Dearborn Homes, located in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood on the South Side, is a historic public housing project managed by the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). Built in 1950, it was the first high-rise public housing development in Chicago to have elevators and remains one of the few surviving projects from the State Street Corridor, alongside Hillard Homes. Dearborn Homes has a rich history tied to urban planning, racial segregation, and community revitalization efforts.

Dearborn Homes Location and Layout

• Address: State Street between 27th and 30th Streets, bordered by the Metra rail line to the west.
• Size: The development spans 16 acres and consists of 12 mid-rise buildings, ranging from six to nine stories, with a total of 668 units after renovations.
• The buildings are designed in a cruciform shape to maximize ventilation and sunlight, surrounded by green spaces and playgrounds, reflecting modernist architectural ideals influenced by Le Corbusier.

Historical Significance

1. Post-War Housing Needs:
   • Dearborn Homes was built after World War II to address housing shortages for African-American families displaced by slum clearance projects in Chicago’s “Black Belt.”
   • Initially designed for mixed-income residents, it became predominantly African-American due to systemic redlining and segregation policies.
2. Challenges Over Time:
   • By the 1980s, Dearborn Homes faced significant challenges, including vandalism, crime, and gang activity.
   • CHA’s poor maintenance led to deteriorating living conditions, including broken elevators, unlit stairways, and insufficient security.
3. Community Advocacy:
   • Residents formed the Local Advisory Council (LAC) and later the Resident Corporation Management (RCM) to advocate for safer, better-managed living conditions.

Renovation and Revitalization

1. 2009–2010 Renovations:
   • Part of CHA’s Plan for Transformation, the project included:
   • Neo-Georgian architectural detailing
   • New metal porches, stone quoins, and decorative gables
   • A resident computer center
2. Sustainability Features:
   • Rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels now provide roughly 10% of annual electricity via the Bronzeville Microgrid.
3. Unit Reduction:
   • Units reduced from 800 to 668 to improve living quality while maintaining affordability.

Community Features

1. Housing Units:
   • Units range from one to three bedrooms, serving families of different sizes.
2. Amenities:
   • Green spaces, playgrounds, and open outdoor areas create a park-like environment.
3. Proximity to Landmarks:
   • Near Bronzeville destinations like the DuSable Museum of African American History and Mandrake Park.
4. Transportation:
   • Accessible via State Street, CTA bus routes, and nearby train stations.

Crime and Safety

1. Historical Issues:
   • Dearborn Homes experienced high crime rates during the late 20th century, partly driven by gang activity.
2. Current Status:
   • Renovations and improved security have enhanced conditions, though urban challenges remain.
3. Community Efforts:
   • Resident-led initiatives continue to promote safety and improve quality of life.

How Chicago Residents Can Purchase a Home

There are several homeownership programs available to Chicago residents, including down payment assistance and rehab incentives.

1. Home Buyer Assistance Program (City of Chicago)

• Offers grants up to 7% of the loan amount.
• Available for single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and multi-units up to 4 units.
• First-time buyers must complete a homebuyer education course.

2. CHA Purchase Assistance Program

• Up to $20,000