Seventeen acres of land at 4800 S. Western Ave. in Brighton Park will be acquired for park space and the Chicago Park District’s planned new headquarters through a financial plan approved today by City Council.

“Chicago is famous for the world-class parks located in neighborhoods across the city, and moving the Chicago Park District headquarters to Brighton Park will bring jobs, energy and open space to the community," said Mayor Emanuel. “By making community investments in areas that need them, we can deliver long-term economic benefits to the entire city of Chicago.”

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance in the amount of $8.6 million will support the property’s acquisition from the current owner, Lexington Homes. The funding will be provided through the Stevenson/Brighton TIF District.

“The development of the Brighton Park site for the Chicago Park District headquarters is a win-win situation for the District and the community,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Michael Kelly. “In addition to the efficiencies of owning our headquarters, we are bringing much needed parkland and amenities to the children and families of this community.”

The site will be used for the planned Park District main administration building, in addition to three sports fields, a playground, pool, parking lot, and field house. A Chicago Park District request for proposals to improve the site will be released in the coming months. Once complete, the project will bring 200 permanent jobs to the area.

Populated by more than 40,000 people, Brighton Park is among the top five most open-space deprived communities in Chicago. The Park District is currently headquartered in leased space in Streeterville.

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