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CHICAGO—March 16, 2023—A groundbreaking collaboration between IIT College of Architecture students, local developer Kenny Smith of the Wholistic Community Development Association, and Alderman (16th Ward) is set to revitalize �糵����’s Englewood neighborhood with the construction of affordable, innovative homes for middle-income families.

The project, initiated by Smith, an Englewood native, seeks to address the lack of quality housing options in the neighborhood by designing homes that cater to the needs of residents who want to stay in the area. The collaboration has grown to include Coleman and a group of fifth-year architecture students, led by Adjunct Professor Steven Pantazis.

Over 20 empty lots near the intersection of South Halsted and West 63rd streets will be transformed into stylish, affordable houses or classic �糵���� two-flats. This development will take place alongside Englewood Connect, a $13.9 million project under the city’s INVEST South/West initiative that is anticipated to become a culinary and business hub.

Coleman believes that attracting families to the area will be a catalyst for further growth and economic development. “Once we develop a community where customers are, businesses will come. There is a tipping point we need to get to,” the alderman says.

The students have been given significant freedom in their designs, with only a few constraints such as �糵����’s standard lot size and square footage limits. Some developers shy away from using the most modern technology available, but Smith says he wants to see students flex their creative muscles.

The chosen design will be transformed into reality, a rare opportunity for architecture students to see their work brought to life.

The project is deceptively straightforward—design a home that the “missing middle” can afford, Pantazis says. “Speculative developers are building affordable housing for socio-economically challenged buyers, or they aim for high-end luxury. No one is targeting middle-income people. A lot are moving to the suburbs because housing isn’t available.”

Photo: A student rendering of what a home could look like in �糵����’s Englewood neighborhood [provided by John Mulvey (ARCH 5th Year)]

Illinois Institute of Technology

Based in the global metropolis of �糵����, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the collective power of difference to advance technology and progress for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of �糵���� and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, , business, , science and human sciences, and . Illinois Tech students are guaranteed hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the �糵���� skyline. And every day in the living lab of the city, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.

IIT College of Architecture

The at Illinois Institute of Technology builds on a legacy of disciplined experimentation in materials and technologies to educate and inspire the next generation of architects and landscape architects. From its landmark campus and home at S. R. Crown Hall, IIT Architecture champions an interdisciplinary approach to education and research that is simultaneously local and global in its impact. IIT Architecture students are educated to address complex, contemporary challenges of designing and constructing across all scales. Both faculty and students enjoy a longstanding relationship with professional practice in �糵����, a city with a vibrant history of innovation in architecture, design, landscape architecture, and urbanism. Visit .

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Kevin Dollear
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Illinois Institute of Technology
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