Plans are advancing for Trinity Square, a major mixed-use development adjacent to Olivet Baptist Church in Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood. Located at 3101 S. King Drive, Olivet Baptist Church stands at the southeast corner of S. King Drive and E. 31st Street. The proposed development would occupy the vacant surface lot east of the church and wrap around to front S. King Drive.
A Historic Landmark Poised for Renewal
Recently listed on Preservation Chicago’s 2025 "Chicago 7 Most Endangered" list, Olivet Baptist Church is the oldest surviving African American Baptist church building and the second-oldest African American congregation in Chicago. During the 1860s, the church was a vital stop on the Underground Railroad, offering food and shelter to escaped slaves. Once home to thousands of members each Sunday, today's congregation numbers around 100.
“Our goal is to show everyone that Olivet is still a very vibrant and alive community and that we have a vision for our community that will make it better. Our goal is to do what our ancestors did in the 20th century, but do it in a different way, in providing housing, in meeting the social and civic needs of the residents of Bronzeville.”
Pastor of Olivet Baptist Church | Pastor John L. Smith
The Vision for Trinity Square
Urbanize Chicago reports that the $157 million project plans a 28-story residential tower featuring 366 mixed-income apartments. Under the current plan, no more than 20% of the units will be market-rate, with the remaining 80% reserved as affordable housing across various income levels. Importantly, 10% of the units will be designated for tenants with no income, making this one of the largest affordable housing projects in Chicago in recent years.
Renderings show a multi-level podium wrapping around the church, designed to seamlessly integrate modern facilities while preserving the historic structure. The podium is planned to house:
A daycare center
A food pantry
A workforce development incubator
A health and wellness clinic
While parking will be included, the number of spaces has not yet been disclosed.
Development Strategy and Funding
Pastor John L. Smith has led the charge in working with Crossing Capital Group of New Jersey over the past two years to secure funding and development partners. The partnership aims to ensure financial viability while staying true to the church's mission of community service.
Affordable housing advocate Ratnika Prasad of Abundant Housing Illinois noted the project’s significance. Most faith-based affordable housing projects typically consist of 40 to 60 units and are exclusively affordable. Trinity Square's model, which blends affordable and market-rate units, could set a new precedent for future developments.
Community Impact and Broader Significance
The project aims to be more than just housing—it will address essential community needs through daycare services, food assistance, workforce development, and health care offerings, helping to strengthen and uplift the neighborhood.
Next Steps
Although plans are well-developed, the project still requires city approval. A construction timeline has not been finalized. However, with the strong support of church leadership, advocates, and development partners, Trinity Square represents a bold and hopeful future for Olivet Baptist Church and the Bronzeville community.
For construction workers and tradespeople, Trinity Square will offer significant opportunities, including high-rise building construction, podium and podium-retail development, interior healthcare and childcare fit-outs, and comprehensive site preparation. As the project progresses, the construction community will be watching closely for bidding announcements and scheduling updates.