Born in the shadows of the Union Stockyards, Back of the Yards has long been a model of resilience, self-improvement, and reinvention in Chicago. From its origins as a Chicago suburb to becoming the "Butcher for the World" and a welcoming home for countless immigrant communities, the neighborhood has continually evolved to meet the demands of changing times. Now, JGMA, Park Row Development, and the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council have envisioned a bold concept for the neighborhood’s next chapter. Situated near the intersection of Ashland Avenue and 47th Street, this 7-story mixed-use building has been thoughtfully designed to honor the area’s history while embracing its future.

Anchored by a sunlit central courtyard that connects directly to the Ashland Avenue transit corridor, the building will offer 40,000 square feet of public programming, including a neighborhood center, a community theater, and a new public library. Above, 99 affordable housing units cascade around the site’s upper levels. The building’s masonry façade ties its contemporary form to the area’s industrial roots, while a fully glazed first floor gives the structure a light, open feel, creating an inviting presence along the street.

This project aims to establish a new community hub for Back of the Yards — a place that respects its storied past while actively contributing to the vitality and well-being of its residents. As one of the leading developments ushering in vivid, inclusive, and accessible public spaces on the South Side, it represents a new wave of innovation and community-driven progress.