FROM VACANT PROPERTIES TO NEW BEGINNINGS: CCLF CELEBRATES TWO REHABILITATED HOMES IN ENGLEWOOD

November 03, 2026

On Friday, August 7, 2026, the Chicago Community Loan Fund hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the successful rehabilitation of two formerly vacant homes at 5638 and 5640 S. Green Street in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. Completed through the City of Chicago’s Chicago Neighborhood Rebuild (Rebuild) program, the projects transformed two long-vacant properties into quality homes for new homeowners on Chicago’s South Side.
The celebration brought together Rebuild program partners, elected officials, City representatives, community development professionals, and residents to recognize the impact of collaborative investment in neighborhood revitalization. Attendees toured the newly renovated properties and heard remarks from Mayor Brandon Johnson; Lissette Castañeda, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH); program partners; the project developer; and one of the new homeowners.

Wendell Harris, CCLF’s Executive Vice President of Lending and Equity, served as emcee. Additional speakers included Darlene Dugo, Associate Director of the Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA); Kristin Faust, Executive Director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA); Alex Sotelo, owner of ANM Mechanical HVAC and Plumbing and project developer; and the new homeowner of 5638 S. Green Street. Stephanie Coleman, Alderperson of Chicago’s 16th Ward, also toured the home following the ceremony.

The ribbon cutting marked an important milestone in the continued effort to address vacant and abandoned properties in Chicago neighborhoods. Both Green Street homes had been vacant for at least five years. Today, they have been restored and placed into the hands of new homeowners, demonstrating how strategic investment and strong partnerships can turn neighborhood challenges into opportunities for lasting change.

Community Developers Make the Difference

The success of the Rebuild program relies on the dedication and expertise of community-based developers who are committed to restoring neighborhoods and creating quality housing. Alex and Stephanie Sotelo, the developers behind both Green Street projects, exemplify this commitment.

Through ANM Developments, the Sotelos bring more than a decade of experience rehabilitating residential properties throughout Chicago. They also own ANM Mechanical HVAC and Plumbing, a Latino-owned, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)-certified firm. Their work emphasizes quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and long-term value for homeowners and the communities they serve.

Developers like the Sotelos are essential to the continued success of Rebuild. Their investment, expertise, and commitment to neighborhood improvement help ensure that formerly vacant properties become safe, attractive, and sustainable homes that contribute to the vitality of surrounding communities.

Building Stronger Communities Through Rebuild

With support from the City of Chicago, IHDA, CCLF, CCLBA, and other community development partners, the Chicago Neighborhood Rebuild program is helping transform disinvested neighborhoods into communities of opportunity. By preserving and restoring the city’s existing housing stock, the program creates pathways to homeownership, economic mobility, and long-term neighborhood revitalization.

To date, Rebuild has revitalized and sold more than 70 homes, with an additional 45 properties currently under development. The program serves South and West Side communities, including Auburn Gresham, Englewood, Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Pullman, and Roseland.
CCLF has served as the administrator of the Rebuild program since 2018, working alongside the City of Chicago and CCLBA to return vacant land and abandoned buildings to productive use as reliable, sustainable community assets.

The transformation of 5638 and 5640 S. Green Street is more than the rehabilitation of two houses. It represents what is possible when public investment, mission-driven organizations, dedicated developers, and community partners work together toward a shared vision. Through continued collaboration and commitment, Rebuild is helping restore neighborhoods, expand homeownership opportunities, and create stronger communities for generations to come.