clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

A First Look at the Lathrop Homes Redevelopment Plan

New, 22 comments

This evening, the Lathrop Community Partners, the Chicago Housing Authority, Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd), and Ald. Joe Moreno (1st) will finally reveal the latest plan for the sprawling Julia C. Lathrop Homes project that lines the Chicago River's north branch. While the plan will be discussed in detail this evening, we now have our first look at the latest renderings and also some hard numbers for the redevelopment of the 32-acre site. According to the Lathrop Community Partners, the proposal will deliver 1,116 total housing units over four phases. We also finally have a breakdown for these residences: 400 units reserved for public housing, 222 will be affordable, and 494 will be market rate.

The stakeholders steering the direction of the redevelopment have also assembled a very competent design team for the project. The sections of the project's historic housing stock that is being preserved will be renovated by Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED) and Juan Gabrial Moreno Architects (JGMA). Meanwhile, the new buildings for the area are being designed by Chicago's bKL Architecture. In addition, the landscape design is being led by Michael Van Valkenburgh, an architect that has worked on a series of high-profile projects including Maggie Daley Park, the 606 and a new park for the base of Streeterville's upcoming highrise from New York's Robert A.M. Stern Architects.

One of the key features to Lathrop's redevelopment is activating the large spread of prime riverfront that it sits on. New outdoor spaces could be not only a boon for Lathrop residents, but it could potentially help draw nearby residents in Logan Square and Lincoln Park to the area for recreation. According to the plan, the "Great Lawn" park for the north section of Lathrop would spawn two acres. In addition, the plan seeks to build or restore a half-mile of pedestrian riverwalk. Other highlights include a boat launch and dog park. In total, the stakeholders suggest that the redeveloped Lathrop would boast 11 acres of green space.

The proposal has been in the works for the last several years, but construction could begin soon. According to the Lathrop Community Partners, a group of stakeholders led by developer Related Midwest, construction could begin late this year if the plan moves forward as presented. Be sure to stop by Alcott College Prep High School this evening at 6 p.m. to learn more about the proposal.

·Lathrop Homes Redevelopment Plan to Be Revealed Next Week [Curbed Chicago]
·Lathrop Redevelopment Could Include Riverwalk, Boat Launch [Curbed Chicago]
·All previous Lathrop Homes coverage [Curbed Chicago]