Local Not-for-Profit Organization to Transform Three Vacant Lots into Houses for First-Time Home Buyers

At a recent City Council meeting, Renew Communities, a faith-based not-for-profit organization, purchased three vacant North Chicago lots from the city through an open bid auction. This purchase means that the vacant properties will now be put back on North Chicago’s real estate tax rolls generating income for the community. Renew purchased each lot for $5,500, providing revenue to the city.

Renew Communities plans to build three separate three-bedroom, two-bath houses in North Chicago, and the people who purchase the homes will be first-time homeowners. Renew purchased—2238 Hervey Avenue, 1700 Morrow Avenue, and 712 Broadway Avenue.

John Revenaugh, the president and executive director of Renew Communities, explained that the organization is a not-for-profit connected to Christ Church in Lake Forest. It builds attainable housing with congregants providing the labor. So far, all the homes have been built in North Chicago.

Revenaugh said Renew Communities has a specific type of buyer in mind. Along with being a first-time home buyer, they should be people with ties to the community who work there, like teachers or those who work at one of the many North Chicago businesses.

“We want to help revitalize North Chicago,” Revenaugh said. “We’re looking for people who want to see North Chicago thrive. We want them to be a light to the neighborhood. We want them to reach out to people in the neighborhood and help build the community.”

North Chicago’s Strategic Plan states the goal to “increase the number of owner-occupied homes and reduce the percentage of rental housing.”  The sale of three of four lots scheduled for sale is another step toward this strategic goal.

“This adds another piece of our puzzle,” Rockingham said. “It helps bring up the property values for the neighborhood. This helps the entire community move forward. It helps make a resident a first-time homeowner.”

Taylor Wegrzyn, director of economic and community development, said when fully developed, he anticipates between $10,000 and $15,000 in property taxes. For years, the previous owners did not pay the real estate taxes. City-owned land does not generate tax dollars.

Renew Communities sums up its mission on its website by stating, “Community revitalization is essential for sustainable growth and development. We invite businesses to explore sponsorship opportunities that align with their corporate social responsibility goals. Together, we can create impactful partnerships that foster innovation and community support. From mentoring and coaching to building, encouraging, and creating safe spaces… THIS is community impact in action. Because when people show up, neighborhoods transform. Homes transform. Futures transform.”