A row over housing

A row of townhomes in downtown Elgin IL sits against a backdrop of a brilliant blue sky. While projecting a “summertime-and-the-livin’-is-easy” vibe, behind this scene lies a city struggling to revitalize its downtown area. A recreation center directly across the street from these condos has yet to finish a year in the black. Several other condominium and apartment projects are underway, but opinions are split as to whether new housing in the absence of new business ventures will be successful, especially as historic buildings are torn down to make room for the new housing.

Click on picture to enlarge. Photograph © 2006 James Jordan.