Over the last two years, nonprofit developer, IFF and the Foundation for Homan Square (FHS) worked with the Homan Square Community Advisory Council (CAC) to create a pipeline of 17 development projects in the North Lawndale neighborhood in Chicago. In April of 2019, FHS and IFF secured 14 vacant parcels in Homan Square through a Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) Land Agreement. Redeveloping these 14 lots into affordable housing represents one of the 17 projects in the development pipeline. While the development team sets up project proposals and secures funding for permanent uses of the parcels, the CAC has emphasized the need to activate the vacant lots so that they become assets to the community while awaiting permanent use. The Student Team developed a rich set of arts and culture strategies for the use of the vacant lot prior to their development into mixed income housing. This included extensive research and collaboration with community members and creative concept development for a series of programs and events for the vacant lots.
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