The community development commission recommended approval of land deal last week. The redevelopment is part of the CHA's $1-billion "Plan for Transformation."

The total redevelopment of Rockwell Gardens includes 780 units, evenly split between replacement housing for CHA residents, affordable housing units and market-rate units, says Kimberly Cook of the Department of Planning and Development. Two-thirds of the project will be rental units, with the remaining one-third being sold to new homeowners.

"At the end of the day, we are bringing back 780 units," says CHA director of development Carl Byrd. "We are moving forward…This is another step in the overall plan to redevelop Rockwell."

The parcels being sold for $1 to Eastlake Development Corp. total 63,857 sf and are located mostly on the 2600 block of W. Madison Street. They will enable Eastlake Development to build 22 units—-11 rental and 11 for-sale—in the overall 210-unit phase, Cook says.

Buildings range from single-family homes, two-flats and six-flats, Byrd says. The design of the buildings is in keeping with the surrounding West Side area, he adds.

Financing is being provided by a $35-million federal Hope VI grant.