Robert Taylor Homes survivor by Don Hammontree

Don Hammontree | all galleries >> Illinois >> Chicago > Robert Taylor Homes survivor


Oct.. 2006	Don Hammontree

Robert Taylor Homes survivor

Chicago, IL

All that remains of the infamous, crime-ridden Robert Taylor Homes on Chicago's South Side is a single, solitary 16-story building. The State Street corridor, once one of the city's most fearsome roadways, is all but deserted now, following the demolition of the project's buildings.

other sizes: small medium large auto

previous | next

All images copyrighted by Don Hammontree, 1994-2006.

Guest		11-Nov-2023 01:11
Yo! I lived in Robert Taylor pj's before they added the Bars.. I was living there when they installed them. I remember seeing so many gang shoot outs-people being thrown off the balcony. I lived in 4845 on the 6th floor from 1962-1975 I remember the Williams lived in #610 Miss Mitchell lived in #603 Miss Debra lived in #607 The Davis family lived in #608 Media with her grandbaby lived in #606

Guest		20-Sep-2023 10:10
Do anyone remember the incident where two/year-old, Vinyette Teague was kidnapped from 5001 South Frederick on the 7th floor back in 1983?

Guest		28-Jul-2023 17:22
My name is Annie Durham my parents moved our family to 5266 state apt 501 in 1967 we live there five years boy did we have some good times there I remember the Lumpkin’s and the Hope families they stayed on the 5th floor too

Guest		10-Jul-2023 23:25
I lived in 3919 #1506. My Mom was Mertina. They called us the church kids. My siblings are Amgie, Eldridge, and Percy. We had so much fun back then, skating up and down the porch, playing double Dutch by the elevator, chasing each other from floor to floor. The not so good was ducking to avoid the smoke the filled the porches from the incinerator. Choke sandwiches on the first floor doing the summer.. Lol. Memories ❤️❤️

Guest		29-Jun-2023 03:55
I Grew up in 5247 s. Federal 1963 to 1970.... Some said above State there was no 5247 S. state

Guest		26-May-2023 18:18
This is Ronald McCary from #306 right down from Mr Howell if you get this call me at 678 778 4831 i really miss it and would love to speak to Marsha Robinson or Charlotte Merritt

Guest		02-Jun-2022 23:38
I'm looking for my step sister she lived at 4848 her guy was the the one people in the camp his name was Tom - her Nick name was pinky those times when they put the pigs in so if anyone is familiar or still in contact tell them her brother Anthony is trying to find his sister 312 414 6897

Guest		02-Jun-2022 23:38
I'm looking for my step sister she lived at 4848 her guy was the the one people in the camp his name was Tom - her Nick name was pinky those times when they put the pigs in so if anyone is familiar or still in contact tell them her brother Anthony is trying to find his sister 312 414 6897

Guest		12-Jul-2021 06:31
1969 I was born@ 5100 south state My moms family moved out in 1979 1983 I was visiting my dad and He was murdered that day. I’ll never forget I Was in the 4950 building and heard the gunshot!! I was 14yrs old. RIP- GENO If anyone remember my dad or his boys let me know Geno, uncle Snokey, uncle AV, brother Ward SD back in those days!!

Guest		26-Jul-2020 23:47
Kojak here

Guest		23-Jul-2020 21:37
I also had am awesome view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline from my bedroom window in 5266 #1101

Guest		23-Jul-2020 21:34
My name is Rejeana (then Darden). My mother eas Jean. We moved in 5266 in late 1962. My two sisters Kathy and Janis and my brother Bump lived there until mid 1980's #404 and #1101. I had so much fun and I met some of the most awesome people alive that I am still friends with. I hung out in all the buildings. Had too many fun block parties, waistline parties, everybody had their special dish to cook for the neighborhood. That was the time of the village. I miss those days.

Guest		30-Jun-2020 20:26
Looking for the Jones family that lives at 4037 south federal back in the sixties if know them please call me 7087333835 need to find them. Thanks Crystal ❤️

Mac mccary		25-May-2020 14:01
Hey Pam Robinson this is Ronald McCary from #306 i was the one with a crush on your friend Charlotte Merritt if you get this how about a call at 678 778 4831 i now live in Atlanta after my army time be blessed look forward hearing from you we graduated from crispus attucks together

Guest		04-Dec-2019 05:17
3919 #905 and #604 (The Robinsons: Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Gene, Curley Ann and Pam) DuSable High, Crispus Attucks and Dunbar Vocational. The live-in janitor mopped the elevators and stairs in the hallways. There was grass with chain links. We skated from one end of the porch to the other, jumped rope by the elevators and slid on the metal sliding board (ouch!) Submitted by Pam Robinson

Bernice		07-Jul-2019 20:54
Im Blondie i stayed in 5041 good times i miss my cuzon Blue

Guest		30-Apr-2019 02:03
I grew up in 5266 & 3919. Those were the days when playing jump rope in front of the elevator. Hide and seek; hiding behind the hallway doors and skating from one end of the porch to the next. Back then we knew how to get along and create games and things to do. The Wright family and the Pender family I'll never forget.

Guest		21-Apr-2019 11:22
The mansion our home.

Guest		08-Aug-2018 22:20
where do I start 4950 repping all the way! MAN I MISS ROBERT TAYOLRS SO MUCH THINGS NOT THE SAME....SITTING ON DUSABLE CHILLING AND EVERYBODY SITTING ON PORCHES PLAYING MUSIC DAMN CANT FORGET ABOUT CHOKES...LOL....YALL KNOW THE FREE LUNCHES IN THE SUMMER....710 THE BEGINNINGS......1010 UNTIL THEY TORE THEM DOWN!...THUNDERDOME FOREVER

Verna Boyd		23-Mar-2018 06:30
My family lived 3919 Apt 1504 the Russell. I live in Atlanta and my brother Djon live in Arizona. It is a blessing to know that ppl remembered the 15th floor.We definitely was a family

Guest		23-Mar-2018 06:26
I am a Russell that lived 3919 apt. 1504 I live in Atlanta my brother Djon live in Arizona. Wow to have someone remember the 15th floor. Amazing

John Heard		20-Mar-2018 02:07
My name is John Heard . I often read the comments every 6 months to see if a Old friend may have posted comments and left his are her name . I lived in the Building at 3919 . My parents and six brothers . We moved out in 1967 . My parents bought a house . We all grew up in that house and moved away .'I like to wish nothing but God blessings on all of You . I am retiring soon. I wish I could have seen some old friends from the Building or the School Crispus Attucks . God Bless

Guest		07-Feb-2018 05:29
Robert Taylor was home

Guest		27-Oct-2017 14:27
I was born in 4848 s state street in 1982 lived in 1605 510 we left when they took them down still when people ask me where I'm from I tell them and they say ain't nothi g on state

Guest		27-Oct-2017 14:27
I was born in 4848 s state street in 1982 lived in 1605 510 we left when they took them down still when people ask me where I'm from I tell them and they say ain't nothi g on state

Guest		08-Jul-2017 00:51
I'm Larry Brown,once lived at 4037 South Federal #706 with my sister-in law her name is Mamie Washington.I always enjoyed eating at Horald'Chickrn Shack.I finally left in 1980.

Ronald McCary		30-May-2017 18:42
My name is Ronald MCary I grew up in 3919 South Federal #306 My sister was Darlene and brothers Maurice and Steve I am sure you all remember Mr Howell. If someone who remembers me gets this message please call me at 678 778 4831 I now live in Atlanta and yeh I kinda miss it.

Guest		25-May-2017 11:05
4555 s. Federal #1105

Guest		12-Mar-2017 06:11
My name is Trotter foxbatsoundtracker@gmail.com We moved in Robert Taylor homes 5001 s federal 13th floor just after they first opened in 1963, they were clean and orderly, all the kids had to be in the house when the lights came on, we had grass and clean lawns and basket ball courts, even a tennis court down by 4848 state, my first crush was Joyce Watkins who lived in 5041 s federal on the 9th floor, then there was Sharon Ruth Hayes in 210 briefly, then cam Mary young same building in 904 Mary's mom passed away right after we started talking, one day I knocked on her door and they had moved, I had went there to tell her how sorry I was that she lost her mom, I never saw her again and never got to tell her. I still wish I could. My best friend at that time was carl Ross in the same building in 1610, don't know what became of him. Soon met my life long best friends Steve Coleman and Robert Thomas, we are still good friends today and have successful children, policemen, paramedic, 2 NFL players, financial consultant. We did good, we had so much fun, the worst you would hear about was a stabbing maybe twice a year, we played and chased the girls, we'd go to prince and joy for beef burgers, or the hot potato for hot dogs, it was a wonderful life, I miss those times, black folks worked hard and looked out for each other, everyone stayed and if things got better they moved out, there was the red rooster, sylverina, Henrietta, vita, Marion Thomas, lavon bucanon, hank, Archie, Herman Womack Cheryl Womack, James Todd, Mitchell Burke on the 13th floor of my building, moose, I miss those people who were on the portrait of my life.

John Heard		04-Mar-2017 16:32
My name is John Heard . When my parents moved me and my six brothers into the Building at 3919 S Federal . The building was well kept . There was rules . It was a nice place to live until the rules were no longer Enforced . We had a nice School Crispus Attuck and a Del Farm grocery store and other stores including a Bakery owned by Muhammad Ali . A record store , laundromat and Boys Club and Wmc . Some times you would see a famous Black Person . Dr King , Muhammad Ali , Sammy Davis Jr . Mr T . Before becoming Famous. Bad Peoples made living in Robert Taylor BAD !

Allred Simah		29-Jan-2017 03:28
I never grew up in The Robert Taylor homes, but I've lived in a project that was torn down and the pain endures. I became filled with so much rage after watching 'A Crisis On Federal Street.' After reading the comments above, I began to feel so much joy again. I'm so glad the people of The Land knew where they were and, more importantly, understood that it wasn't who they were. As I reflect on my own encounters from Kennedy Square, Steinmetz Homes, et al. . . . I am thankful to have grown up surrounded by the love of unique people of melanin. For every tear we shed celebrating the live of the ones we've lost, there's a time when every young man sees a bad bitch and wants to walk up to her with the honesty of Peanut Live and ask "You wan be ma girlfriend? . . . You wan be ma girlfriend? I'm tryna fuck da shit outchu (Cause that ass lookin soff on tha low low) fo real tho." So I just want to say shout out to the Bronzeville families. Shout out everyone from Pershing Ave to 54th street. R.I.P. all the niggas from Federal and State. Shout out to all my niggas on Watt street. Shout out to all the hoods. I miss home too.

Guest		18-Oct-2016 06:28
4950 #905 ya know da Kendrick fam 1

Guest		21-Jul-2016 14:56
4331 #501 from birth to 16 years old, I miss the buildings!!! I live in Houston now but still hang out at the park everytime im home

Emma Davis100		04-Jul-2016 20:26
I lived at 3919 s federal apt 109. 2 sisters were handicapped. We were one of the 1st tenants. We were treated well. Each floor was like another neighbor hneighborhood. I stayed there til I graduated hs from Phillip s in 1969. I was glad to go but still miss the people.

Guest		10-May-2016 05:09
I lived in 4444 for 30yrs. From 1970 until it came down in 2001. Joe.

Guest		17-Mar-2016 03:41
3919 s Federal 1501 Thomas 1502 Emanuel Jones, Goldie , Diane, Keith. 1503 Williams 1504 Russell 1505 Porter 1508 Gaylord June Bug Mary , 1509 Adell 1510 Patricia . 1101 Snipes , 1605 Linda . These are the people that I remember and will never forget. The building 4022 apt 1410 Brinda .

Guest		17-Mar-2016 00:44
I lived in 3919 s federal the first building in the early 70s . Then it wasn't as bad.

Brodye		12-Mar-2016 23:02
Do anybody remember a young man name Baldie stayed in 5266

sharon		16-Jan-2016 17:17
I lived at 4037 s. federal #407 moved there in 1961 i was 4 yrs. old we moved out in 1970 my name is sharon and i had a ball living there will miss it

Guest		26-Nov-2015 05:29
Gwendolyn Shaw wife murderd Robett lee Shaw Jr. Of 5201 S. Federal. Bobby i miss you.STILL LOVE YOU. Your WIFE ALWAYS GWENDOLYN E.SHAW. WE WERE SO YOUNG. REST IN PEACE BOBBY.

Katrina Davis		15-Oct-2015 19:13
Hey..what's up. '31..the first white building by the expressway on 43rd and Federal. We moved there in 1978, I left in 1986, before my family did. I graduated from McCorkle in 1984, then went to Dunbar for Fro-Soph years. We lived in apt 1303. My brothers Kenny, Curtis and Lonnie lived there with my mom (Too-Too) and stepdad Truck. Like a lot of people, we also had extended family stay with us from time to time. I thought it was cool that I could literally tell which window was my bedroom from the Dan Ryan.

Guest		04-Oct-2015 01:36
Leonard Watts .... now that would be a great Book and a great MOVIE ...the good times and the bad times.... from those WHO lived there... Thanks for the memories .... ROBERT TAYLOR HOMES

Guest		04-Oct-2015 00:48
Leonard Watts ... I lived at 5041 S. Federal apt. 1202 ...From 1961or 62 till 1971.First family to live in that apt.. with Mother ..two brothers two sister.. they were still building some of the other buildings when we moved in... believe it or not there were a few white families lived in these projects . In the early years . I will be 56 years old in2015 ...and some of the best memories of my life were in ROBERT TAYLOR HOMES

Guest		19-Sep-2015 00:26
I grew up in 3919 apt.1504 the times is memorable for me we lived there from 1961-1972 left after someone knocked the wall in the laundry room to enter our apt. People back then looked out for each other

SMP		14-Sep-2015 01:49
We lived at 3919 S. Federal #1008... Mom & 5 kids. Left in 1969 and moved across the country.

dorian		05-Aug-2015 00:47
Jerry watusi favis 3919 1509

Guest		04-Aug-2015 01:31
I lived in 3919 Federal Apt 802 for 6 years. I don,t miss it and I was glad to get out. The people in there were good for the most part. I was never in a gang I have good memories of the building and people living there. I left the building at 19 years old and never looked back. I work the rest of life working as a Electronic Tech at 2 World Class Research Labs. I was married and had 2 children.

John Heard		18-Jul-2015 10:37
John Heard 3919 s Federal . We moved out into a Home . My parents and six Brothers in 1967 . Memories .

Gerald		28-Apr-2015 21:11
I LIVED IN 4444 SOUTH STATE # 509 FROM 1964 THRU 1972 I ATTENDED COLMAN ELETMENTRY, AS WELL AS DUSABLE HIGH, I have lifelong friends, which I still keep in touch with to this day, I,m a 61 year old man that wish I had a working time machine so that I could go back to those day,s when if we had a disagreement we,d put the boxing gloves on & settle it & than turn around & still kicked it the next hour,

Guest		25-Oct-2014 14:58
King 40Ty Strong I truly miss the land wish it was still there. I miss all the real guys. Jig,Crack ,Truck,Sikey Much love

PEAR		07-Sep-2014 00:56
MY BUILDING WAS 5041 S FEDERAL APT 1105 WE MOVE OUT OF TOWN IN 92,93 THE THING I MISS WAS ALL MY FRIENDS Y'ALL BOUT N MY CUZN NOOKIE ND MY SISTER TEMERIA I MISS THE HOUSE PARTIES ND SIT ON THE PORCH WEN IT WAS LATE LISTENING TO THE MUSIC DAT PPL WAS PLAYING BUT ANY BODY THAT GREW UP WITH ME U CAN EMAIL ME AT PEARbluett77@gmail.com

PEAR		07-Sep-2014 00:42
MY BUILDING WAS 5041 S.FEDERAL ..APT 1105 WE MOVE IN 92 OUT OF TOWN BUT I WILL STILL MAKE WAY BACK TO SEE MY FRIENDS ND FAMILY ONE THING I MISS WAS THE HOUSE PARTIES WE WENT TO U MIGHT REMBER NOOKIE ND TEMERIA MY SISTER ND CUZN....

crystal Pruitt		04-Sep-2014 22:45
Looking for the Jones family that lived at 4037 federal apt.610 if you know them please contact me looking for my dad.

Guest		03-Sep-2014 03:37
I lived in 4946 for only 2yrs. I had great times there

Rhonda Hudson		28-May-2014 04:47
I Resided at 5041 Federal #1406 with my mom and little sister, I have a lot of good memories of special friends that I miss. We moved in 1983 but I continued to return to hang out and visit. This place set the mold for the person that I have become today. I am proof that the projects did not produce only negative or bad people. I Am very successful and loving life, but I miss those days of playing on the swings from pole to pole running up and down the hallways and yes the broken elevators. LOL

lorena smith		06-Mar-2014 00:43
Rena orignally from 4555 s federal #909 family name propst then got my own in the 80s an move to 4950 s state # 1508 i miss them days sittin on the porch prayin the elevators workin lol havin parties every weekend som ppl have the wrong assumption of the projets i luv livin there for that time my family was there since 1962

Michael F. Wilson		26-Feb-2014 15:04
I move in the 5266 south state street apt. 1601 in the year 1969, I was in the first grade. In 1974 we moved to the 4444 south state street apt. 201, I was in the fourth grade. I will be fifty this year in April. I thank God to had made it out alive, I thank my mom Ruby Lee Wilson for showing me the way out. I love you mama (R.I.P.).

Guest		23-Feb-2014 21:22
my name is regenia arnold i miss 4101 hey 1101

Lakim		16-Jan-2014 17:48
4101 is where I stayed. Me and my whole families.Greers And Bloodsaws and Davis.

Guest		05-Dec-2013 03:55
4037 South Federal apt 1606. We moved in April 10th 1979. We moved out when they knock our homedown.That's why the City is so messes up now. That's what they get. Cha was the safest place in the world. Love JG a real Nelson Brother of the Struggle. 40 Strong Forever to all the Bitches who took part in destroying our homes.

Guest		01-Aug-2013 02:11
5247 s. Federal I will never forget...

Guest		11-Jun-2013 08:05
4429 . S state free my dad big D RTCRAZIEST I MISS YU WHITE BUILDING

reese		30-May-2013 20:29
4037 s federal r.i.p to the red building

Guest		15-Apr-2013 20:28
Hi my name is angela im from 5201 apt 801 we moved their wen i was 3 my brother nick name were snake i had sum good times their i miss all my old friendsfriends if anyone reñember me u can find me on face book angela richmond i have on all red wid black shoes

Guest		08-Apr-2013 00:36
I lived in 4848 s.state from new born until they put us out in gave eveone section 8 miss it

CURTISTINE WILLIAMSON		06-Mar-2013 16:12
HELLO , IM FROM 5201 S FEDERAL MY MOTHER DIED N HER APARTMENT IT STILL HAUNTS ME TO THIS DAY. I ALSO LOST TWO NEPHEWS THERE N THE YEAR 2000 LARY WILLIAMSON AND ANTONIO MERRIT .THEY WERE BOTH KILLED THERE. R.I.P LOVE U ALL

Guest		11-Aug-2012 08:00
5100 state, apt.1510. Best time of my life! R.I.P. Sundown, Kurupt, Randy, and all the real friends we lost to the hood. I think about you all constantly. R.I.P. 5100, 5135, 5201, 5247, andne 5266!

micheal cox		03-Mar-2012 05:27
cox, shorty wankey, thorton, drack, the original og of 4037 ghost town with love michael cox

TUNA		27-Dec-2011 18:58
LIL FIDO FROM 3919 & 4101!FREE BOO "G",2SHORT,CRUSHER,LOCO,BIG KILL.R.I.P.A.K,ICE,MIDNIGHT,SATAN,HOMICIDE,SMOOTY,ROLLOW,GREG,RODNEY,DEMP!R.I.P. 3919 & 4101.TRUE GOONS!40TY$TR0NG!!!

Guest		24-Sep-2011 11:53
Quest . My parents moved me and my brothers from 3919 s federal in 1967 . I still miss it. I drive a city bus right pass where the the building stood. I am still crying.

S.I.R		09-Sep-2011 17:57
2420 south state SIR WAZ H3R3

henry newton		31-Jul-2011 05:53
wow i to grew up in 4331 my name is henry newton from 67 to the late 80s wow it was bad but as a child we made it a fun place to be i dont mis the crime i just mis the good old times

Guest		08-Mar-2011 03:24
hi i miss the robert taylor homes some of the best times i had n my life i wouldnot change it 4 the world

mm		25-Feb-2011 12:03
i grew up in the city of chicago. the robert taylor homes has been a part of the city of chicago and a legacy to the neighborhoods i will never forget the robert taylor homes i sometimes road by and admired the buildings structure. the city of chicago wont be the same with out it.

Guest		13-Jan-2011 21:49
I grew up on the corner of 3919 south federal and state street. my memories were worst then the comments above but as one person put it home is home. Please don't miss these prisons of insanity but instead prey that you survived to write about our hell on concrete.

Kelli Mccoy		31-Dec-2010 12:41
My Name is Kelli and I stayed at 4429 S. Federal... It was the worst of times and also the best of my childhood memories. Especially when the lunch room on the second floor caught on fire and my friend got shot ouside my granny building at 4331 S. State... Robert Taylors in my family will be missed.. Kinda a bitter sweet moment... Glad to see them go... But miss them at the same time

JAMES COLE		16-Nov-2010 16:44
ROBERT TAYLOR.... SPIT COMING DOWN ON YOU/SPIT ALL OVER THE ELEVATOR BUTTONS/ PISSY HALLWAYS/ ELEVATOR SEEM TO NEVER WORK/ DIRTY MOP WATER THROWN OFF THE PORCH ON YOU/ (3919) MANY PEOPLE DIN'T KNOW BACK THEN THERE WAS A PHONE BOOTH COMING IN THE BUILDING ON THE DEARBORN SIDE MY FAMILY LIVED IN APPARTMENT 103 AND THAT PHONE WAS LIKE OUR PERSONAL PHONE WE GAVE THAT NUMBER OUT TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHEN THE PHONE RANG SOMEONE WOULD ANSWER IT AND COME AND GET US. I WOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER WHERE MY ROOTS ARE...THE BUILDING WILL BE TRUELY MISSED.......

Darnell Murphy		30-Oct-2010 16:26
I miss 5247 S. State apt. 501.

Guest		27-Feb-2009 19:16
we lived in 4946 number 1110 much love to the lemons family thats a place were only the strong survive r.i.p. alonzo lemons aka fred shout out to buildings 5101 and 4848

Guest		23-Dec-2008 06:07
i use to live in 5041 s federal and that was from the time i was bornwich was 83 untill my granmother left in 96 even though i moved from over their in 93 i stayed in the buildings i dont know what it was but i sure do miss em beyond the bullshit much love 2,5100 too

Guest		10-Nov-2008 04:31
810, 4946 those Lemons are still strong

Guest		11-Aug-2008 15:33
i miss home me and my fam move years ago but theres no place like home

Guest		23-Jul-2008 01:16
49th 4950 man i miss the land !

big milk		23-Feb-2008 11:00
4101 4 eva................i wanted to cry when it fell

Guest		13-Dec-2007 04:57
I will never forget tha Robert Taylor Homes i once grow up in 4848 South State.St Goodbye tha Robert Taylors GOOD BYE.I miss home.

Guest		25-Jul-2007 07:57
I lived in 4946 , and now I live out of state. I miss home...

Climet		06-Apr-2007 20:14
its sad to see the buildings go....eventhough it was a very fearfull place to live.....I grew up in the projects, and visited when I moved away. It was some what comforting to go back and visit my grandmother who new everyone in the building and also knew it as her HOME..... I would love to see more pictures of the place

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment