On September 28th, The Related Affordable Foundation, Related Midwest and Related Management Company gathered with residents and community members to celebrate the renovations and playground announced for affordable residence Southern Hills. Acquired in 2019 by Related Midwest and located southwest of Chicago in Decatur, IL, Southern Hills provides 125 homes across 28 buildings, as well as a community building. Residents of Southern Hills will receive extensive renovations to their apartments that will positively impact their day-to-day, including upgrades to floors, kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. Building exteriors will receive new windows and siding, new roofing and repairs to sidewalks and parking lots. Most buildings will be outfitted with new furnaces and condensers, and 26 residences will be modified for accessibility.
Related Affordable Foundation has also partnered with nonprofit KABOOM! to build a brand new playground for Southern Hills residents, which is part of the organization's broader initiative to end playspace inequity. Earlier in 2022, Southern Hills' youngest residents participated in a Design Day event where they sketched out their dream playgrounds, which then influenced the design of the forthcoming playspace. Constructed from September 28-30th, the new playground now serves as a social haven for the neighborhood and an exciting community vision that has been brought to life. Related is proud to introduce these long-term improvements to Southern Hills that will enhance residents' daily lives and well-being.
