On January 16, 2026, the Southwest Organizing Project’s (SWOP) Housing Team gathered with Parent Mentors from four Parent Mentor Program schools—Lionel Hampton Fine & Performing Arts, McKay, Marquette, and Tarkington—at Lionel Hampton School to share updates on housing developments shaping the future of the Southwest Side. The presentation highlighted both current construction progress and long-term community development efforts central to the Reclaiming Southwest Chicago campaign.
The first half of the meeting focused on the demolition of the long-vacant building at 63rd Street and Western Avenue. Blanca Casillas and Dantay Williams walked attendees through plans to transform the site into a 44-unit affordable apartment complex, offering one- and two-bedroom rental units for families. With demolition already underway as of last week, the project is moving forward with a clear timeline: construction is expected to be completed by January 2027, with families anticipated to begin moving in as early as February 2027. The update marked a tangible step forward in addressing the need for stable, affordable housing in the community.
The second half of the meeting centered on a major milestone for the Housing Team: their recent win of the PritzkerTraubert Chicago Prize. This investment will support the development of a new community, tentatively named Marquette Crossings, planned for the Southwest Side between 74th and Talman to 74th and Mozart. The project envisions new single-family and two-flat homes, with a projected completion timeline of five years. Parent Mentors expressed strong interest, asking detailed questions about development phases and timelines, particularly around when the first homes might be built. The team shared that initial construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
The discussion reflected both excitement and careful attention to process, underscoring how deeply invested families are in the future of their neighborhoods. As these projects move from planning into action, they represent a significant moment in the ongoing work to reclaim land, resources, and opportunity on the Southwest Side—led by community members and grounded in long-term vision. Families who may be interested in future homeownership are encouraged to stay connected and keep their eyes and ears open for neighbors, relatives, or community members who may want to take the next step. Anyone interested in learning more or beginning their homeownership journey can reach out directly to Blanca Casillas (bcasillas@swopchicago.org) or Dantay Williams (dwilliams@swopchicago.org) as the team continues preparing families for what’s ahead.
SWOP’s Housing Team and Diverse Developer Fellows shared major updates with Parent Mentors on two transformative projects for the Southwest Side, including a 44-unit affordable apartment building at 63rd & Western and the future Marquette Crossings community. Learn how these developments are moving forward and how families can get involved in the next steps toward affordable housing and homeownership.
