Chicago Puts Thousands of Vacant Lots on the Market for $1

Chicago continues to lose population from parts of the city, so vacant properties are multiplying. The city's "Large Lots" program aims to return vacant properties back to control by residents of the neighborhoods.

1 minute read

May 22, 2018, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Englewood Southside Neighborhood

frank pavone / Flickr

"Chicago is again seeking city residents interested in buying vacant lots in their neighborhoods for $1," reports Samantha Bomkamp.

The city is offering 3,219 empty lots on the South and West sides of the city through the Large Lots program. Earlier iterations of the Large Lots offered similar cheap land to residents in 2016 and 2014.

"The program requires buyers to already own property on the same block, be current on property taxes and have no outstanding debt with the city, like a late water bill or unpaid parking tickets," according to Bomkamp.

The city acquired the properties through property tax and demolition liens. The city now owns 11,500 vacant lots, spread between more than two dozen of the city's 77 community areas. While "Legacy Cities" like Detroit have a reputation for vacant properties, Chicago's regular renewal of the Large Lots program serves as a reminder that the recent trend toward urbanization in the United States hasn't served every neighborhood in even the largest of American cities.

Friday, May 18, 2018 in Chicago Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 28, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

Farm workers in long sleeves and hats working in a green field in Nipomo, California with small hills in background.

Without International Immigrants, the Rural US Population Would Be Falling 58%

Census data shows that population growth in rural areas is due in large part to international migrants.

1 hour ago - The Daily Yonder

Aerial view of Lake Shore Drive, eight-lane highway adjacent to lakeshore in Chicago, Illinois with city skyline in background at sunset.

Dead End: Nine Highways Ready for Retirement

The Freeways Without Futures report describes the nation’s most promising highway removal proposals.

3 hours ago - Congress For New Urbanism

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

5 hours ago - The Hill

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.