On April 13th, 2026, a long-abandoned stretch at 63rd and Western became the site of something new. The Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), alongside member institutions, development partners, and community leaders, gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of a 44-unit housing development that promises to reshape the future of the area. For a space that had too often been defined by abandonment, the ceremony marked a powerful shift toward investment, stability, and possibility.
Co-chairs Carlil Pittman, SWOP Strategy Team Member and Executive Director of GoodKids MadCity Englewood, and Elideth Hernandez, SWOP Strategy Team Chair and Parent Mentor Leader, welcomed attendees and unveiled renderings of what the building will become. They gave form to a shared vision rooted in dignity, access, and community pride. One- and two-bedroom units will soon stand where disinvestment once lingered, signaling a renewed commitment to the people who call this area home.
They were joined by a strong coalition of partners who helped bring the project to life, including representatives from Brinshore Development, Toro Construction, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), BMO, and 16th Ward Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman. Each speaker reflected on the significance of the moment—not just as a construction milestone, but as a testament to what is possible when organizations and residents work together with intention. This development represents the first major investment of new housing construction in over 20 years, a meaningful step toward reversing a long history of neglect.
Strategically located as a bridge between West Englewood and Chicago Lawn, the new housing facility is designed to serve as a beacon—connecting communities, creating opportunities, and fostering a sense of belonging for residents from both neighborhoods. With construction already underway and projected completion in Spring 2027, the excitement is tangible and growing.
This milestone would not have been possible without the collective effort of dozens of organizations, institutions, and community partners who have invested time, resources, and trust into making this vision a reality. From financial institutions and healthcare providers to grassroots organizations, schools, and faith-based groups, each played a role in moving the project forward. Their presence at the groundbreaking served as a reminder that meaningful change is rarely achieved alone; it is built through collaboration.
As the first shovels met the ground, there was a shared understanding that this was about reclaiming space, restoring hope, and laying a foundation for generations to come.
Organizations that we acknowledged for this event:
Brinshore Development
Toro Construction
LISC
BCM
Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)
BMO
Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman and the 16th Ward Office
St. Rita of Cascia
Inner City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
Sisters of St. Casimir
Sinai Health System and Holy Cross Hospital
Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Habitat for Humanity
Metropolitan Family Services
Esperanza Health Centers
Good Kids Mad City_Englewood
Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church
The Resurrection Project
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
Precious Blood Ministry
Hope Center Chicago
CNI Group
Sunshine Gospel Ministries
United Power for Action and Justice
Teamwork Englewood
Imagine Englewood If
RAGE Englewood
Clairmont Academy
Hampton Elementary
SWOP Parent Mentor Leaders
Chicago Neighborhood Recovery Program
First Eagle Bank
JP Morgan Chase
Federal Home Loan Bank
Old National Bank
Wintrust Bank
Olive Branch Mission
City Colleges of Chicago
Ombudsman South High School
Lacrosse Management
Great Auburn Gresham Development Corp
Garfield Park Community Council
Far South Community Development Corporation
Applegate Thorn Thompson
Dordek and Associates
Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
Michael Reese Foundation
Michael Reese Health Trust
Waterton
Chicago Cares
