Parkway Gardens (O' Block)

Chicago's Parkway Gardensalso known locally as "O' Block," is a housing project that was built in the 1950s and originally operated by African American civic leaders and professionals. At the time of its constructionlocal leaders were optimistic that the 13-acre complex would fill a need for quality affordable housing during an era when discriminatory practices like redlining were both overt and practiced throughout the city. The area remains a culturally significant site for its connection to the history of hip hop musicbut is also known for having a high crime rate. With roots dating to residential segregation the predates the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities like Chicagothis section of the city remains both racially segregated and impoverished despite the efforts of local leaders. Parkway Gardens was once home to First Lady Michelle Obamabut remains best known for crime and a median household income of only $14,454 compared to the U.S. median household income of $54,149.

Built in the 1950s and operated by Black professionalsThe 13-acre complex offered quality affordable housing during an era when discriminatory redlining practices were common throughout the city. Since the 1970sit has changed management from cooperative ownership to HUD managementthen to private ownership. This change has only negatively impacted the complex since it started deteriorating due to the lack of investment in modernization and maintenance. With it being an affordable place for 2,000 people to livecrime started increasing.

Parkway Gardens earned the nickname "O'Block after 20-year-old Odee Perry was shot and killed by members of a rival s gang in 2011. Odee Perry was just one of 19 people shot and killed near this housing project between the years June 2011 and June 2014making it the most dangerous block in Chicago in terms of shootings in that three-year periodaccording to the Chicago Sun-Times. Despite the crimeO'Block is known for the being home to sine of Chicago's biggest artists like Chief KeefLil DurkKing Vonand Fredo Santana. 

In 2014the Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago awarded Parkway Garden Homes with the Chicago Neighborhood Development Award for Outstanding For-Profit Neighborhood Real Estate Project for the significant renovation of the property in September 2013. All of the 694 units went through impressive rehabilitation without displacing any of its residents. It’s received fully updated kitchensbathroomslaundry facilitiesreplaced leaking and outdated boiler systemscontrolled it’s rodent infestationinstalled new windowsfresh paintnew flooringand updated lighting. These are just a few of the new renovations not including exterior improvements like refurbishing playgroundsnewly constructed sidewalksnew barbeque areasand creating a gardening space for residents. 

For the crimemany incentives are being done in order to protect the youth and encourage safety in the community. The Metropolitan Tenants Organizationthe Shriver Centerand HUD all hold monthly meetings in order to voice concerns or keep informed about the progress of innovation. The Related Midwest has also developed multiple partnerships with the Chicago Police Department’s Third Districtthe office of Alderman Willie Cochranand local churches in order to help address crime in the community. A $500,000 field was also built in place of vacant lot with a history of gang activity and safety hazards to provide a safe place for recess and organized sports. On top of thateducation is promoted by giving a $5,000 college scholarship to a resident of Parkway Gardens each year.

“Preserving Affordable Housing at Parkway Gardens in Chicago: HUD User.” Preserving Affordable Housing at Parkway Gardens in Chicago | HUD USERhttps://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr_edge_inpractice_061614.html#:~:text=Built%20in%20the%201950s%2C%20Parkway,discriminatory%20redlining%20practices%20were%20commonplace. 

Areavibes. “EnglewoodChicagoIL Crime.” EnglewoodIL Crime Rates & Maphttps://www.areavibes.com/chicago-il/englewood/crime/. 

“Mapping Chicago's Wealth Inequality.” Crain's Chicago Businesshttps://www.chicagobusiness.com/static/section/chicagos-wealth-divide.html. 

MainFrank. “The Most Dangerous Block in ChicagoOnce Home to Michelle Obama: 'O Block'.” TimesChicago Sun-Times2 Nov. 2014https://chicago.suntimes.com/2014/11/2/18458059/o-block-most-dangerous-block-in-chicago-michelle-obama-chief-keef-parkway-gardens-south-king-drive.