Will the Obama Presidential Center Uplift or Displace? Chicago Tenants Voice Concerns Over Rising Rents

CHICAGO — In a community just three blocks from the anticipated Obama Presidential Center, at least 20 tenants are facing the possibility of eviction from their homes.

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Residents of the Chaney Braggs apartments, located at 6450 S. Stony Island Avenue, have called this place home for many years, with some having lived there for decades.

Now, there’s growing concern among them about their ability to afford their rent in the future.

“I want to stay right where I am. I don’t want to be forced out or told I have to leave,” expressed Kyana Butler, one of the tenants.

Infiniti Collins, a representative from the Southside Together organization, highlighted, “Ever since the Obama Center was announced, we’ve been voicing concerns about the potential displacement of community members.”

In response to these threats, the tenants have established a union. They allege that a prospective buyer from California is interested in either demolishing or renovating the building.

The biggest worry: rent hike.

Tenants say they currently pay $700 to $800 for a one-bedroom apartment a month.
“$1,400 for one bedroom, I would be ridden burden if I had to pay $1,400 dollars for a one bedroom,” Collins said.

Fifth Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy said there aren’t any immediate plans to demolish the building but will keep an eye on things.

The Obama Center says in a statement:

“We are working hard to ensure the opportunities created by the private investment we’re making in the Obama Presidential Center benefit the people who call the South Side home.

We applaud the efforts of City and community leaders working together to ensure all people in our community have access to affordable, safe homes through the Woodlawn and Jackson Park Affordable Housing Ordinances.”

Tenant organizers say they are willing to work with elected leaders to find solutions and ensure tenants have a place to call home.

Andrew Field, a spokesperson for the Illinois Housing Development Authority said in a statement:

“The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has been committed to working collaboratively with ownership and community preservation partners to explore all viable solutions that ensure the long-term affordability and sustainability of Chaney Braggs.

A receiver was appointed to secure the property and assist residents. IHDA continues to monitor the situation closely and is committed to finding a pathway forward with ownership toward a sustainable resolution for the remaining residents and the Woodlawn community.

Should a buyer be interested in purchasing the property, IHDA will work with ownership to ensure rents continue to be affordable for the remainder of the regulatory agreement, or 2032.”