The former Von Humboldt School Annex building in West Town will be converted into a new childcare center under a plan approved today by City Council.

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) will rehabilitate the one-story, City-owned structure at 1345 N. Rockwell St. as the Consuelo Lee Corretjer Day Care Center, which will provide free or reduced-rate childcare services for up to 150 children from low-income families.

The 14,600-square foot building previously operated as the Von Humboldt Child Parent Center offering early childhood programs. It and the nearby Von Humboldt Elementary School were closed in 2013 as part of a shutdown of underutilized Chicago Public School buildings.

Valued at $1.5 million, the building and an adjoining playground will be sold for $1. The $50,000 project would support the retention of 12 and the creation of up to 25 new jobs.

PRCC provides a variety of programs to increase education, health, and cultural arts opportunities.

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