Rich history of Jane Addams Homes as ‘hallowed ground’ is worth remembering

Two workers dismantle an old Chicago Housing Authority sign outside the sole remaining building from the Jane Addams Homes in the 1300 block of West Taylor Street on Aug. 21, 2019. (Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times)

The site of the latest phase of the Roosevelt Square redevelopment at 925 S. Ada Street was recently described as “hallowed ground” by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, referring to the parcel’s previous use as public housing. This part of the mixed-income development includes the renovation, as the National Public Housing Museum, of the only extant building of the original 32 that comprised the Jane Addams Homes.

In calling this site “hallowed ground,” Lightfoot spoke more truth than perhaps she realized. For over 180 years, the property has been in the service of the neighborhood, with a rich history that is worth remembering.