Grants support 12 community development construction projects

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Chicago Construction News staff writer

The first round of community development grant funding announced for 2023 will support expansion and new construction of local businesses, mixed use developments, and nonprofit organizations with more than $27 million.

Ranging from $54,000 to $5 million, the grants will go to local cooperative grocery stores, health centers, music education centers, and locally owned restaurants to fund interior renovations, new construction, and other eligible costs.

“I’m thrilled to announce this year’s first round of community development grant awards that will ensure our city’s economic recovery while revitalizing our neighborhoods,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement. “The recipients of these awards will bring much-needed grocery stores, office and retail spaces, and community hubs to neighborhoods across Chicago, expanding our residents’ access to nutritious food, healthcare, education, and job opportunities.”

Funding sources include City of Chicago bond funds and proceeds from the department of planning and development’s (DPD) tax increment financing program.

“These grants are being strategically allocated through a competitive application process that considered multiple criteria, including community needs, project viability, team diversity, and other factors,” DPD Commissioner Maurice Cox said. “The selection process and the ongoing technical assistance will collectively ensure these investments have a maximum impact at the neighborhood level.”

Recipients:

  • $5 million to Bandwith for adaptive reuse of an existing industrial building for a community performing arts center and youth music education non-profit organization.
  • $3.1 million to Demera Ethiopian Resaurant for adaptive reuse of an existing building for a ground floor restaurant with rooftop dining space, second floor office space, and second- and third floor residential units.
  • $5 million to Revive 360 for Redevelopment of the Washington Park National Bank Building for Class A office and retail space, including co-working space and a food hall, and complete renovation of the historic façade.
  • $4.9 million to Yellow Banana – Altgeld for new construction of 10,000 square foot grocery store.
  • $3.8 million to Tapestry 360 Health for a new community health center to replace the current location.
  • $5 million to IMAN Health Center for 20,053 square-foot expansion to provide critical holistic healthcare services and further stabilize the 63rd/California intersection.
  • $54,375 to Sunshine’s Place for build out of a new restaurant in a currently vacant building in an INVEST South/West and Community Safety focus neighborhood.
  • $154,875 to Circle Foundation for build out of a new student-run café in an existing community center.
  • $239,826 to Southside Market for build-out of a micro-grocery co-operative.
  • $156,750 to 88 Plates LLC for of new Asian restaurant/café in recently vacated restaurant space.
  • $250,000 to Kilwins for expansion of an existing chocolate and ice cream shop to include private outdoor patio space.
  • $250,000 to La Catrina LLC for renovation of vacant property to create a new small banquet hall and event space.

Applications for City financial assistance are currently being accepted by the DPD. Opportunities for funding include projects focused on business expansion, community development, community wealth-building, equitable transit-oriented development, and climate infrastructure improvements. The next application due date is Friday, Feb. 24.

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