Full Breakdown
Groundbreaking for Affordable Housing in Chicago's Pilsen Neighborhood
9/20/2025, 8:11:28 PM
Casa Yucatán: A New Affordable Housing Development
On September 15, 2025, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Department of Housing Commissioner Lisette Castañeda, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for Casa Yucatán, a new affordable housing complex in the Pilsen neighborhood. This eight-story building will provide 98 units, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with rents ranging from $551 to $1,768 per month. The project is strategically located at 2134-2136 S. Ashland Avenue, directly across from Benito Juarez High School.
The Casa Yucatán development is part of Mayor Johnson's broader initiative, Build Better Together, aimed at addressing the city's housing crisis. The project received approximately $15.8 million in funding from the $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development Bond, marking it as one of the first developments to benefit from this financial support. Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of affordable housing in creating stable communities, stating, "When we build affordable housing, we create spaces where families can grow."
Community Impact and Development Goals
Casa Yucatán is being developed by the Resurrection Project, a community organization that has previously built over 600 housing units in gentrifying neighborhoods. The project aims to combat rising rents and ensure that long-term residents can remain in their communities. Alderman Sigcho-Lopez remarked on the decades-long advocacy for affordable housing in Pilsen, highlighting the significance of this development for the 25th Ward.
The building will also include 2,500 square feet of community space, which is intended to serve as a hub for local residents. This space will feature a multipurpose room, mail room, and training center, contributing to the community's social infrastructure. The development is designed to be accessible and inclusive, catering to households earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Official Statements and Community Voices
In her remarks, Commissioner Castañeda praised the cultural richness of Pilsen and the resilience of its residents, stating, "Casa Yucatán will be a development we can all take pride in." Raul Raymundo, CEO of the Resurrection Project, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to bring such projects to fruition: "These kinds of developments do not happen by accident."
Community members, including single mother Dannielle Jenkins, expressed optimism about the new housing opportunities, envisioning a stable future for their families in Pilsen.
Criticism and Opposition
While the project has garnered significant support, there are concerns regarding the broader implications of new developments in gentrifying neighborhoods. Critics argue that while affordable units are being introduced, the overall market may still favor higher-end developments, potentially leading to displacement of existing residents. The balance between new housing and maintaining community integrity remains a contentious issue.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Affordable Housing Solutions
The groundbreaking of Casa Yucatán represents a pivotal moment in Chicago's efforts to expand affordable housing options. As part of a larger strategy to address the housing crisis, this development aims to provide essential support for families in Pilsen while preserving the neighborhood's cultural heritage. Mayor Johnson's administration continues to prioritize affordable housing as a cornerstone of its urban policy, signaling a commitment to creating inclusive communities across the city.
