Rosenwald Courts

I was privileged to be a part of the massive re-gentrification development project in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. Rosenwald Courts is a historic apartment building that spans over two city-wide blocks. Rosenwald Courts were once known as home to famous African Americans such as Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Quincy Jones, Nat King Cole, and Duke Ellington. Unfortunately, throughout the later years, the building became rundown, desolate, and crime-ridden.

 

Partnering with the developers, architectural firm, and the Chicago Department of Housing, I created a marketing strategy and visuals to help explain my creative vision. The marketing launch included an artistic lighting installation called "Silhouettes of the Past" so that the neighborhood could reminisce about the "good ole days." The marketing and design strategy was to allow the community to reflect on the famous African American residents of the past. I wanted to rid the negative stigma and focus on building new excitement for the demo and remodel.

 

The re-development included studios, one, two, and three-bedrooms apartments, a two-acre courtyard, and new commercial storefronts. The new website, wayfinding, "coming soon" fence wraps, and art installation were all well received from the community and the City of Chicago.