O
livet Baptist Church, the second-oldest Black church in Chicago, has a rich history dating back to 1850. Founded by escaped slaves and influential figures in politics and the Civil Rights Movement, the church has been a beacon of hope for generations. At its peak in the 1930s, Olivet had over 12,000 members and served as a social hub for those migrating from the South.

    Today, Pastor John L. Smith is leading an ambitious effort to revitalize the community with a $157 million development project called Trinity Square. The plan includes 366 mostly low-income apartments, a daycare center, food pantry, workforce development incubator, and health clinic on land adjacent to the church in Bronzeville. "Our goal is to show everyone that Olivet is still a vibrant and alive community," Smith says.

    The project would be one of the largest affordable housing developments in Chicago in years, with no more than 20% of units priced at market rate. Ten percent of the apartments would be reserved for tenants with no income, while others would be designated for people with very low incomes. This approach is unusual for nonprofit and faith-based affordable housing projects, which typically focus on purely affordable options.

    Smith credits Crossing Capital Group of New Jersey with helping the church find funding opportunities and potential developers. While he won't disclose how much funding has been secured, conversations are ongoing. The project's plans were unveiled earlier this month at a celebration of the church's 175th anniversary.

    Olivet's history is marked by both positive and negative moments, including its involvement in the abolitionist movement and a difference of ideas with Martin Luther King Jr. over the Civil Rights Movement. However, the church remains committed to social progress and community development. As Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle notes, "Our churches are not just religious institutions; they're community anchors."