Historic Olivet Baptist Church Advances

57 Million Trinity Square Housing Project in Bronzeville

57 million development project that will create 366 apartment units with 80% designated as affordable housing. The project, announced earlier this year as part of the church's 175th anniversary celebration, will transform vacant land adjacent to the church at 3101 S. Martin Luther King Drive.

The innovative design includes a multi-story podium wrapping around the historic church building, housing community amenities including a daycare center, food pantry, job training center, and health clinic—facilities designed to meet everyday needs in the neighborhood. Rising above this base will be a residential tower featuring apartments for various income levels, including units reserved for individuals with little or no income. Preservation Chicago has voiced support for the project, noting it would "bring the church back to its full operation and allow this Chicago institution to remain standing" while bringing "housing, vibrancy and resources to the community." Community members interested in learning more about Trinity Square can contact Olivet Baptist Church or attend upcoming information sessions as the project moves through the city approval process.

Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/religion/2025/04/26/olivet-baptist-church-underground-railroad-trinity-square-affordable-housing-development-bronzeville
2. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/commercial-real-estate/bronzeville-church-pitches-affordable-housing-development
3. https://www.chicagoconstructionnews.com/one-of-chicagos-largest-affordable-housing-projects-planned-for-historic-bronzeville-site/
4. https://www.preservationchicago.org/potential-win-olivet-baptist-church-proposed-as-centerpiece-of-large-mixed-use-development-chicago-7-2025-2/