Cabrini–Green, Chicago facts for kids

Cabrini–Green was a well-known neighborhood located on the Near North Side of Chicago, Illinois. It was famous for a large group of public housing buildings. These buildings were officially named the Frances Cabrini Rowhouses and the William Green Homes.

Over time, some of these buildings became very old and needed a lot of repairs. The area is now being redeveloped. This means new buildings are being constructed. The goal is to create a neighborhood where people with different incomes can live together. Some homes are still set aside for public housing residents.

What Was Cabrini–Green?

Cabrini–Green was not just one building, but a collection of public housing projects. These projects were built in different stages. The first part, the Frances Cabrini Rowhouses, opened in 1942. Later, taller high-rise buildings were added. These included the Cabrini Extension and the William Green Homes.

The idea behind public housing was to provide affordable homes. This was for families who needed help finding a place to live. Cabrini–Green became a home for many families in Chicago.

A Look Back in Time

The Frances Cabrini Rowhouses were built first, starting in 1942. These were lower, brick buildings. They were designed to be family-friendly. Later, in the 1950s and 1960s, much taller apartment buildings were added. These were the Cabrini Extension North and South, and the William Green Homes.

These tall buildings were meant to house many people. However, over the years, they faced many challenges. The buildings became difficult to maintain. They started to show signs of wear and tear.

Changing the Neighborhood

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, many of the Cabrini–Green high-rise buildings were taken down. This process is called "razing." The city decided to rebuild the area. The plan was to create a new kind of neighborhood.

This new plan aimed for a "mixed-income" community. This means that new homes would be built for different types of families. Some homes would be for people who pay market rent. Other homes would still be for public housing residents. This mix helps create a more diverse community.

New Buildings and Homes

Today, the area looks very different. Many of the old high-rise buildings are gone. In their place, you can see new mid-rise buildings and modern row houses. Some of the original Frances Cabrini Rowhouses still remain. They have been renovated and updated.

New developments like Parkside of Old Town have been built. These new homes are part of the effort to revitalize the neighborhood. The goal is to make it a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.

Community Life

Even with all the changes, the Cabrini–Green area remains an important part of Chicago. It has parks and schools that serve the community. These places help bring people together.

Local Parks

Parks are important for recreation and community gatherings.

• Seward Park: A place where people can play and relax outdoors.
• Durso Park: Another green space for residents to enjoy.

Education for Students

Education is a key part of any community.

• Jenner (PreK-8): This school serves younger students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. It provides education for children living in the area.

The Future of Cabrini–Green

The redevelopment of Cabrini–Green is an ongoing project. It aims to create a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. It is a story of change and renewal in a big city. The area continues to evolve, building a new future on its past foundations.