Photo Matt Bergstrom

Preserving Chicago Workers Cottages

Many of Chicago's neighborhoods which are undergoing redevelopment have seen significant loss of workers cottages. The houses are often seen by buyers as teardowns rather than opportunities for renovation.

Our analysis of city data on demolitions in the Logan Square and Avondale neighborhoods shows that workers cottages in these areas are being targeted for demolition above other housing types:

Source: Matt Bergstrom & Liz Potamites

The Chicago Workers Cottage Initiative champions the preservation of these historic homes rather than their demolition. Preserving workers cottages in rapidly redeveloping areas helps preserve neighborhood history as well as the stabilize affordable housing in areas where housing costs are increasing.