Archived Video from You Tube: Rehab Starts on Historic Rosenwald Courts in Bronzeville
(Video Courtesy of ChiHousingAuthority)
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago’s Rosenwald Courts Apartments have reopened after years of sitting vacant on the city’s South Side, bringing new life to a historic complex once home to composer Quincy Jones, boxer Joe Louis, poet Gwendolyn Brooks and singer Nat King Cole.
The apartments first opened in 1929 in Chicago’s Grand Boulevard neighborhood. The goal of Sears, Roebuck & Co. President Julius Rosenwald was to provide decent housing for African-Americans at time of strict segregation.
The more than 400-unit complex became vacant in 2000. It was rehabilitated over two years into 239 one- and two-bedroom units for seniors and families at a cost $132 million.
In a statement Friday, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the restoration means Rosenwald Courts will bring new economic opportunities and affordable housing to the neighborhood.
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