West Englewood's Woods Mathematics and Science Academy will be acquired by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to facilitate its proposed adaptive reuse as a community center, through an intergovernmental agreement approved today by City Council.

As a community center, the three-story, 65,000-square-foot building at 6206 S. Racine Ave. is planed to provide transitional housing, life coaching, job training and health clinic services for area residents.

The approximately $15 million project is being proposed by the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), Teamwork Englewood, Residents Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.), and E.G. Woode to compliment the community-driven “Go Green on Racine" sustainable development initiative.

The former elementary school, currently owned by the Chicago Board of Education, closed in 2013. Its value was recently appraised at $75,000.

Part of Mayor Lightfoot's INVEST South/West revitalization strategy for Greater Englewood, the acquisition and sale of the property by DPD for the proposed center will be subject to a redevelopment agreement between the developer and the City. Terms are yet to be determined and require City Council approval.

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