“Developers of a multimillion-dollar project that would transform a historical Englewood firehouse into an eco-food hub could break ground this fall as they work through the summer to get final approvals.
“McLaurin Development Partners, a real estate development team, received a key city approval this month from the Community Development Commission to bring its Englewood Connect project to fruition.
“Englewood Connect will turn the vacant, 98-year-old firehouse at 63rd and Halsted into an eco-food hub and year-round community ‘living room’ where neighbors can gather and local businesses and entrepreneurs can grow and operate.
“The project was the winning proposal in the city’s INVEST South/West initiative, created by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to bring new developments to West and South Side neighborhoods.
“Phase one of Englewood Connect, which will include restoration of the firehouse and construction of the ‘Living Room,’ is estimated to cost $15 million. Previous estimates placed costs around $10 million.
“‘Englewood Connect would be one of the catalysts that not only continues the turning of the tide of perception of Englewood but also as a shining example that there is a viable economic development opportunity in Englewood and the South Side,’ McLaurin said. (Reed, Block Club Chicago, 6/28/22)
Read the full story at Block Club Chicago
In Englewood, an old fire station awaits a new call, Lee Bey, WBEZ, 10/26/10