Englewood Opening New Doors

Housing project in Englewood

A 108-Unit affordable housing building along 63rd St may soon be coming to Englewood. Last week the city council approved $30 million in funding for the project. The plan would include two buildings, one 5-story and one 6-story, connected by a shared lobby. The new housing project, spearheaded by DL3 Realty and named “Thrive Englewood”, was resurrected this past year by the city as a part of their initiative to bring better affordable housing to Chicago neighborhoods.

The 5-story building is planned to include:

• 44 apartments.
• 24 will be 2-bedroom apartments.
• 20 will be 1-bedroom apartments.
• 65 parking spaces.
• An open area for relaxing outside.
• Three Work units.
• Community Room.
• Management Office.
• Fitness Room.
• Bike Room.

The 6-Story building is planned to include:

• 59 Apartments
• 5 will be 3-bedroom apartments
• 29 will be 2-bedroom apartments
• 25 will be 1-bedroom apartments
• 5 Work Units.
• Retail Space.
• 50 Parking Spaces.
• Englewood Square Shopping Center.
• Fitness Center.

The price for these buildings is not yet set, but developers estimate the project will cost around $28.4 million.

Another Housing Project?

This big project is moving on with a recent approval of the land sale at 63rd and Halsted Street by the Community Development Commission. The plan is to build on empty land that at one time used to be the location of a repair and paint shop. However, leftover toxins from the shop have created some environmental challenges for use of the vacant land. The land is not deadly, but it does need to be cleaned and tested for safety, which will cost around $200,000.

Developers have not yet set a starting date for construction, but many are looking forward to its completion.

Families from Englewood are happy that the neighborhood is getting recognition, and that it’s problems are being addressed, rather than ignored and abandoned.  They hope that these new buildings will actually be for lower-income families.

What Else is Happening in Englewood?

Not only is Chicago trying to make affordable housing available in Englewood, but the city is also trying to use old, abandoned buildings to make something new, and bring more usable spaces for people in all of its neighborhoods. For example, a 100-year-old firehouse near 63rd and Halsted is being transformed into a space where neighbors can gather. Developers are converting the old firehouse into an eco-food hub, where entrepreneurs and local businesses can operate and create a platform for themselves.

The firehouse to eco-food hub project won the city of Chicago’s “Invest South/West initiative” which was created by Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Her plan is to bring new buildings and new renovations to the south and west side neighborhoods.

Although these projects are sure to help improve the looks of the neighborhood, as well as bring the community together, there are some other issues that also need to be addressed. For example, the Englewood Whole Foods recently closed. It was one of the few grocery stores in the neighborhood that provided fresh food, but with its closure the need for more grocery options in Englewood is high.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s plans not only include the creation of low-income housing, new community spaces, and new business spaces, but more grocery stores options as well. Many are looking forward to Englewood’s renovation and transformation into a place where everyone has access to affordable housing and fresh food.

Written by Adriana Castelan

Sources:

Bookclub Chicago: A 108-Unit Affordable Housing Development Could Be coming To Englewood’s 63rd Street Corridor

Bookclub Chicago: Englewood Connect, A $15 Million Business Incubator To be Built In An Old Firehouse, Could Break Ground This Fall

Chicago Sun-Times: City advances plan for Englewood housing

Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Adam Courtemanche Flickr Page – creative commons license

Inset Image Courtesy of Adam Courtemanche Flickr Page – creative commons license