The Madden/Wells/Darrow public housing revitalization effort was awarded a $35 million HOPE VI grant in 2000. The recently completed 25-acre Phase I site is located in the North Kenwood/Oakland neighborhood on Chicago's Near South Side, which historically has been the location of significant amounts of public housing. However, the neighborhood's close proximity to downtown Chicago and exceptional access to Lake Michigan present a unique opportunity to restore it into a vibrant and diverse mixed-income residential community.

The planning process for Madden Wells has epitomized the City's commitment to move from high-density housing back toward traditional low-rise Chicago neighborhood living. The development will be based upon the tried-and-true Chicago street and alley grid system and incorporate traditional Near South Side architectural detailing with the construction of landscaped boulevards, public parks and pedestrian walks.

Phase I of the redevelopment consists of 325 mixed-income rental units and 300 for-sale homes. Phase II will add an additional 393 mixed-income rental units. Phase 2A, which has 199 units, is currently under construction with the first units expected to be delivered in summer 2008 and construction completion in spring 2009. Phase 2B is currently in a financing phase.

The Community Builders, Inc. is the master developer of the first phase of the Madden Wells HOPE VI project and lead developer in a joint-venture for the 325 unit rental component. TCB also worked with the University of Chicago and the Chicago Public Schools system to create on a university-operated neighborhood high school. In addition, The Community Builders will have a role in working with residents to attain self-sufficiency and take advantage of the available housing opportunities as well as manage the new rental properties.

For additional information on Oakwood Shores, visit:
http://oakwoodshores.com/