Related Midwest, The Related Affordable Foundation, and longtime community partner After School Matters (ASM) recently celebrated the completion of a new mosaic art installation created by local teens at South Shore on The Park, an affordable housing community in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood owned and managed by Related.
The project engaged 18 local high school students, including eight residents of South Shore on The Park. Starting last fall, students collaborated to develop a concept, presented their vision to Related, and ultimately transformed eight buildings throughout the property with original mosaic artwork. Funding for the initiative was provided through a grant from Related Affordable Foundation.
Local artists Alexis Jannotta and Nate Preciado from Green Star Movement advised the teens throughout the process. The finished installation includes tile mosaics installed on building exteriors and entry markers, each capturing distinct scenes of city life, nature and youth empowerment that, collectively, tell a visual story of the South Shore neighborhood. The teens also presented their design concepts at the unveiling ceremony, attended by their family members, neighbors, and representatives from Related Affordable Foundation, Related Affordable Management, ASM, and Green Star Movement.
The installation reflects Related Midwest’s broader commitment to workforce development, mentorship, and meaningful community engagement. For years, Related Midwest and Related Affordable Foundation have supported ASM’s efforts to provide Chicago Public Schools’ students with opportunities to build practical and creative skills through programs focused on arts, STEM, athletics, and leadership development. Related Midwest President, Curt Bailey, serves as a member of ASM’s Board of Directors, while Associate DuWarren Gibson serves on the ASM Associate Board.
This is the second art installation at South Shore on The Park. In 2024, Related and ASM unveiled a mural on the exterior of the property’s community center designed and painted by local teens. The long-standing partnership underscores how collaborative programming can create a meaningful impact for young people and the communities they call home.
