CELEBRATING COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS: LISC CHICAGO ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 30TH ANNUAL CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS: LISC CHICAGO ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 30TH ANNUAL CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

Now in its 30th Year, the Event Honors Transformative Projects, and Visionaries Shaping Chicago’s Future

CHICAGO — LISC Chicago is proud to announce the winners of the 30th annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDAs), which took place on Thursday, June 27. This landmark event spotlighted the most groundbreaking community development projects and architectural achievements marvels that are redefining Chicago’s neighborhoods. The ceremony began with a keynote speech by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Following this, Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, presented the Richard M. Daley Friend of the Neighborhood Award to Grady Chambers, in honor of his late mother, Marilyn Katz. The event continued with an awards ceremony where winners received their honors, supported by a network of friends and colleagues.

Established in 1995, the CNDAs annually recognize the vital contributions of non-profit and for-profit developers in revitalizing Chicago's neighborhoods. Celebrating excellence in real estate development and community building, the CNDAs honor community development corporations, grassroots organizations, and innovative developers who create healthier, more vibrant communities. Through the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards, the CNDAs also spotlight best practices in community design and architecture, showcasing projects that enhance the visual, social, and cultural fabric of their neighborhoods. Organized by LISC Chicago, the awards inspire continued innovation and investment in the city's future.

The 2024 CNDAs, themed 'Community Cut: Three Decades of Neighborhood Growth,' unfolded in the historic Apollo’s 2000 theater in Little Village. This iconic venue perfectly embodies the event’s spirit, symbolizing the collaborative effort of creating a cinematic masterpiece.

"Over the past three decades, the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards have celebrated the visionary work of those dedicated to building stronger, more vibrant communities,” said Meghan Harte, Senior Executive Director, LISC. “This recognition is crucial because it highlights the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts that shape the future of our neighborhoods, ensuring they remain places of opportunity and growth for all residents."

"Chicago's strength lies in the dedication of its people and the vibrancy of its neighborhoods,” said Brandon Johnson, Mayor, City of Chicago. “The Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards celebrate those who embody this spirit, working tirelessly to build, revitalize and strengthen our communities. As we honor their achievements, we recognize that every restored building, every new development and every community initiative is an investment in our shared future. Together, we are creating a more beautiful, equitable and inclusive Chicago for all."

The 30th Annual CNDAs winners include:

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design:

First Place: John Ronan Architects for Chicago Park District Headquarters

Second Place: LBBA for BUILD Chicago

Third Place: LBBA for Heiwa Terrace

Honorable Mention: Canopy for Enlace Chicago Headquarters

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Community Design Impact Award: Maya Bird-Murphy

The Polk Bros. Foundation Affordable Rental Housing Preservation Award: Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation for the Lawson House

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Healthy Community Award: Dion’s Chicago Dream for Dream Deliveries

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Creative Places Award: The Chicago Tool Library

The Non-Profit Neighborhood Real Estate Development Award: PODER HQ Immigrant Integration Center

The For-Profit Neighborhood Real Estate Development Award: The Habitat Company & P3 Markets for 43 Green

The Chicago Community Trust Outstanding Community Plan Award: Far South Community Development Corporation for the Roseland Community Medical District Master Plan

The Richard M. Daley Friend of the Neighborhood Award: Marilyn Katz

CIBC Emerging Leader Award: Joel Rodriguez, Southwest Organizing Project

Returning to this year’s CNDAs, a pre-event discussion, “Next Big Thing: Designing for Environmental and Community Renewal,” was hosted in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Center, for registered guests. The discussion comprised of a cross-section of industry leaders who discussed how to create enduring community development projects that address the social and environmental challenges of communities in Chicago.

This year’s sponsors included The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, CIBC, The Chicago Community Trust, The Polk Bros. Foundation, Northern Trust, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, BMO, Fifth Third, U.S. Bank, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, State Farm Insurance, PNC Bank, Pritzker Traubert Foundation, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Clayco, Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, Old National Bank, Wintrust, Brinshore, LBBA Architects, Cubs Charities, National Equity Fund, The Habitat Company, SB Friedman Development Advisors, Bank of America, Related Midwest, Citi, Providence Bank & Trust, Arkos Health, Associated Bank, Chicago Community Loan Fund, site design group, Teska Associates, Miner, Barnhill & Galland, P.C., Ginsberg Jacobs LLC, The Michaels Organization, North Lawndale Employment Network, Preservation of Affordable Housing, Southwest Organizing Project, Chicago Architecture Center, Community Investment Corporation, Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation, Self-Help Federal Credit Union, Illinois Housing Council, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, and IFF.

Learn more about the CNDAs at www.lisc-cnda.org.

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