Friday, May 20, was a great day for Bickerdike, our many partners, and the Logan Square community as we came together for a historic moment. The ribbon-cutting celebration for the newly named Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Apartments, an Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD)located just steps away from the Logan Square Blue Line station.
The program began with an invocation by Pastor Bruce Ray: “What was a dead parking lot is now full of life. These 100 units are the promise that no one will be displaced, no one will be unhoused, and no one will be afraid. Today we rejoice in the blessing of community.”
Bickerdike CEO Joy Aruguete then announced that Emmett Street Apartments would be renamed the Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Apartments, and the new sign was revealed.
Lucy Gonzalez Parsons was a labor rights activist of African, Mexican, & Native descent. She dedicated her life to liberating working people from capitalism & racial oppression and led the fight for the 8-hour work day. Learn more about her legacy here.
The program was capped with the official cutting of the ribbon and followed by a celebration that included tours, food, music, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Program highlights
“It is absolutely vital that families not only have a place to call home and raise their kids, but also have access to public transportation and walkable amenities.” ~ Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot
“It is fitting because Lucy’s life and story—the story of a working-class woman of color who fought for the needs of working people against great odds—mirrors the story of our community and how our community fought to make this housing development a reality.” ~Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th Ward
“This is more than a building. This was truly a community process and a community victory.” ~Marisa Novara, Commissioner, Department of Housing
“When rich people get subsidies, it’s called progress. When poor people do, it’s called charity. Affordable housing is not charity. It is justice, especially in the face of displacement.” ~ Juliet de Jesus Alejandre, Executive Director, Palenque LSNA
“As you tour the units in the building, you’ll see that the quality of this building is amazing. It’s high-quality, affordable rental units that ensure that long-time residents, people who grew up in Logan Square, can continue to call this neighborhood home.” ~Ahlam Khouri, Senior Development Manager, Chicago Housing Authority
“Bickerdike showed up, gave 100 families a safety net, gave us hope, opportunity, and affordable housing. We are deserving and truly grateful.” ~ Danetta Bush, Resident, Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Apartments
To support projects like the Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Apartments, visit our donation page or text 2614Emmett to 243725.
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Thank you!
Bickerdike would like to thank our many partners for making Emmett Street Apartments a reality.
Honorable Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot
Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th Ward
Chicago Housing Authority
City of Chicago, Department of Housing
City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development
Alderman Harry Osterman, Chairman, Committee on Housing & Real Estate
Citibank
National Equity Fund
Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
Palenque LSNA
Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance
Logan Square Preservation
Logan Square Chamber of Commerce
Linn-Mathes Inc.
Landon Bone Baker Architects
Chicago Police 14th District
United Neighbors of the 35th Ward
Metropolis Coffee Company
Puerto Rican Agenda
U.S Bank
Our Logan Square Neighbors