Transformation 

As the mid-1990's approached, residents of the Lathrop Homes realized that change was about to occur. In 1996, the federal government stepped in, in the form of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to help a failing CHA deal with public housing.

One of the first things they did was start to take down some of the worst high-rises in Chicago.  The plan was to redevelop the land using a theory of thirds: one-third public housing; one-third affordable housing; one-third market-rate housing.

Although this plan targeted high-rises, other public housing structures came under the scope of redevelopment when the CHA regained control from the federal government and underwent an ambitious plan to redevelop the majority of Chicago public housing with an eye towards instituting the theory of thirds.  

Although officially CHA has not determined a strategy for the Lathrop Homes , it is evident in their releasing activity that a plan is in place for the area. Lathrop Homes, which was originally intended for 925 families now houses only 566, according to CHA's website, and that number is a high estimate according to residents.

Reverend Eddy Lenz, who's Church of the Good News is located next to Lathrop, estimated the total number of occupied apartments to be just over 300. She said that CHA's estimate was probably right about three years ago, but almost half have left since then.  

Additionally, CHA hasn't done the best job in maintaining the property. In the summer of 2004, a large sum of money was used to rehab the landscape. While the planting of trees and painting of the premises did create some temporary local jobs, many other problems in the insides of the apartments went untouched.  
 
 

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