Claretian Associates was selected by the Department of Planning and Development to be a corridor lead for the new commercial corridor storefront activation program launching April 2026. Target areas will include East 92nd St from S Harbor Ave to South Exchange Ave; South Commercial Ave from 89th St to 93rd St; and East 91st St from South Exchange Ave to South Houston Ave. If you are a current or aspiring business or property owner located these areas, you may be eligible for capital improvement funds and business support services. For more information, please contact Corridor Manager Paul Panciera at [email protected] ​

Seniors 
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The seniors at Villa Guadalupe and the South Chicago Salud Center continue to benefit from monthly group physical therapy provided by Regal Health. Once a month, a licensed physical therapist leads an educational and interactive session focused on improving mobility and strength. Last month’s focus was fall prevention. During the session, the therapist demonstrated the proper use of walkers and emphasized the importance of standing with good posture when a walker is not needed. The seniors have learned different exercises for stronger mobility to help support daily activities and reduce the risk of falls. 

Department of Planning and Development Meeting  

The Real Estate Development team attended the South Chicago Land Use Framework Open House on March 18th hosted by the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development. CA provided updates on the SACRED construction and presented on the STEEL Homes development. CA was able to collect interest from prospective buyers. If you are interested in taking a survey or getting on a list to receive homebuyer readiness assistance, sign-up here.    ​

New Hire
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​Claretian Associates is pleased to welcome Nikkitta McCoy Layton as our Senior Director of Real Estate where she will oversee property management, real estate development, and economic development initiatives. 

Nikkitta’s passion for housing developed early in her career while working as a legal assistant for an attorney specializing in estate planning and real estate. The experience sparked her interest in housing and led her to a brief career as a real estate agent.  Nikkitta then returned to school to deepen her understanding of housing systems and their impact.    While earning her undergraduate degree in African American Studies, she explored how real estate and housing policies disproportionality affected communities of color This inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in Urban Planning.  

Following graduate school, Nikkitta joined Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) as a Development Associate. When the market turned, she transitioned into commercial real estate brokerage gaining valuable experience. She later returned to development work as a Development Associate at Preservation Of Affordable Housing (POAH).  
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In her current role, Nikkitta is focused on the completion of SACRED and advancing the development of STEEL Homes.  She is also looking forward to working closely with the seniors on the renovation of Villa Guadalupe. “Owning a home is one of the greatest avenues to wealth accumulation in Unites States,” said Nikkitta. “It is something you can pass down through generations and provides stability."  ​

Cinco De Mayo Senior Resource Fair  

Join Claretian Associates and the Department of Family and Supportive Services, and other community organizations for the Cinco de Mayo Health and Resources Fair, on Tuesday, May 5th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Victory Center located at 9223 S. Burley. Come and explore community and health resources, enjoy music, food, and entertainment.  For more information contact Senior Satellite Program Manager Traci Darling at [email protected] 

Light in the Night Events 

Join Communities Partnering 4 Peace, for the March series of Light in Night events, on April 10th, 17th, and 24th. These community events will take place across the neighborhoods of South Deering, South Chicago, and South Shore. Enjoy an afternoon from 4:00 until 6:00 PM filled with music, delicious warm food, and valuable community resources provided by the CP4P violence prevention team.  These events are designed to create safe, positive spaces where neighbors can come together and support one another. 

On Saturday, January 31st, a celebration was held at the SALUD Center, to announce the completion of the South Chicago Quality of Life Plan. The event brought together representatives from United Way of Metro Chicago, LISC, local officials, and community partners and residents, all united in their commitment to South Chicago’s future. 

Committee members presented each of the QLP pillars—Arts and Culture, Economic Development, Education, Environment and Infrastructure, Health, Housing, and Safety—along with their goals and vision for community growth over the next several years.  Following the presentation, a motion was made to approve the QLP. A community acknowledgment banner was displayed for residents to sign, symbolizing their agreement and support for the plan moving forward. Read the QLP here. If you would like to be a part of a committee to put the QLP into action, contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens at [email protected]​

Claretian Associates is proud to announce that we are now managing the South Chicago Senior Satellite Center located at 9233 South Burley. The center offers a wide variety of activities and resources designed to support the health, wellness and social engagement of local seniors.  
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Seniors can participate in engaging activities such as tap dancing, cooking classes, and art classes. The center also offers a dedicated fitness area, Chicago Fitness Plus, where seniors can work with a personal trainer to stay active and fit.  
Each day from 11:00 – 11:45 AM, seniors can enjoy a nutritious cold or hot lunch provided through the City of Chicago’s Golden Diners program. In addition, a dietitian, nurse, and social worker are available to provide health and wellness education.  

The senior center also serves as a warming and cooling center during periods of extreme temperatures, offering a safe and comfortable environment for community members.  Visit the senior center Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 4:30 PM. All seniors are welcome! ​

Claretian Associates has completed the appraisals and Phase I environmental assessments for the lots slated for the future STEEL Homes development, formerly known as Getting to Home. This marks another milestone in advancing new housing opportunities in South Chicago. 
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Through the City of Chicago’s City Lots for Working Families program, Claretian plans to develop 14 single-family homes on long-vacant lots located along the 8000, 8900 and 9100 blocks of South Buffalo Avenue. These new homes will help revitalize the neighborhood, create opportunities for homeownership, and bring long-term stability to local families. For more information contact Paul Panciera at [email protected].

Fitness Center 

Come visit us at the fitness center and take advantage of our very affordable memberships: Classic $14.99, Classic Plus One $25, and Classic. As a member, you can take advantage of our free “Get Fit Class” every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 AM.

Construction for Sustainable Affordable Commercial Real Estate Development (SACRED) is currently 25% completed. The building is estimated to be completed by February 2027. SACRED, located at East 92nd and South Burley, will have 81 units of affordable housing, a parking lot, and 6,500 square-foot of commercial space. ​

Demolition of Brummels Corners, a full city block along 92nd Street, between Brandon and Burley is nearly complete. Plans for this property include a mixed-use development with housing. Claretian Associates looks forward to working with the community to determine the best use of the property.​ ​

James Sims Selected for Multi Leadership Academy  ​

Claretian Associates congratulates James Sims, CP4P Program Manager, who was selected for the Latino Policy Forum Multi Leadership Academy (MLA) 2026 cohort. The program is designed to provide civic leaders with leadership skills to strengthen cooperation between Latino and African American communities.   

AmeriCorps Alumni Spotlight  

Corridor Manager Paul Panciera was highlighted in the December 2025 Housing Action Illinois, Alumni Spotlight: From Service Year to Staff Member. Read about how Paul’s AmeriCorps year helped with his goals of working in housing and community here.  ​