The Pilsen Alliance is fighting the “condo-ization” of the traditionally working class Hispanic neighborhood, working with DePaul University on a study that found hundreds of single-family homes that were zoned to permit redevelopment as condos, according to RedEye.
Residents, of course, passed a non-binding referendum in March to limit new construction to single-family homes and two-flats, but the local alderman doesn’t intend to enforce it.
RedEye spoke to a handful of residents who expressed concern at the price of condos in the neighborhood and feared that locals were being displaced, but also noted that the redevelopment had boosted tourism and commerce along 18th Street.
Recently, Yo spoke to Kimball Hill Homes about Centro 18, its new development at 18th and Peoria streets. Kimball says it hopes to appeal to buyers from within Pilsen by being culturally sensitive to the neighborhood. The developer says it is offering affordable units and has enlisted Hispanic architects to design three plazas where residents can gather to socialize, in accordance with Hispanic culture.