United Yards 1A Opens With 51 Affordable Rental Homes
The new Chicago development provides housing for local households earning between 15 and 80 percent of the area median income.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Commercial
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Chicago officials have officially opened United Yards 1A, an affordable housing complex in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. The new development provides 51 rental homes for households earning between 15 and 80 percent of the area median income.
Why it matters
The project represents a significant investment in formerly vacant space, aiming to stabilize housing options for local workers. It combines residential space with a technology training center and retail units to foster community development.
The $46 million project at 4703 S. Justine St. features 51 units, including 17 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, and 15 three-bedroom homes. Twelve of these units are specifically supported by the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund.
The players
City of Chicago
The local municipal government responsible for urban planning, housing trust fund administration, and the distribution of tax-exempt bonds for community development.
Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund
A public entity that provides rental subsidies to ensure housing remains affordable for the city's lowest-income residents.
The details
United Yards 1A utilizes a mix of tax-exempt bonds and tax increment financing to transform previously vacant land into accessible housing. The design integrates residential living with neighborhood infrastructure, including a new retail space and a technology training center intended to support residents and the wider Back of the Yards community.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the development.
The Home Front
United Yards 1A follows the city's ongoing strategy of utilizing tax increment financing and recovery funds to address the housing shortage in historically underserved areas. This model marks a departure from private-market-only development by tying housing construction directly to neighborhood retail and vocational amenities.
Local workers should review the updated income eligibility requirements to determine if they qualify for future housing opportunities within the United Yards footprint. Families interested in affordable rental options should monitor the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund for upcoming vacancies.
The takeaway
The addition of 51 affordable homes provides new stability for local families in the Back of the Yards area. Residents can track further community development progress by reviewing the phased construction updates provided by the city planning office.
Further reading
Learn more about local real estate shifts in our Chicago Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lawndale News.
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