An “eco-food and culinary hub” would be developed on City-owned land in Englewood through $6 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance proposed to City Council today by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

The $13.95 million Englewood Connect project by McLaurin Development and Farpoint Development would renovate the landmark Green Street firehouse as a culinary hub and event space; create a new community center and business incubator on adjacent land; and make a new plaza available for public use. The proposed project is expected to create more than 45 permanent full-time jobs.

In addition to TIF support, the City would sell the firehouse and nearly 2 acres of land at 6204 and 6215-6217 W. Green St. for $1.

The project was selected from four responses to a 2021 Department of Planning and Development Request for Proposals (RFP) for the site. The RFP was issued through Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot’s INVEST South/West revitalization initiative for 10 South and West side communities.

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