'Renewing Inequality': Mapping the Scars of Urban Renewal

A new interactive maps brings a visual reality to the scale of displacement effected by urban renewal of the 1950s and 1960s.

1 minute read

January 20, 2018, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Cabrini Green lowrises. | Concrete Imaging / Shutterstock

The latest mapping project from the University of Richmond: "Renewing Inequality," documents the displacement and racial dynamics of urban renewal in the United States between 1955-1966.

Whet Moser shares news of the new project, focusing specifically on the project's insights for Chicago, where 81,243 people, or 2.24 percent of the city's population, was displaced. "About one-third of displacements in Chicago came from two urban renewal projects: Hyde Park-Kenwood, which displaced about 4,000 families, and Lake Meadows, which displaced another 3,400 families," explains Moser. The article includes more details on the history and outcomes of urban renewal during this period in Chicago.

As noted by Moser, the "Renewing Inequality" project provides a compelling follow up to the University of Richmond's work on the redlining maps that raised awareness about the effects of 20th century zoning and home loan policies.

FULL STORY: Chicago’s Urban Renewal Displaced An Astonishing Number of People in the 20th Century

Thursday, January 18, 2018 in Chicago Magazine

Social / Demographics Urban Development United States Illinois Urban Renewal Renewing Inequality Displacement University of Richmond Racism Maps View More

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