive alternative to traditional single-family residences and high-rise apartments, offering a more affordable solution for families struggling to find housing in Chicago.
The 'Missing Middle' program was launched last fall with the goal of transforming vacant city land into affordable housing options. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the city to address the shortage of affordable housing on the South and West Sides, where decades of disinvestment have led to significant poverty and gentrification.
"We're moving from destruction to construction," said Mayor Brandon Johnson at the groundbreaking ceremony. "When we empower developers with the funding and tools they need to realize their vision, that's when real transformation can occur."
The $5.4 million project is part of a larger initiative by Citizens Building a Better Community, which has committed to building 115 market-rate units across seven clusters in North Lawndale. The city is providing up to $150,000 per unit in construction funds, making the development possible.
Four additional projects under the program's first round are expected to break ground later this year, with developers including Alteza Group, Westside Community Group, Beauty for Ashes and Sunshine Management. These developments collectively include 40 multi-unit buildings valued at more than $37 million.
The expansion of the 'Missing Middle' program has been welcomed by local organizations, who see it as a vital step towards addressing the affordable housing crisis on the South Side. The city plans to continue expanding the initiative in coming years, with new projects expected to be announced this spring for McKinley Park, West Garfield Park and East Garfield Park.
. The fact that they're making these units available at a market rate of up to 140% of the area median income is huge for working-class families who've been struggling to find housing. And with the city investing $5.4 million into this project, it's clear they're committed to making a difference 
. It's about time we started building more than just high-rise apartments and single-family homes - these denser, more affordable options are exactly what we need 
. Can't wait to see what other developments come out of the 'Missing Middle' program this year!
The 'Missing Middle' program is a game-changer, especially for working-class families struggling to find places to live. It's awesome that the city is providing funding and support to developers who want to create denser, more affordable homes. We need more of these projects in neighborhoods like North Lawndale, where poverty and gentrification have taken hold. 
Let's hope this initiative leads to real transformation and a shift away from destruction towards construction! 
just saw that Chicago's 'Missing Middle' Initiative is finally making progress 
and I'm so hyped! They're building 7 two-flats in North Lawndale with affordable housing options 
, which means more families can afford to live in the community. It's about time we address this affordable housing crisis 
. The city is investing $5.4 million and partnering with local devs to make it happen 
. This initiative has been long overdue, but I'm glad we're seeing real change happening 
. Can't wait to see more projects in the future 
I think its great that Chicago is taking steps to address their affordable housing crisis. 7 two-flat homes in North Lawndale are just the beginning - 115 units across seven clusters? That's a big deal! 
The 'Missing Middle' program seems like a solid way to create denser, more affordable housing options for working-class families who are struggling to find a place to call home. I mean, its not perfect and there will be challenges, but its definitely a step in the right direction.
So I think its cool that Chicago's 'Missing Middle' Initiative is trying to bring more affordable housing options to working-class families on the South and West Sides. Its like, the city is recognizing that people need more than just one room to call home, you know? 
And how many jobs are there around North Lawndale for families who need affordable housing? 
. I mean, they're building 7 two-flats in North Lawndale, but have you thought about what's really going on here? Like, the city is providing up to $150k per unit in construction funds... that's some serious cash 
. And what about the working-class families they're supposed to help? Are they really gonna be able to afford these fancy-schmancy two-flats when the prices come out?
. The 'Missing Middle' program is just one step towards addressing this issue, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll make a real difference. We need more developments like this, especially on the South Side, where affordability has always been a major problem.
I'm so tired of all these 'Missing Middle' initiatives 
... Like, what's next? Building more cookie-cutter apartments that just cater to the wealthy 
... Who's supposed to afford that?! 
Chicago's 'Missing Middle' Initiative is giving working-class families a chance to own a home 
It's like, finally, Chicago is taking action to address that housing crisis on the South Side! 7 two-flats in North Lawndale? That's a major win! 
And Mayor Brandon Johnson is all about empowering developers to bring this vision to life. I'm rooting for him (and for Chicago!) 
they're finally doing something about the housing crisis 
i wish the city would invest more funds into affordable housing projects this is just the beginning 
i'm low-key hyped for the next round of projects in mckinley park, west garfield park and east garfield park 
This is so cool! The 'Missing Middle' Initiative is finally making progress 
. Affordable housing for working-class families in Chicago has been a huge problem for ages, and it's awesome to see the city taking steps to address it 
. 35 units at market rate might seem like a lot, but considering how hard people are struggling, every bit counts 