Parkway Gardens is an affordable housing community that hundreds of families call home in Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood.

Since Related Midwest became owner of Parkway Gardens in 2011, the company has invested nearly $58,000,000 in capital improvements, security, and social services to upgrade the property, inside and out. Brand-new amenity spaces—including two playgrounds, a laundry area, a computer lab and a number of community green spaces—foster an atmosphere of community and provide spaces for families and residents to gather. A state-of-the-art entry access and security system has increased safety on the property. Other upgrades include new kitchens and baths, as well as new appliances, and improvements to plumbing, flooring, lighting, elevators and heating systems.

In addition, Related has invested in the Parkway Gardens community and surrounding area, installing a new 8,410-square-foot turf field for the John Foster Dulles Elementary School. The field replaced an asphalt lot and gives the students—90 percent of whom live at Parkway Gardens—an opportunity to have recess and sporting events outside for the first time in the school's history. In addition, Related created a yearly scholarship program for residents of Parkway Gardens who are working toward college or advanced degrees. In Summer 2021, Related partnered with After School Matters, Parkway Gardens teens and Chicago artist Erick “Roho” Garcia to create three colorful murals to be installed on South Martin Luther King Drive. Learn more about the mural here.

Parkway Gardens was built in the mid-1950s as co-ops and later converted to rentals in the mid-1970's under the Housing and Urban Development Section 236 Interest Reduction Program. Related acquired the property in 2011, guaranteeing it would remain affordable for another 30 years. Related is proud to develop affordable housing in Chicago and throughout the Midwest to provide affordable, modern, safe homes that all residents can be proud of.