Woodlawn Community Development
Updated May 29, 2020
The City of Chicago, through its Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and Department of Housing (DOH), is engaged with the Woodlawn community in several ways in order to steer and manage development related to, and driven by, larger investments in the neighborhood, particularly the Obama Presidential Center and the University of Chicago.
The City is a large holder of vacant land in the community, with more than 300 developable lots, including a large inventory along 63rd Street. DPD is committed to managing the disposition of City-owned land and steering the development of other vacant land in Woodlawn in a way that supports the community's vision and priorities for the neighborhood.
Woodlawn Plan Consolidation ReportSince LISC Chicago published its "Rebuilding the Neighborhood" plan in 2005, there have been nearly a dozen plans and studies developed for the Woodlawn community by the City of Chicago, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups and others. Although the studies are a clear indicator of how many people and organizations care about Woodlawn and its success, they also underscore a deeper need for greater coordination, and for one unified path forward. Consolidating these community-driven plans into one report provides a roadmap for City officials to work alongside community groups with a vested interest to ensure that future development decisions prioritize sustainable, long-term growth and the needs of the Woodlawn community area. Following additional community engagement efforts, the Woodlawn Plan Consolidation Report was adopted by the Chicago Plan Commission in May 2020. Questions and comments on the report's findings should be directed to DPD@cityofchicago.org. To receive updates as the community engagement process moves forward, please sign up for email notifications from DPD. |
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Department of Housing Initiatives
DOH has convened a Woodlawn Housing Working Group to engage residents, including renters and homeowners, as it works to create a Woodlawn Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance. This working group has met frequently since fall 2019 to talk through ideas and recommendations. This collaboration builds on and strengthens previous community efforts, and will eventually lead to feasible solutions that help ensure current Woodlawn residents are able to stay in their community by laying the groundwork for equitable and inclusive growth in Woodlawn.
For information about the Woodlawn Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance and related info, visit the DOH website.
Current and Previous Planning Efforts
| Name | Author | Commissioned By | Date |
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Woodlawn East Community and Neighbors (WECAN) |
WECAN | 2019 | |
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AECOM |
Network of Woodlawn | 2019 | |
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Metropolitan Planning Council |
Cook County Land Bank Authority | 2018 | |
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Network of Woodlawn |
Network of Woodlawn | 2018 | |
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SOM |
Network of Woodlawn | 2017 | |
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SOM |
Network of Woodlawn | 2017 | |
| 2017 Sprint: Central Area to Jackson Park (Including Restitching Woodlawn) |
Chicago Central Area Committee | Chicago Central Area Committee | 2017 |
| Woodlawn Neighborhood Master Plan | Gensler | Network of Woodlawn | 2016 |
| Woodlawn Neighborhood Indicators | Gensler | Network of Woodlawn | 2016 |
| 63rd Street & Cottage Grove Retail Analysis | Goodman Williams Group, Ginkgo, CR&M | City of Chicago | 2015 |
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AECOM |
City of Chicago | 2014 | |
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Woodlawn: Rebuilding the Village |
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) |
WPIC and TWO | 2005 |
Community Engagement Activities
The chart below provides a summary of previous stakeholder and community meetings.
| Event Date | Details | Materials |
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Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020 |
Hyde Park Academy High School 6220 S. Stony Island Ave. |
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Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 |
Informational Presentation to Chicago Plan Commission 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 201-A |
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Tuesday, May 19, 2020 |
Woodlawn Community Webinar Virtual |
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| Thursday, May 21, 2020 |
Chicago Plan Commission Hearing |
Please check back as this page will be updated with relevant information and dates of future community engagement meetings. Questions and comments can always be directed to DPD@cityofchicago.org.