[2] The complex is located on the site of the former Chicago Beach Hotel, a 12-story resort built in 1921 which had been used since World War II as the 5th Army Headquarters.

[3] The buildings fell into disrepair soon after their construction in the early to mid-1970s, and by the mid-1970s, they were known for their slum-like conditions, rising violence (including murder), and high vacancy rates.

The renovations and improvements continued to progress after the acquisition, and Clinton eventually won the support of Senator Carol Moseley-Braun, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, Mayor Richard M. Daley, University of Chicago law school dean Douglas Baird, and University of Chicago Vice President of Community Affairs Jonathan Kleinbard.

[4] The University had previously advocated the demolition of the slums, but its position had changed as it witnessed Clinton's redevelopment successes.

In 2002, the U of C-funded South East Chicago Commission honored Clinton for his contributions to the Hyde Park-Kenwood community.