It was a big night for The Resurrection Project (TRP) at the 20^th Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDA) presented by LISC Chicago. TRP was recognized not just for its work in Back of the Yards, but for the leadership demonstrated by its CEO, Raul Raymundo.
The CNDAs are an annual showcase of some of Chicago’s most impactful community development projects. And at last night’s ceremony in front of more than 1,500 attendees, TRP received the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Outstanding Non-Profit Neighborhood Real Estate Project for its Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP2) work in Back of the Yards.
In 2013, TRP celebrated the completion of the NSP2 project, in which it acquired 40 foreclosed and vacant properties throughout the neighborhood and transformed them into 75 units of quality affordable homes for rent and sale. The impact of this project in stabilizing property values throughout the neighborhood and providing safe, quality homes for families are two reasons why the CDNAs named TRP the recipient of this prestigious award. Guacolda Reyes, TRP Vice President of Real Estate Development, accepted the award along with Jesse and Claudia Iniguez, a family who purchased one of TRP’s NSP2 homes and who are now active community members in Back of the Yards.

A project that TRP helped develop was also recognized last night. The Second Place for The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design was awarded to JGMA for their design of Instituto Health and Science Academy (IHSCA). The innovative new building, which fuses modern elements with the building’s original 1920’s façade, is a charter school envisioned by Instituto del Progreso Latino to help area students receive education in the sciences. The Resurrection Project was lead developer for the project in 2011, and extends congratulations to both JGMA and Instituto del Progreso Latino for their vision in creating IHSCA.
The evening concluded with Raul Raymundo, CEO of TRP, receiving the prestigious Richard M. Daley Friend of the Neighborhood Award. The award honors city leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the quality of life in Chicago’s neighborhoods, with a particular focus on community development, grassroots organization, and economic strengthening. Past recipients of the Friends of the Neighborhood Award include Toni Preckwinkle, Sunny Fischer, Julia Stach, Valerie Jarett, Michael Scott, Mayor Richard Daley, Richard Driehaus, Jack Markowski, Paul Roldan, John Pritscher, and Bruce Gottcschall.
Addressing the event’s 1,500 attendees, including his children, TRP staff, colleagues, and supporters, Raul acknowledged and thanked everyone who has worked alongside him throughout the years.
“This award is not a reflection of what I’ve done as an individual,” he said, “but what I’ve accomplished collectively with many of you in the audience who are equally committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of this great city. To my current and former staff, board and leaders: Thank you for your support.”
The Resurrection Project is immensely grateful to the CNDAs and LISC Chicago for their recognition, and grateful to our supporters, friends, and neighbors who have partnered with us throughout the years to empower our neighbors and create healthy communities.
To read more about the award, visit the CNDA web site.