Henry Horner Homes

Henry Horner Homes is a public housing development on Chicago's Near West Side, originally comprising 16 high-rise buildings with 920 units built in 1957 and an additional 737 units in multi-story structures added in 1961. Today the site is being redeveloped with a new 12-story building offering 96 mixed-income apartments alongside community rooms, bike storage, and business facilities.

The Chicago Housing Authority began demolition of the original structures in 1995, with the final building removed in 2008. This transformation was part of a broader urban strategy to reshape housing areas with more mixed-income communities.

The place was the subject of Alex Kotlowitz's book 'There Are No Children Here', which documented everyday life for those living there. The story was later adapted into a television film, bringing attention to residents' experiences.

The site is located on the Near West Side and is accessible by public transportation. Visitors should note that the area is still undergoing redevelopment, so some sections may have limited access.

The Henry Horner Mother's Guild, founded in 1983, played an important role supporting residents through community programs. The group received funding for youth initiatives and other community-driven efforts that shaped life in the development.