A former Streets and Sanitation facility in Grand Boulevard would be transformed into a hub for South Side food entrepreneurs and culinary professionals through a sale proposed to City Council today by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

The one-story building at 5021 S. Wabash Ave. would be sold for $2 to local developer Urban Equities, which would transform the vacant structure into Soul City Kitchens.

The $8.6 million complex would include approximately 8,000 square feet of shared commercial cooking facilities, test kitchen space, individual kitchen cubes, freezers, coolers, and storage spaces that would be leased to food entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses. A private dining room and community space would also be available for rent.

Urban Equities was the successful respondent to a City Request for Proposals (RFP) issued in March 2021. Constructed in the 1910s, the building’s estimated market value is $90,000.

In May 2022, Mayor Lightfoot announced the project as the recipient of a $1.85 million Chicago Recovery Plan grant, which will help pay for remodeling work.

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