Pullman Neighborhood Gets Funds For Home Restoration

(CBS) -- The Pullman neighborhood has many iconic buildings, like the Hotel Florence and the Pullman row houses, but some have fallen on hard times in an area with crime fears.

CBS 2's Jim Williams reports, a renewed effort is underway to save the more than century old buildings and make them affordable for homeowners.

It has some of the most beautiful homes in the city, but Andrea English's decision to move to Pullman was met with concern.

Some of her family and friends asked her why move to a far South Side neighborhood often in the news because of crime?

"I love brick homes," English said. "I love the historical landmark homes."

Now those homes are getting a boost from the mayor and Attorney General Lisa Madigan in the form of a $1.5 million grant.

"Really making sure we were really putting money back into the hardest hit communities like Pullman," Madigan said.

Money from a slice of the settlement Madigan got from banks involved in the subprime loan scandal.

Historic rowhouses, built more than 100 years ago, are being renovated at a brisk pace in a community with national landmark status.

"The home monthly mortgage is about what they pay for their car," Emanuel said.

Anwen Tomey says she found a neighborhood like the small village of her youth in Ireland.

"This is first time in Chicago that I know my neighbors and they know me," she said.

And for Andrea English, there's another attraction.

"I love my city," she said. "I don't want to give up on it. I know there's a lot of negative new but I also want to encourage people to come back so we can help rebuild the city, work together."

Neighborhood boosters remind us Pullman has a new factory with a 100 jobs and new stores. The renovated homes are selling from $85,000 to $100,000. For more information, contact the Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives call 773-341-2060 or visit www.cnigroup.org.