CPS recommends sells of Armstrong and Paderewski sites; community input and affordable housing terms discussed
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Summary
Real estate staff recommended the board accept bids for the Louis Armstrong and Paderewski former school sites, proposing athletic training and affordable housing uses respectively; board members pressed bidders’ capacity, affordability levels and community engagement.
Chicago Public Schools real estate staff told the board on Jan. 14 that CPS recommends accepting bids for two vacant school properties.
For the former Louis Armstrong Elementary School (5345 W. Congress / 5400 W. Harrison), staff recommended awarding the site to Breakaway Community Development, which offered $100,000 and proposed converting the main building into an athletic training center with studio rental suites for trainers. Real estate staff said two bids were received and both had community support; the buildings are in poor condition and have been vacant since 2013.
For the former Paderewski Elementary School (2221 S. Lawndale Ave.), staff recommended accepting a $55,500 bid from P3 Markets LLC to adaptively reuse the main building as a 42‑unit housing development with roughly 25 units priced at or below 60% of area median income (AMI), additional units at other AMI tiers, and a later phase to add more affordable units and community space in partnership with ARC. Staff noted deed restrictions that prohibit the sites from being used as K–12 charter schools and require a certificate of occupancy within five years of closing.
Board members questioned community outreach, affordability definitions, and developer capacity. Member Zachar (questioning affordability levels) asked whether community attendees understood that an AMI‑based affordable unit at 60% AMI may still be unaffordable for many local residents; staff explained AMI thresholds are set by the Illinois Housing Development Authority and described a mix of AMI levels proposed by the bidder. Member Lopez asked staff to provide quarterly updates on project milestones to ensure accountability.
Staff said community meetings were held for both sites and that aldermen’s offices were engaged; they also noted the district can and has reclaimed properties where bidders did not complete projects. Final board approval and closing are subject to the bid acceptance process and any required board votes at the Jan. 29 meeting.