The milestone marks a significant step in building strong, vibrant communities, as local leaders and residents come together to celebrate new opportunities for families in Pilsen. 

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 – Today, The Resurrection Project (TRP) broke ground on Casa Yucatán, a transformative 98-unit affordable housing development at 1609 W. 21^st Place in Chicago’s historic Pilsen neighborhood. The ceremony brought together Illinois Deputy Governor Grace Hou, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, 25th Ward Alderperson Byron Sigcho-Lopez, the City of Chicago Department of Housing Director Lissette Castañeda, financial partners, and residents of Pilsen to celebrate this milestone.   

The eight-story development will provide affordable housing for families, helping address rising rents and displacement while preserving Pilsen.   

“Casa Yucatán is more than just housing—it’s an investment in preserving the cultural vibrancy of this neighborhood, ensuring families can continue to call Pilsen home and contribute to its rich culture for generations,” said Raul I. Raymundo, CEO and co-founder of The Resurrection Project. 

This development marks a major commitment to Pilsen’s future, helping preserve its diversity and maintaining the neighborhood’s accessibility for everyone.   

“Ensuring that everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is a top priority for the Pritzker administration,” said Grace Hou, Illinois Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services. “Housing has a profound impact on the lives of working families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities, contributing to an individual’s health, well-being, and opportunities. Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois has made tremendous strides in breaking down barriers to housing for working families. This includes investments in the Home Illinois initiative to end homelessness and an executive order to promote housing development for working families. Casa Yucatán is another example of the administration’s’ commitment to making housing more affordable in Illinois, and I applaud the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s partnership with The Resurrection Project on this development. Casa Yucatán will stand as a lasting source of hope and stability for the Pilsen community for generations to come.” 

“Casa Yucatán is one of the first housing developments to close with funding support from our $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development Bond, and I am proud that we are investing in a truly transformational development for Pilsen,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We continue to confront our city’s housing crisis through our Build Better Together initiative and today we take this exciting step towards building more affordable housing and ensuring working families can continue to call Pilsen home.”   

“Casa Yucatán is a shining example of what we can achieve when government, non-profits, community residents, and private partners work hand-in-hand to create lasting change for the people of Illinois,” said Kristin Faust, Executive Director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority. “We are deeply committed to building a future where every Illinoisan who needs a home has one, and where everyone has the stability and security they need to truly thrive in their community. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more compassionate Illinois for all and for the residents this development will serve.” 

Casa Yucatán will offer 38 one-bedroom, 34 two-bedroom, and 26 three-bedroom units, along with a landscaped courtyard, rooftop amenity deck, multi-purpose community room, training center, and reading room. The development was designed by DesignBridge, with Crane Construction Company LLC and Blackwood Group serving as general contractors.   

The development will also include on-site parking with EV charging readiness and secure indoor bicycle storage for all residents. The building is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, underscoring TRP’s commitment to sustainability.  

“Our community has advocated for more affordable housing for decades, and with the groundbreaking of Casa Yucatán, we are on the road to delivering 98 units to the residents of the 25th ward,” said Alderman Byron Sigcho-López. “I am grateful for the partnerships between the city, community leaders, and the many voices who championed this project.”    

TRP’s newest development sits just steps from Benito Juarez High School and Cooper Dual Language Elementary, keeping Pilsen’s families connected to educational opportunities.  

Casa Yucatán will provide affordable rental homes for households earning 30%–70% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with rents ranging from $551 to $1,768.   

Through investments and financing from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the City of Chicago Department of Housing, Federal Home Loan Bank, CIBC Bank USA, Enterprise Community Partners, ComEd, and TRP. Together we continue to build healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods.   

“The Department of Housing is proud to partner with IHDA and The Resurrection Project to deliver 98 units of affordable housing to Pilsen, a community facing increasing displacement,” said Lissette Castañeda, Chicago Housing Commissioner. “This development is especially meaningful as it was the first project that closed that was funded with our Housing and Economic Development. With a $15.8 million investment, we’re helping ensure that families can remain in the neighborhood they’ve long called home.” 

TRP developed and manages 600 units of high-quality, affordable rental housing, providing homes for more than 1,000 individuals, including 305 children. In keeping with TRP’s tradition, the development is named after the Mexican state of Yucatán, celebrated for its rich Mayan heritage in southeastern Mexico.   

Since its founding in 1990, TRP has worked to improve the lives of individuals and families by creating and preserving affordable housing and expanding economic opportunity in Pilsen and across Chicago’s southwest side. In 2025, TRP is on track to leverage and preserve more than $1 billion in community wealth.  

To learn more about TRP’s work in developing affordable housing visit our website Resurrectionproject.org.   

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About The Resurrection Project

The Resurrection Project (TRP) builds trusting relationships to educate and propel individuals, immigrants, and families to achieve their social and economic aspirations, stable homes, and equitable participation in their community. TRP is a leading provider of affordable housing, financial education, and immigration services on Chicago’s Southwest side.

During the past three decades TRP has worked to improve the lives of individuals and families by creating wealth, building assets, and engaging residents to be catalysts for change. Rooted in the Pilsen community, TRP’s impact now extends across the City of Chicago and through the State of Illinois; we are making steady progress towards leveraging and preserving more than $1 billion in community wealth in 2025.