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Several local dignitaries, developers, and members posing for a groundbreaking photo.
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New Development Breaks Ground on Chicago’s Southwest Side, Paving the Way for Aspiring Housing Leaders

Published on Apr 17, 2026

A new 44-unit affordable housing development on Chicago’s Southwest Side broke ground this week, marking a key step forward in efforts to restore neighborhoods impacted by the 2007-08 foreclosure crisis.

The development, led by the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), is part of the broader Reclaiming Southwest Chicago Campaign to transform vacant and foreclosed properties into sustainable, community-led affordable housing. That work requires more than capital—it requires people with the skills, lived experience, and commitment to lead development efforts over the long term. Expanding access to those opportunities remains a critical challenge across the affordable housing industry. 
FHLBank Chicago presents Marquette Bank and SWOP with their Developer Program Check

 

Through FHLBank Chicago’s Community First® Developer Program, SWOP received $233,352 in grant funding in partnership with member Marquette Bank to expand its fellowship program, preparing two next-generation developers to take on complex housing projects. These fellows are gaining hands-on experience across the full development lifecycle, including project financing, construction management, property management, and coordination with public agencies. 

“This work is about building both housing and people,” said Chris Brown, Director of Operations for SWOP. “We’re proud to have fellows involved in this process, gaining real, hands-on experience while contributing to developments like this that will have a lasting impact on the community.” 

The Reclaiming Southwest Chicago Campaign focuses on new construction and the rehabilitation of vacant properties across the community. In addition to the 44-unit affordable rental development that broke ground this week, the effort includes plans for up to 110 new single-family homes and continued acquisition and rehabilitation of vacant buildings—work aimed at strengthening housing stability and supporting long-term community investment. Together, these efforts provide fellows with the breadth of experience needed to take on complex development work and help lead housing efforts in their communities for years to come.. 

“Programs like the Community First® Developer Program help build long-term capacity by supporting both housing development and the people behind it,” said Manny Jimenez, First Vice President and Community Reinvestment Act Officer at Marquette Bank. “Through our partnership with FHLBank Chicago, we’re proud to support organizations like SWOP as they prepare aspiring housing leaders to carry this work forward in their communities.” 

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