McKinley Park Existing Conditions Report

McKinley Park has long been a diverse neighborhood not only in terms of culture and ethnicity, but also in terms of income and the built environment. The area has benefited from having a wide range of housing options, such as rental apartments in large multifamily buildings, two- to four-flat buildings offering cheaper basement and garden units, historic bungalows, and large single-family homes. The variety of housing options has helped newly arrived and low-income residents remain in the neighborhood as their families grow and their finances improve. The neighborhood’s housing choices offer a ladder – from low-cost rentals to home ownership – while allowing the continuity of staying close to the same schools, places of worship, social services, and familiar neighbors.

In stakeholder interviews, community meetings, and survey responses, many expressed a concern that the current or future trends in the area will narrow housing options for residents of McKinley Park. Several cited quality, affordable housing as a priority need for the area. “The neighborhood is traditionally affordable,” said one resident, “but rents are rising.” A longtime resident reported, “McKinley Park is a ‘hidden gem’ and everyone is eyeing homes here right now,” and pointed to rising rents elsewhere in the city and the neighborhood’s appeal as causes. In many cases, stakeholders cited rapid recent developments in nearby neighborhoods such as Pilsen, Little Village and Bridgeport, fearing that the similarly strong affordable housing stock and access to transit in McKinley Park will make displacement of longtime residents inevitable.