Who we are.

As a pioneering example of a faith-inspired movement, we empower residents to transcend the historical underinvestment in our communities. Our commitment is to foster legacies of wealth that span generations, nurturing a brighter future for all.

Lawndale Christian Development Corporation was established in 1987 by the Lawndale Christian Community Church to fulfill the call to justice detailed in Micah 6:8

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
‍
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humblywith your God."

LCDC organizes with the community for power to eliminate health and wealth disparities in North Lawndale. We develop and manage affordable mixed-use housing, create homeownership for working families, and build cooperative businesses.

Our Origin Story

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 360 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.

490

Affordable Residential Units Developed

Worker owned Cooperative Businesses Incubated

250

HOA Members Organized

130

Residential Properties Constructed

"LCDC was invaluable in our journey to homeownership. They guided us through every step, making affordable housing accessible. Thanks to their support, we're now proud homeowners in a great community. We're deeply grateful to LCDC!"

Aisha Bashar

Utilized LCDC's Services
For Home Ownership

meet the team

Executive Director

Richard Townsell

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Deputy Director & Counsel

Whittney Smith

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Director of Accounting

Anthony Pegues

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Administrative Assistant

Kevin Hyland

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Communications Coordinator

Diamond Jackson

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Reclaiming North Lawndale Project Director

Adjua Adjei-Danso

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Property Manager

Janet Gonzalez

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Project Manager

Peter Tate

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Construction Manager

Carlos Lucero

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Director of Financial Wellness

Stephanie Gill

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Supervisor of Maintenance

George Clopton

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Maintenance

Phillip Hodges

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Assistant Property Manager

Sherron Bond

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Maintenance

John Raggs

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board of directors

President

Shangwe' Parker

Served since 2019. A real estate and property management professional. After 14 years with The Habitat Company, Mr. Parker is now running his own leasing and management company. Community member.

Board Member

Shawauna Ward

Served since 2020. Banker at PNC Bank and community member.

Board Member

Jonathan “Pastah J” Brooks

Served since 2023. Pastor. Community member.

Board Member

Michael McMurray

Served since 2022. Attorney at Wight and Company.

Board Member

Charisse A. Dower

Served since 2019.

Treasurer

Janet Ford

Served since 2020. Accounting and insurance professional who currently runs a tax return business and owns a Farmer’s Insurance agency. Community member.

Board Member

Barbara Manley

Served since 2023.

Sister organizations

Lawndale Christian Community Church

Who we are.

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?‍To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humblywith your God."

Our Origin Story

meet the team

board of directors

Sister organizations

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
‍
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humblywith your God."