David Roeder of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has offered a package of grants, tax-free bonds, tax credits and TIF (tax increment financing) funds to support the rehabilitation of the Michigan Boulevard Garden Apartments. The MBGA was a huge block of apartments built by Julius Rosenwald in Chicago in 1929 at a time when housing for African Americans in the city was scarce and frequently subpar. At a press conference, Emanuel conveyed his enthusiasm for the project:
“The Rosenwald has a long and storied history,” Emanuel said, “but the city’s support for its comprehensive rehabilitation will ensure its best days are yet to come.” (Chicago Sun-Times, Sep 11, 2013)
The Rosenwald Apartments have been vacant for some years
Photo credit: SilverRaven7 (flickr)
Emanuel also announced the donation of 5 adjacent city-owned lots for “Rosenwald Courts” parking. That information was new to us; if you know which lots these are, please leave us a comment on this post.
Read more at the Sun-Times.