Here we are at Parkway Gardens. Parkway Gardens is more than just an apartment complex. It tells a story of community and resilience.
Parkway Gardens was built between 1950 and 1955. It was designed by architect Henry K. Holsman. Holsman planned many of Chicago’s affordable housing developments. Parkway Gardens has a Modernist architectural style.
This complex was the first cooperatively owned by African-American residents in Chicago. They faced a housing shortage due to segregation during the Second Great Migration. Imagine the hope and pride. Black families moved into these modern homes.
Parkway Gardens offered a new model for urban living. It provided accessible living spaces. It was a community-focused environment. Green spaces and communal areas were designed for safety.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama once lived here. Her family called Parkway Gardens home at the time of her birth. This complex also housed notable rappers. Chief Keef, King Von and Fredo Santana once lived here.
Parkway Gardens shifted from cooperative ownership. It went to HUD management in the 1970s. Private ownership followed in the 1980s. The property deteriorated because of a lack of investment.
In 2011, Related Companies purchased Parkway Gardens. They renovated the property by September 2013. The renovation preserved a site with historical significance. It provided affordable housing for 2,000 people. The renovation received an award in 2014. It won the Chicago Neighborhood Development Award.
However, Parkway Gardens has faced challenges. In the early 2010s, gang activity increased. It became the center of one of Chicago’s most violent blocks. The violence stemmed from gang rivalries. The Gangster Disciples and Black Disciples both controlled territory nearby.
Despite its struggles, Parkway Gardens holds cultural significance. It is known as O’Block. This name came after the 2011 murder of resident Odee Perry. The name became nationally known due to its former residents who are rappers. Their music often references Parkway Gardens and its violence.
The complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 22, 2011. It earned this recognition for its architecture and its role in African-American community development. Holsman designed Parkway Gardens with inspiration. European housing projects of the 1920s and 1930s inspired him. The complex includes low-rise and walk-up buildings. This gives it a personal feel.
Parkway Gardens stands as a testament. It shows the struggles and resilience of its community. It is a place of historical importance. It is a place that continues to evolve.