'Renewing Inequality': Mapping the Scars of Urban Renewal

The latest mapping project from the University of Richmond: "Renewing Inequality," documents the displacement and racial dynamics of urban renewal in the United States between 1955-1966.

Whet Moser shares news of the new project, focusing specifically on the project's insights for Chicago, where 81,243 people, or 2.24 percent of the city's population, was displaced. "About one-third of displacements in Chicago came from two urban renewal projects: Hyde Park-Kenwood, which displaced about 4,000 families, and Lake Meadows, which displaced another 3,400 families," explains Moser. The article includes more details on the history and outcomes of urban renewal during this period in Chicago.

As noted by Moser, the "Renewing Inequality" project provides a compelling follow up to the University of Richmond's work on the redlining maps that raised awareness about the effects of 20th century zoning and home loan policies.