Mixed-use development planned around Olivet Baptist Church

Plans have emerged for Trinity Square, a large mixed-use development adjacent to Olivet Baptist Church. Located at 3101 S. King Drive, the church is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of S. King Drive and E. 31st St. The new construction would occupy the vacant surface lot to the east of the church and wrap around to the south side of the church up to front S. King Dr.

The church was recently listed on Preservation Chicago’s 2025 Chicago 7 Most Endangered list. Olivet Baptist Church is the oldest extant African American Baptist church building, and the second oldest African American church congregation, in the city of Chicago. 

Estimated to cost $157 million, the roughly 28-story tower project is expected to include 366 mixed-income apartments. According to the church, no more than 20% of the units would be market-rate and the remaining 80% would be affordable to a varying degree of income levels. 10% of the overall units will be set aside for tenants with no income. 

Renderings show a multi-level podium occupying the site and wrapping around the church. This portion of the building is anticipated to hold the planned daycare center, food pantry, workforce development incubator, and health and wellness clinic. Parking is likely included but no figures have been announced regarding parking count. 

As part of the church’s rebirth at its 175th anniversary, the church leaders have been working with Crossing Capital Group of New Jersey to find funding opportunities and potential developers for the redevelopment. In addition to securing funding and development partnership, the concept would require city approval before it could move forward. A timeline is currently unknown.