The face of public housing is changing in the U.S. In one of the biggest experiments, Chicago’s Housing Authority has torn down most of its high-rise public housing units.

Morning Shift: New play tackles the history of public housing in Chicago

For decades, they were home to thousands of residents who persevered even when the developments became overrun with crime and poverty.

Now the American Theater Company is presenting The Projects, a documentary play about the hope, danger and changes that have occurred in public housing as told by current and former residents, gang members and scholars.