The Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) and its partners have officially begun cleanup and early construction on the long-abandoned building on the southeast corner of 63rd and Western—an important first step in transforming the site into 44 units of low-cost, affordable apartments for the community. After years of this property sitting vacant, attracting safety concerns and symbolizing disinvestment, neighbors can finally look forward to something different: a project rooted in stability, opportunity, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe and dignified place to call home.

As work progresses, people driving past 63rd and Western will slowly begin to see visible signs of change—the old building being taken down, debris cleared, crews working, and new life taking shape in a space that once felt forgotten. This project stands as a hopeful reminder that community-led efforts and strong partnerships can turn blight into possibility. What was once an eyesore will soon become a source of pride, growth, and much-needed housing for families on the Southwest Side.

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