The Cabrini-Green public housing was one of the more famous public housing in the United States. While not the only public housing in Chicago, Cabrini-Green had the most notorious reputation. Built in the 1940s in an area that had previously been a deteriorating slum, Cabrini-Green grew to 23 towers and a population of 20,000 (although that number could be debated) that was packed onto 70 blocks. Typical of Chicago, this area was just blocks from one of Chicago's most expensive neighborhoods, the Gold Coast (where the high rises actually had some similar elements of construction). For many people who lived in Cabrini, it was home, even as it became synonymous with crime and the failure of government. By 2011, every one of the high rise buildings had been razed and the families dispersed. In this book, Ben Austen tells the story of Cabrini-Green, but also tells the story of public housing in America, Chicago politics, government politics, and more. He includes personal accounts of people who lived in these buildings, following their lives through the years.
I found this book to be beautifully written and absolutely fascinating. Growing up in the Chicago area and living in several Chicago neighborhoods in my 20s, I was very familiar with Cabrini-Green, as well as the other public housing projects in Chicago. These particular high-rises, visible as you drove down Lake Shore Drive, were foreboding looking, even on a sunny day. It was hard to imagine that any of these buildings had ever looked nice or had been good places to live. The reputation of the buildings was absolutely horrible, as well, making the name "Cabrini Green" synonymous with danger, crime, and awfulness. If you mention the name Dantrell Davis to people in Chicago, or "Girl X," anyone of a certain age will know what you're talking about. I remember Cabrini-Green. I remember Girl X. I remember feeling nervous when I was driving by this housing project. I remember being nervous when a family member started working in the 600 W. Chicago Avenue building, basically right across the street. Their employer said things like, "Don't worry. Just walk on the one side of the street," as if somehow, there was a protective barrier to keep everyone safe. I also remember when the decision was made to tear these buildings down. There was a sense of relief, but also a sense of sadness. And worry for where these people would go, because these buildings were homes. Just because these buildings were in bad repair and bad condition didn't mean that the people didn't deserve somewhere to live.
I really appreciated how the author delved into the history of not just these buildings, but of public housing in general (and even mentions the Pruitt-Igoe buildings in St. Louis). This is the really ugly history of Chicago, and Chicago politics. I admit I am proud to be from Chicago, but I also admit that I am not proud of some of Chicago's history (and even what happens there now). The author, however, doesn't focus on the ugliness. Instead, you have the cold reality and the awfulness, but you also have the balance with the stories of people who lived in these buildings. They raised their families there, worked hard, supported their community, and believed in the potential of what could be. I had a hard time putting this book down, and would suggest it to readers who are interested in this view of history (even if they don't know much about Chicago). If you are familiar with Chicago's history, I'd encourage you to pick up this book. You may find it brings up some memories you had forgotten, and may bring up some emotion, too. It's history that shouldn't be forgotten.
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| One of the Cabrini-Green buildings |
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