MAYWOOD, Ill. (WLS) — A new affordable housing development was unveiled on Wednesday in Maywood.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The renovated 24-unit apartment building is the result of a partnership between the western suburb and community organization Black Men United.
“Part of the real problems in our community is so many families are broken, no father in the household and they’re unstable,” said Pastor John Harrell, the Black Men United president and CEO.
BMU became sole owners of the Greenwood Avenue property on July 3 after purchasing the building outright for $2 million.
The real estate purchase was made through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with the idea to provide safe housing for low to moderate income families.
“For years we’ve suffered from economic inequity, healthcare inequity, community inequity, environmental inequity,” Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker said. “We’re tired of it and today is an example of the path forward.”
Units range in size from a studio to two-bedroom apartments. Rents are on a sliding scale based on a person’s ability to pay.
The group has also renovated the property to be energy sustainable by adding solar panels to the roof and integrating other clean energy technologies to improve the quality of life while reducing financial burdens.
The ongoing initiative also includes the broader goals of Black Men United of workforce development, violence reduction, and food security.
A similar project is in the works in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.
Governor JB Pritzker attended a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday at 1010 Greenwood.
To learn more about Black Men United, click here.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
