35 Facts About Cabrini Green Homes

Cabrini Green Homes in Chicago, Illinois, is a name that resonates with many. From its beginnings in the 1940s to its demolition in the 2010s, Cabrini Green has been a symbol of urban renewal, social challenges, and cultural significance. Here are 35 key facts about this iconic housing project.

Location and Early History

Understanding where Cabrini Green was located and its early days helps set the stage for its complex history.

1. Location: Cabrini Green Homes were on the Near North Side of Chicago, bordered by Halsted and Larrabee Streets, Clybourn Avenue, Chicago Avenue, and Orleans Street.

2. History: The first part of the complex, the Frances Cabrini Homes, was completed in 1942 by the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to house war-industry workers and veterans returning from World War II.

3. Original Design: The Frances Cabrini Homes consisted of 55 two- and three-story buildings, which were considered well-built and attractive alternatives to the slums that traditionally housed low-income families.

Expansion and Demographics

The complex grew over the years, and its resident demographics shifted significantly.

4. Expansion: By the 1950s and 1960s, the complex expanded to include the Cabrini Extension (known as the "Reds") and the William Green Homes (known as the "Whites"). The Reds consisted of 15 buildings with 7, 10, or 19 stories, while the Whites had eight white concrete buildings with 15 or 16 stories.

5. Demographics: Initially, the early residents of the Cabrini row houses were predominantly of Italian ancestry. However, by 1962, a majority of residents in the completed complex were African Americans.

Urban Renewal and High-Rise Buildings

The construction of Cabrini Green reflected mid-20th-century urban renewal efforts, which aimed to replace slums with modern housing.

6. Urban Renewal Approach: The construction of Cabrini Green reflected the urban renewal approach to city planning in the mid-20th century. This approach aimed to replace slums with modern, high-density housing projects.

7. High-Rise Buildings: Many of the high-rise buildings originally had exterior porches known as "open galleries." These porches were later removed due to safety concerns and maintenance issues.

8. Red and White Buildings: The extension buildings were known as the "Reds" for their red brick exteriors, while the Green Homes, with reinforced concrete exteriors, were known as the "Whites".

Governance and Peak Population

The CHA managed Cabrini Green, and at its peak, the complex housed a significant number of people.

9. CHA Governance: The Cabrini Green Homes were governed by the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), which managed the properties and provided services to residents.

10. Peak Population: At its peak, Cabrini Green was home to approximately 15,000 people, making it one of the largest public housing projects in the United States.

Crime and Neglect

Cabrini Green became notorious for crime and neglect, which created hostile living conditions.

11. Crime and Neglect: Crime and neglect created hostile living conditions for many residents. The complex became notorious for gang violence, drugs, and sensational crimes, earning it a national reputation for urban blight.

12. Police Violence: In 1970, two police officers were killed by a sniper in one of the buildings, further highlighting the security issues and violence within the complex.

13. Mayor Jane Byrne's Move: In 1981, Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne moved into Cabrini Green for a few weeks to show her determination to reduce crime. However, her efforts had little effect other than drawing further attention to the problem.

HUD Takeover and Transformation Plan

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) took over the CHA, leading to significant changes.

14. HUD Takeover: In 1995, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) took over the CHA due to financial and management scandals. Mayor Richard M. Daley regained control of the CHA in 1999.

15. Plan for Transformation: The CHA announced its "Plan for Transformation" in 1999, which aimed to demolish all high-rise buildings in the city's public housing projects, including those in Cabrini Green, and replace them with mixed-income developments.

Demolition and Redevelopment

The demolition of Cabrini Green marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the area.

16. Demolition Process: The demolition of Cabrini Green began in 2000. The last residents departed at the end of 2010, and the final demolitions took place soon afterward.

17. Mixed-Income Neighborhood: Today, the area has seen major redevelopment due to its proximity to downtown. The neighborhood now features a combination of upscale high-rises and townhouses, with some units still owned by the CHA, creating a mixed-income neighborhood.

18. Rowhouse Preservation: Only the original two-story rowhouses remain from the original complex. These rowhouses have been renovated and are now part of the mixed-income neighborhood.

Community and Cultural Impact

Despite its challenges, Cabrini Green was a community where residents formed strong bonds and shared experiences.

19. Community Impact: Despite its notorious reputation, Cabrini Green was also a community where residents formed strong bonds and shared experiences. Many residents have spoken about the sense of community and resilience within the complex.

20. Cultural Significance: Cabrini Green has been featured in various films and television shows, including "Cooley High," "Candyman," "Good Times," and "Boss." These portrayals often highlighted the harsh realities of life in public housing.

Film and Media Portrayals

Cabrini Green's presence in films and TV shows has cemented its place in popular culture.

21. Film Locations: The 1975 film "Cooley High" was set in Cabrini Green and featured many scenes filmed at the housing project. The film's creator, Eric Monte, was raised at Cabrini Green and attended Cooley Vocational High School.

22. Candyman Connection: In the 1992 horror film "Candyman," Cabrini Green appears as the focal point of the titular character's supernatural activity. Part of the movie was filmed at the housing project over three days.

23. Hardball: The 2001 movie "Hardball" chronicled Little League baseball in Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing project. The film highlighted the challenges faced by young athletes in the community.

24. 70 Acres in Chicago: The documentary "70 Acres in Chicago" by Ronit Bezalel, who spent two decades at Cabrini Green beginning in 1995, was screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center in 2015. The documentary provides a detailed look at life in the complex during its final years.

25. We Grown Now: The 2023 movie "We Grown Now" is set in Cabrini Green in the early 1990s. The film explores themes of community, resilience, and the challenges faced by residents during that period.

Television and Video Games

Cabrini Green has also influenced TV shows and video games, reflecting its impact on various media.

26. Good Times Portrayal: In the television series "Good Times," the buildings are shown in the opening and closing credits. Although Cabrini Green is never mentioned specifically, it is referred to as "The Projects." The series focuses on the Evans family, residents of a two-bedroom apartment unit on the 17th floor of a high-rise tower.

27. Boss Inspiration: In the television series "Boss," Cabrini Green serves as the inspiration and filming location for the "Lennox Gardens" housing project. The show highlights the challenges faced by public housing residents and the efforts to transform these communities.

28. Video Game Inspiration: The Rossi-Fremont housing projects in the video game Watch Dogs were inspired by both Cabrini Green and the Robert Taylor Homes. These video game locations reflect the urban decay and social issues associated with public housing.

Historical Context and Racial Tensions

The construction and management of Cabrini Green were influenced by broader social and racial dynamics.

29. Historical Context: The construction of Cabrini Green was part of a broader urban renewal effort aimed at replacing slums with modern housing. However, this approach often resulted in the displacement of long-time residents and the concentration of poverty in these new developments.

30. Racial Tensions: The development and management of Cabrini Green were influenced by racial tensions. The city council's decision to clear existing slums in African American neighborhoods to build new public housing had a dramatic impact on public housing in Chicago for the rest of the 20th century.

Social Order and Community Life

Maintaining social order and community life in Cabrini Green was a significant challenge.

31. Social Order Challenges: The massive size of the apartment complexes and the large number of residents made sustaining social order and community much harder. The buildings themselves were often poorly built and difficult to maintain, exacerbating these challenges.

32. Community Life: Despite the harsh conditions, residents of Cabrini Green formed strong community bonds. Many residents have spoken about the sense of hope and resilience within the complex, despite the many challenges faced.

Education and Employment

Lack of opportunities in education and employment was a significant issue for Cabrini Green residents.

33. Education and Employment: The lack of education and employment opportunities was a significant issue in Cabrini Green. Many residents struggled with delinquent behavior due to poorly funded schools and limited job opportunities.

CHA Services and Legacy

The CHA provided various services to residents, and Cabrini Green's legacy extends beyond its physical presence.

34. CHA Services: The CHA provided various services to residents, including light bulbs, furnace filters, and laundry facilities. The agency also hired janitors and maintenance workers to maintain the properties.

35. Legacy: Cabrini Green's legacy extends beyond its physical presence. It has become a symbol of the complexities and challenges of urban renewal and public housing policy in the United States. The complex's story serves as a reminder of the need for sustainable and inclusive community development.

Cabrini Green's Lasting Legacy

Cabrini Green Homes were more than just buildings; they were a symbol of urban renewal's highs and lows. From their start in the 1940s to their demolition in the 2010s, these homes saw it all. They housed war-industry workers, veterans, and later, a predominantly African American community. Despite their notorious reputation for crime and neglect, residents formed strong bonds and a resilient community spirit.

The transformation from high-rise public housing to a mixed-income neighborhood reflects broader changes in urban planning. Cabrini Green's story, with its cultural significance in films and TV shows, remains a powerful reminder of the complexities of public housing policy. The legacy of Cabrini Green Homes continues to influence discussions on sustainable and inclusive community development, highlighting the need for thoughtful approaches to urban renewal.