ABLA Homes, Public housing development in Near West Side, Chicago, US
ABLA Homes is a public housing development on Chicago's Near West Side comprising four separate residential complexes: Jane Addams Homes, Robert Brooks Homes, Loomis Courts, and Grace Abbott Homes. The site is undergoing redevelopment that will introduce new rental units along with retail and commercial spaces.
The development started in 1938 with Jane Addams Homes as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Public Works Administration program and continued expanding through 1962. This growth established it as one of Chicago's major housing communities that shaped the neighborhood for decades.
The Roosevelt Square project features a National Public Housing Museum that tells the stories of residents who lived in this neighborhood. Visitors can explore exhibits that show how this housing development shaped community life over the decades.
The site is well served by public transportation and has several entry points to explore the different complexes. Daytime visits work best for seeing the grounds and visiting the museum to learn about the neighborhood's past.
Jane Addams Homes originally featured animal sculptures in its courtyards that were part of daily life for residents. Though these buildings were later demolished, long-time residents still recall these artistic touches as memorable elements of their homes.
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