# Southbridge 1C Groundbreaking 4.27.26

- Date: April 27, 2026
- Type: Video
- Length: 24:25
- Topic: Openings and groundbreakings
- Video: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f1hqwOUpJk)
- Transcript: Machine transcription, 3,194 words ([text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/youtube/2f1hqwOUpJk.txt))
- Mayor: [Brandon Johnson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor)

## Description

Mayor Brandon Johnson attends the Southbridge 1C Groundbreaking event.

## Transcript

[0:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=22) Hi everybody. Good morning. I'm Will Woodley. I lead real estate development for the Community Builders in the Midwest. Thank you all, including Mayor Johnson and Alderman Dow, for coming to celebrate the groundbreaking of Southbridge 1C. At the Community Builders, our mission... Can you do this? Oh. Celebrating...

[0:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=56) You have to do it? All right. Thank you all, including Mayor Johnson and Alderman Dahl, that was it, right? For coming to celebrate the groundbreaking of Southbridge 1C. So we are very excited because our mission is to build and sustain strong communities

[1:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=89) where all people can thrive. And today is an important milestone in that mission and also an important milestone in the creation of Southbridge, a mixed-income, mixed-use community hub welcoming families from a range of incomes and providing businesses and amenities to serve the larger neighborhood. Southbridge 1C will be a 12-story modern high-rise with 80 apartments and ground-floor retail, just steps from a Green Line CTA station close to schools, parks, and job centers

[2:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=125) with beautiful views of our Chicago skyline, and about half of the building will be set at rent-controlled, affordable rates, including about one-third of those apartments for CHA households. With its height and design, Phase 1C will be an important anchor for Southbridge while also continuing to revitalize State Street with ground floor businesses. When Southbridge is fully built out, it will deliver hundreds of mixed-income homes

[2:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=160) and over 60,000 square feet of commercial space, including local black-owned businesses like 24th Life Fitness and Batterin Bears, both of which opened just last year. And if you haven't yet, you can taste some of Batters and Berry's wonderful food right in the room next door. And also, one more plug for another business we work on. The coffee is from Adis Cafe, which is the best coffee shop in Oak Park and is part of one of our mixed-use developments out there.

[3:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=197) Anyways. So we are excited to now build Phase 1C. and we're also equally excited to have recently secured city funding for Southbridge's next phase, another 80 mixed-income homes, including family apartments overlooking the nearby park. That next phase will break ground next year, and these developments collectively are achieving another major goal for Southbridge,

[3:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=228) bringing the wonderful and wonderfully different communities of Bronzeville, Chinatown and South Loop together. There are many to thank for all this work. First, thank you Alderman Dow for your ongoing commitment to and shared vision for Southbridge. Special thanks to Mayor Johnson and Commissioner Castaneda, the Department of Housing, the CHA and IDA for their ongoing collaboration

[4:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=258) to make Southbridge a reality. This was a hard phase to figure out, given all the increases in costs and interest rates in the last couple years, and it would never have happened without the city, CHA, and IDA working together. So again, sincere thanks. Also, a special thanks to our private funders, funding partners at Stratford, CIBC, Sennare, and Benefit Chicago. And thank you to our design team, led by Gensler, our construction

[4:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=291) team led by McHugh and Powers and Sons. This work is truly a team sport, so again, thank you to all of our partners for their commitment and collaboration. And finally, thank you to my exceptional colleagues at the Community Builders. For over 25 years, this talented group that I've had the honor to work with has been making Chicago neighborhoods stronger and more affordable at the same time. On behalf of those colleagues at the Community Builders, we're proud to break ground today

[5:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=322) and we're excited to deliver homes and neighborhood amenities that help residents of all incomes live, work, and thrive. And now it's my honor to introduce the Alderman of Chicago's Third Ward and the Chairman of the City's Committee of Finance, Pat Dowell. Thank you, Will. Good morning, everybody. I am incredibly proud to participate in today's groundbreaking.

[5:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=356) Phase 1C of Southbridge is the South Loop's newest neighborhood. And I'm also looking forward to the construction of 80 modern market affordable and public housing apartments and 1,500 square feet of ground retail near transit, bus, and rail. Now, that's a trifecta of the elements of what makes a viable urban community.

[6:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=387) But you throw on top of that proximity to open space, proximity to the downtown, proximity to Chinatown, Bronzeville, and McCormick Place, and Southbridge 1C is clearly a winning location for families and singles. Phase 1A and Phase 1B, which were completed a few years ago, has already added 206 mixed-income apartments and new commercial,

[6:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=418) and you can already feel the vibrancy that is growing in this area. How many of you all have problems finding parking? And we are addressing the need for more affordable units in Chicago for residents who want to live close to the downtown. This, as Will has said, has been a true team effort, and my gratitude goes to the community builders for their leadership and persistence, and Gensler for designing a very attractive and contemporary building.

[7:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=454) I want to thank the CHA, and I want to welcome you, CEO Keith Pettigrew, to your new role here. I look forward to working with you. I want to thank Ida and I want to thank HUD for their support of this project. I want to give a special thanks to Mayor Johnson and Lissette Castaneda, Commissioner, and my colleagues for their support of an almost $12 million TIF ask to support Phase 1C of Southbridge.

[8:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=493) In closing, I am very optimistic about the journey ahead. Now, I know it's going to take some time, Will, but I'm excited. And the reason I'm excited is because Southbridge promises more affordable rental units and opportunities for for-sale housing. And I need to see those for-sale housings in my head, too. Today's groundbreaking is another step towards the journey to provide diverse housing options for all Chicagoans.

[8:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=529) I want to thank you all for coming in today and celebrating with us. And with that, I want to introduce our Mayor, Mayor Brandon Johnson. Thank you so much, Chairwoman, and good morning, everyone. Good morning. It is great to join you all again to celebrate the ongoing development of 23rd Place at Southbridge, another step in our city's journey to build more housing, especially affordable housing, throughout Chicago.

[9:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=563) Last summer, we opened the first two phases of Southbridge, opening apartment units and welcoming the ground floor retailers of Batter and Berries and 24 Life Gym. Development is moving along on time because here we are, less than a year later, ready to break ground on phase 1C. When completed, this phase will deliver approximately 80 mixed-income apartments across a range of unit types, including studios and one- and two-bedrooms.

[9:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=597) More than half of the units are affordable, including units that are reserved for Chicago Housing Authority households. Like the last phase that held ground retail space for batter and berries and 24 Life Gym, This building will have 1,500 square feet of ground floor retail space to serve the needs of the community and hold resident amenities such as fitness area, bike storage, package room, and, of course, a rooftop terrace. The whole project is intentionally designed to enhance the quality of life

[10:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=630) while contributing to a more dynamic South Loop community. When all the phases of South Bridge are complete, as Chairwoman Dow indicated, It will deliver approximately 877 mixed-income homes, a total of 65,000 square feet of commercial and community space for the residents of the building and for the entire South Loop community.

[11:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=661) My administration proudly supported this development with a little over $11 million in TIF funding. Furthermore, this phase of construction is located on city-owned land, reflecting our broader approach to advancing mixed-income housing. The Chicago Housing Authority is contributing another $10 million in capital and approximately $1.47 million in rental subsidies to support the development's long-term affordability. Additional financing comes from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, HUD, and private investors,

[11:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=696) and I'm truly grateful to be aligned with partners across the city and the state in our work to build more housing. The need for more housing and affordable units exists across our city, but even here in the bustling South Loop neighborhood. Chicago was reimagining how we grow and invest in our neighborhoods and how we do it for the future. As the need for housing space changes, we recognize that the South Loop doesn't need to be an office monoculture anymore.

[12:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=726) We can transform this into a lively and active neighborhood beyond the Monday through Friday nine to five hours and make this a true live, work, and play community area, one that people don't just pass through but plant roots in. The South Bridge development is getting us closer to that vision. Additionally, my administration is investing in LaSalle Corridor conversion projects, readapting office buildings into housing developments with affordable units. The 79 West Monroe Project was the first to start construction, and we expect it to open this year.

[12:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=762) It might surprise you to know that we have the ability to make room for 400,000 more Chicagoans to greatly expand our city. To usher in those residents, along with new investments in community revitalization, we must continue to build affordable housing in all 77 community areas. Through my administration's Building Better Together initiative, we are committed to doing that work. We will continue to utilize the $1.25 billion housing and economic development bond to support the construction of affordable housing and spur equitable growth in our communities.

[13:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=799) Of course, again, we cannot do this without our partners, so I want to thank again Chairwoman Dow, to our Commissioner of Housing, Constaneda, the CHA CEO, Keith Pettigrew, the IHDA and HUD, and the Community Builders Team, and of course, our Senior VP, Real Estate, an incredible starring role in this play, Will Woodley. I look forward to celebrating. I really look forward to celebrating with you all again when the South Bridge is complete.

[13:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=834) So thank you all again in our efforts to continue to build the safest, most affordable big city in America. And on the team who is helping us accomplish that is the Commissioner of Housing. Please welcome Commissioner Conteneta. Thank you for that introduction, Mayor Johnson. I am truly glad to be here with all of you today. It is wonderful to see so many familiar faces of our partners in advancing housing affordability across Chicago. This work takes a village, and the teams surrounding us today are the best village we could hope for.

[14:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=868) I would like to begin by thanking the Community Builders Development Team for their vision and persistence in bringing this project to life. Of course, all of our partners deserve their flowers. All of these partnerships over the years have helped us deliver affordable housing to residents across the country. every part of the city. And finally, a special thank you to Mayor Johnson for dedicating your administration's efforts to ensuring that the city remains safe and affordable for all. This project has been years in the making. Originally the site of the formal public housing Harold Ickes Homes, we are making good on

[15:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=901) restoring units to the communities that need it the most. That is why the Department of Housing invested in this project and transferred three city-owned lots for it. Southbridge 1C is a development we can all take pride in. It is a direct reflection of our commitment to housing justice and ensures that long-time residents of the area can continue to call this neighborhood home. Developments like this support the dignity of our neighbors, and as our city grows, make certain that all that dignity is shared more equitably across all 77 communities. When construction of the site is complete, 80 units will come online with 40

[15:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=937) designated as affordable. And that matters. It means a barista, a child care worker, a freelance artist can live in a safe, stable home without the constant fear of being priced out. It means access to transit, to jobs, to health care, and to loved ones. And it means access to quality amenities like the gym and in-unit washer and dryers that support everyday life. Finally, this project marks an important milestone. It is the first new construction development of 2026 to close with the Department of Housing.

[16:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=970) Our goal under Mayor Johnson's Cut the Tape initiative is to have our projects online in a year and a half after closing, so I want to once again thank all the teams involved for their diligent work, and I look forward to seeing everyone again very soon. Thank you all again for having me. Thank you, Chairwoman Dowell, for the work you've done for this project as well, and with that I would like to turn it over to our partners at Illinois Housing Development Authority and Keith keith prior morning my name is keith prior and i'm deputy director of multi-family financing at

[16:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1008) the illinois housing development authority affectionately known as ida one of my most favorite duties one of my most favorite tasks you will is conducting the ida tour and on that tour we talk about the important work we do the impact that we have on different communities and that's one portion of that tour that stands out. It's a six minute portion of the tour where we get on to Dan Ryan and I tell everyone take out your cell phones and turn on your stop watch. I call out one minute. I call out two minutes. I call out

[17:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1041) four minutes. And when we get on along to Dan Ryan I begin to tell the story of the State Street Corridor and how that concentration of poverty is a fundamental issue of some of the challenges we face today. And then on average, on a general afternoon, it takes about six minutes to get from approximately the ickies to approximately 63rd, which was Robert Taylor. And it's sobering, and it resonates. It resonates particularly with the younger people, those who don't remember what was there.

[17:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1072) And it also resonates with those who lived in Chicago at a time like myself but just need a reminder. And that's why being here today resonates with me. I think, in my humble opinion, I think that these occasions are really timely, particularly this one, because we learn from the lessons of yesteryear and we move forward. We finance deals like Southbridge because we believe that mixed income communities are healthy communities.

[18:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1102) We believe people from all different incomes and backgrounds share the same street, go to the same coffee, work out in the same gyms. That's how we create inclusive neighborhoods that truly reflect the city, the state, the country. Guess what? That's what South Bridge brings. In fact, in this area code, Ida has approximately 1,300 apartments in this area, including the building we're standing in,

[18:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1137) that we either renovated or to some degree financed with Illinois Housing Development Authority resources. And many and not all of these units are indistinguishable from any other development or any other building in this area. And that's what Southbridge brings. While we realize that affordable housing is not community development, we realize it's not economic development. However, we also realize that you can't do what we do without having those components

[19:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1172) because the needs of any given community are wholesale, and that's what Southbridge brings. Southbridge 1C is going to create 80 units of mixed-income housing, as mentioned earlier, 1,500 square feet of ground retail space in an amenity-rich community. And there's a saying that I have. The saying is this. Southbridge is an example of defining affordable housing by us and not allowing others to define it for us. That's what Southbridge brings.

[20:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1207) but there are current and I would be remiss if I didn't say this but there are current and potential challenges to what we do including reduced resources in fact many of the deals that are in Southbridge we don't have those resources, they are scarce now so if we want to continue to see the Southbridges of the world we have to continue to fight both individually and collectively and we will. We will continue to fight the good fight. But while we fight that good fight, it's nice to come up

[20:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1240) for events like these and acknowledge the great work that we do together. So on behalf of the Illinois Housing and Development Authority Board, its leadership team, its staff, I see staff members here today. Henry, how are you? I would like to thank and congratulate Will Woodley of the Community Builders, Alderman Dow, Mayor Johnson, our friends at the city and CHA.

[21:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1273) And again, just a hearty thank you. Thank you for having us, and we look forward to being back here for the grand opening. Thank you. Next up, we have the CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority, Keith Pettigrew. Please. Good morning. As you all have heard, my name is Keith Pettigrew, and I'm the new CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority.

[21:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1305) I'd like to acknowledge the mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson. I'm looking forward to working with you, Mr. Mayor. I'd also like to say hello to all the women, Pat Dow, the Illinois Department of Housing and Development, the Chicago Department of Housing, the community of builders, and all other partners who are with us today. Thank you for your partnership. It's great to be here today. Chicago is an incredible city. You can feel the energy right away. The CHA is a special organization with a deep history. It is truly an honor to step into this role. For those who don't know me, I have some background in public housing beyond being an administrator.

[22:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1339) I, too, am a proud product of public housing as well. Having worked with several public housing authorities over the past 20 years, I know this. Public housing is changing, especially in today's housing climate. And so agencies like CHA have to evolve to meet the needs of our residents across the generations and neighborhoods. It's going to take more collaboration, more innovation, more community-driven partnerships, and more commitment than ever before to be successful. Now, I've only been here a week, but Southbridge seems to be exactly the type of sustainable, mixed-income, mixed-use community that will play a key part in CHA and Chicago's future.

[22:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1377) So let's work hard together and do what we're here to do, to be creative, caring, committed, and building and sustaining affordable housing for those in need in the city of Chicago. Congratulations to all involved and thank you for all the well wishes as we embark on this important mission. Thank you. Just so we don't get soaked, we have moved the groundbreaking area a little bit.

[23:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk?t=1416) And so we're going to have our speakers walk out first. but Sahara is going to help lead folks sort of through the building to the groundbreaking area. And with that, thanks again for everybody coming. This is super exciting. And everybody just work their way out this way. You'll see.

Sources and methods: [how we get and count this data](/about#methods) · [report an error](/about#corrections)

---
Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/2f1hqwOUpJk · Chicago Politics, an independent tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt