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Our Origin Story
Since our inception, LCDC has completed nearly $120 million in residential and commercial development and contributed more than 572 affordable housing units to North Lawndale. LCDC has built or rehabbed and sold for ownership 183 units of single-family homes, condos, and 2-flats and today manages 175 units of affordable housing. LCDC continues to build Black wealth with new construction, manufactured housing, rehabs for ownership, and homeownership counseling and credit repair to ensure Black working families can access safe and affordable financing and are ready to purchase and retain their homes.
Rooted in a deep-seated commitment to community upliftment, the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) emerged from Wayne “Coach” Gordon and his wife Anne's vision in 1975. Their initiative grew from a home-based bible study to the Lawndale Christian Community Church, instrumental in revitalizing Chicago’s West Side by providing affordable housing and fostering a supportive community network. Expanding its mission, LCDC, founded in 1987, has revitalized North Lawndale through substantial redevelopment initiatives, infusing over $40 million into the area under Richard Townsell’s leadership. This growth included broadening educational and employment programs, pivotal for community empowerment. Through successive leadership, LCDC has championed the creation of significant residential developments, contributing over 500 units of affordable housing and over $100 million in community investments. Today, under Townsell's renewed leadership, LCDC continues to forge a legacy of intergenerational wealth and social resilience, embodying the spirit of service and faith-based action.
LCDC remains committed to sustainable development and supporting North Lawndale’s residents by building new housing, launching co-ops, enhancing rental management, and expanding financial education. With continued growth in capacity, partnerships, and community power, LCDC is well-positioned to achieve its long-term vision for North Lawndale’s revitalization.
