CHICAGO – Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson joined City officials, Alderwoman Pat Dowell (3rd), Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Commissioner Angela Hurlock, Michaels Organization, Imagine Group, GMA Construction, community leaders, and residents to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Legends South A3 affordable housing complex, which will bring 42 new affordable units and 10 additional market rate units to the former site of the Robert Taylor Homes in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. 

“Today we’re turning the page on the legacy of disinvestment which has for too long left spaces like this vacant in the heart of our communities,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This project adds a new and dynamic development to this neighborhood. It’s proof of how critical investments like this can uplift, revitalize, and empower a community. We are taking steps towards rectifying the mistakes of the past while building the safest and most affordable big city in America.” 

“This development will bring more units of affordable housing to our community to ensure that families can stay together in Bronzeville and enjoy the growth we are experiencing in this historic community,” said Ald. Pat Dowell. “It’s critical that we continue to develop CHA land and add to our City’s housing stock”. 

The project was supported by the Department of Housing (DOH) and the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) who contributed $10 million in reallocated TIF funds, $2.9 million in HOME funds, and $1.5 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. 

“Legends South A3 stands as a powerful testament to our shared commitment to housing justice and equitable investment in communities long disenfranchised by decades of neglect, displacement, and exclusion,” said DOH Commissioner Lissette Castañeda. “By creating mixed‑income housing that supports longtime Bronzeville families—including those who endured the loss of public housing and the tearing down of the Robert Taylor Homes—we help restore roots for residents in a neighborhood that has historically been carved out by restrictive covenants and systemic disinvestment. This project expands access to safe, stable, and affordable homes where families can truly build their future.” 

The Legends South A3 development represents a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the former Robert Taylor Homes site. It is the third on-site development that will be constructed within the footprint of the former CHA site at 4520 S. State St. 

Developed by The Michaels Organization and Brinshore Development in partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority, Legends South A3 will feature 52 residential units across two structures—a four-story elevator-serviced building containing 40 apartments and a three-story walk-up with 12 apartments. The development will include approximately 3,500 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor of the four-story building. 

“We’re proud to be a part of a partnership that’s bringing long-term investment and revitalization to this historic neighborhood,” said Andrea Keeney, Vice President of Development for The Michaels Organization. “This latest phase of Legend South will continue to build vibrant, inclusive communities rooted in opportunity and progress.” 

Designed by LBBA and Brook Architecture, the project will offer 10 market rate units, 39 affordable units with rents set at 60% of the area median income (AMI), and 3 affordable units designated at 50% of the AMI. The Chicago Housing Authority will provide subsidy to 21 units. 

“This is our Year of Renewal, and we are working with more intention, transparency, and accountability, which are translating into meaningful progress,” said Interim CHA Board Chairman Matthew Brewer. “This year alone, we’ve celebrated grand openings at Edith Spurlock Sampson and Sheffield Residences, Canvas at Leland Plaza, the National Public Housing Museum and Roosevelt Square—projects that reflect and affirm our commitment to expanding housing, honoring our history, and strengthening communities. Together with the latest phase of Legends South, which includes 21 new CHA apartments and its first retail space, these efforts are powerful examples of what’s possible when we lead with purpose, persistence, and partnership. Congratulations to all.” 

The complex will bring new life to the area and help revitalize the State Street commercial corridor, bringing new retail and growth opportunities to the community. Complementing the apartment homes will be a public plaza at the intersection of State Street and 45th Street. The development also includes 47 parking spaces. 

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