Chicago is embarking on a transformative journey to address housing affordability and neighborhood revitalization. The city’s Missing Middle Housing initiative is gaining momentum, with a recent announcement of 30 new projects set to breathe life into South Chicago and West Englewood. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between single-family homes and large multifamily developments, offering attainable housing options that integrate seamlessly into existing communities.
The initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Commissioner Ciere Boatright, is not just about building homes; it’s about creating opportunities. By transforming vacant lots into two- and three-flats, the program is fostering neighborhood growth and supporting new development. The selected projects, collectively valued at $27.6 million, are a testament to the city’s commitment to repopulating communities that have experienced decades of disinvestment.
Chicago’s Missing Middle Housing: A Strategic Approach
The Missing Middle Housing initiative is a strategic response to the growing challenges of housing affordability. Traditional single-family homes have become increasingly expensive, while large multifamily developments often do not align with neighborhood scale or infrastructure capacity. Missing middle housing, which includes multiplexes, cottages, townhomes, and other small-scale formats, offers a practical solution that can adapt to various site constraints and market needs.
One of the key advantages of missing middle housing is its flexibility. As Jake Vasa, PE, a civil engineer, points out, “What makes middle housing really unique is that it can adjust to just about any site.” With smaller building footprints, these projects can often work with existing grade, utilities, or other site constraints. However, the regulatory path can be tricky, as zoning codes were typically written decades ago with only single-family or large multifamily developments in mind.
Navigating Zoning and Regulatory Challenges
Developers must understand local zoning realities to successfully navigate the approval process. Regulations vary widely between communities, so what works in one city may not in another. Early planning and coordination are crucial to avoid delays and unexpected costs. Pre-application meetings and discussions with city staff or engineering teams can help developers confirm zoning and regulatory requirements, assess utilities and site access, and identify potential stormwater or drainage issues early in the design process.
Engaging early in the feasibility process is not just an extra step; it is risk management. By aligning with neighborhood expectations and infrastructure realities, developers can streamline approvals and protect budgets and timelines. Site selection also plays a critical role in the success of missing middle housing projects. Infill parcels, irregular lots, and redevelopment areas offer design flexibility while leveraging existing infrastructure.
Transforming Vacant Lots into Thriving Communities
The recent announcement of 30 new Missing Middle projects in South Chicago and West Englewood is a significant step forward. Four local development teams were selected from 34 submissions to a DPD Request for Applications (RFA). The selected projects include:
- 75 Development’s $6.8 million project will create eight two-flats on the 8400 block of S Baker Ave. in South Chicago.
- Vazquez Housing Development’s $6.2 million project will create five two-flats on the 8300 block of S Buffalo Ave. in South Chicago.
- Blazer Jones’ $5.2 million project will create four two-flats and two three-flats on the 8400 block of S Buffalo Ave. in South Chicago.
- Blueprint Ventures’ $9.35 million project will create 11 two-flats in the 1700 block of W 69th St. in West Englewood.
These projects are not just about building homes; they are about creating new pathways to homeownership and supporting neighborhood growth. Under the Missing Middle program guidelines, at least one unit within each building must be sold to an owner-occupant earning up to 140 percent of the area median income. This requirement ensures that the benefits of new development are accessible to a broader range of residents.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to repopulate communities and create greater economic opportunity across Chicago’s South and West sides. Mayor Johnson remains committed to expanding Chicago’s housing stock and creating more opportunities for homeownership. The Missing Middle initiative is a key component of this strategy, building on more than 300 homes already advancing across various neighborhoods through the program’s first three application rounds.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Missing Middle Housing
The success of the Missing Middle Housing initiative depends on continued collaboration between developers, city planners, and community members. By addressing common approval pitfalls, such as skipping engagement with city planning staff or underestimating parking requirements, developers can maintain momentum and keep projects aligned with approval timelines. Involving the right team before securing a site is also crucial to pressure-test the deal and ensure that key assumptions about utilities, grading, access, stormwater, or density are accurate.
As Chicago continues to revitalize its neighborhoods, the Missing Middle Housing initiative offers a promising path forward. By transforming vacant lots into affordable homes and creating new pathways to homeownership, the city is not just building houses; it is building communities. The initiative is a testament to the power of innovative housing solutions in addressing the challenges of housing affordability and neighborhood revitalization.
