Greater Englewood
Greater Englewood, consisting of the Englewood and West Englewood communities, is one of 10 priority areas selected as a part of the initial phase of Chicago’s INVEST South/West commercial corridor improvement strategy.
Launched in October 2019, INVEST South/West’s goal is to re-activate neighborhood cores that have historically served as focal points for pedestrian activity, shopping, services, transportation, public spaces and quality-of life amenities for local residents. In Greater Englewood, the priority focus is the intersection of 63rd and Halsted streets and adjacent blocks.
Community Engagement
Greater Englewood stakeholders participated in the INVEST South/West kick-off celebration in December 2019 at Kennedy-King College. The family-friendly event was one of four held this winter to launch the initiative with in-depth activities that helped participants identify priorities, goals and key community assets.
More than 500 attendees listened to presentations about the goals and objectives of INVEST South/West, then interfaced with dozens of public agencies about opportunities to improve the community. A summary of the event, including an overview of Greater Englewood comments and feedback, is available at right.
Neighborhood Roundtable
In spring 2020, the City formed the Greater Englewood Neighborhood Roundtable. Consisting of representatives from city agencies, aldermanic offices neighborhood organizations, small businesses and resident groups, the roundtable seeks to advance local goals through a broad, cross-disciplinary approach that leverages the insights, wisdom, creativity and resources of local stakeholders.
Questions on the roundtable can be directed to DPD@cityofchicago.org.
Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
As a part of the ongoing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) development initiative, Mayor Lightfoot and DPD announced three winning proposals in March 2021, including a proposal to expand Englewood Square, the Whole Foods-anchored shopping plaza at 63rd and Halsted.
6200 block South Green Street, 914 W. 63rd St.
Englewood Connect
Planned as the second phase of Englewood Square, Englewood Connect is a $10.3 million “eco-food hub” that will establish culinary-related uses that empower, employ and feed local residents. The project will adaptively reuse the landmark Green Street fire station as a commercial kitchen, establish a business incubator to train start-up businesses, create an community "living room” for local events, and repurpose vacant land with hoop houses that provide year-round farming operations. A public plaza will serve as its focal point. Later phases will include a flexible market space and an event center. The project is expected to generate approximately 80 construction jobs and 45 permanent full-time positions.