Eliminating health and
wealth disparities.
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) is dedicated to the revitalization of North Lawndale through affordable housing, homeownership, and cooperative growth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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 humbly with your God."
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.
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.
Milestones
Over 500 units of affordable housing and $100 million in community investments contributed to North Lawndale.
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. 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.
Our Process
A multi-faceted approach to community development and revitalization.
Needs Assessment
Listening to and understanding the specific needs and aspirations of North Lawndale residents.
Strategic Planning
Developing targeted strategies and forging collaborations with local organizations.
Implementation
Designing and launching programs focused on housing, economic development, and education.
Empowerment
Engaging and organizing the community, providing resources for self-determination.
Measurement
Continuously assessing impact and adapting strategies for sustained change.
Connect with us
Join us in the revitalization of North Lawndale.