The Chicago Department of Planning and Development has put more than 350 vacant lots up for grabs, igniting a new phase in the city's ongoing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and expand the reach of community-led projects. In a move toward strategic urban renewal, these lots are being positioned for various uses, including housing and green spaces.
Announced by Department Commissioner Ciere Boatright, the initiative aims to "help achieve neighborhood goals for housing, farming, community open spaces and side yards," according to a statement on the City of Chicago's website. The focus is on enabling residents and local business owners to take a more active role in shaping their communities. Potential buyers are invited to visit the ChiBlockBuilder portal, where they can examine the interactive map showcasing a properties, receive pricing information, and submit their applications digitally.
Lots are designated with preferred usage aimed at complementing the existing community fabric—ranging from "missing middle" housing to urban agriculture. A total of 44 lots are earmarked for small residential projects, 125 for market-rate development, while 69 are pegged for affordable housing under the City Lots for Working Families program. Side yards and open space lots are also part of the package, with 76 and 5 lots respectively available at a fraction of their market value. ChiBlockBuilder also includes 35 lots allocated specifically for community farming endeavors.
These lots are not mere commodities but tools for poignant community development as envisioned under Mayor Brandon Johnson's strategic repopulation initiative. The targeted North Lawndale area, well-known for its historical significance and community spirit, is among the first to benefit from the focused repopulation efforts using these available clusters of lots. Qualified market-rate housing developers can snap up lots for as little as $1, with upwards of $150,000 in development incentives per unit—a testimony to the city's commitment to facilitating a rebirth of residential life. The prices for other project types, like market-rate development and side yards, vary.
Since its launch last year, ChiBlockBuilder has matched over 450 lots with buyers across three application rounds. Applications for the current lots are open for varied periods, depending on the type of lot. To deepen understanding or submit an application, interested parties should head over to the ChiBlockBuilder website.