New City
New City, consisting of the Canaryville and Back of the Yards neighborhoods, is one of 10 priority communities selected as a part of the initial phase of Chicago’s INVEST South/West commercial corridor improvement strategy.
Launched in October 2019, INVEST South/West’s goal is to re-activate neighborhood cores that have historically served as focal points for pedestrian activity, shopping, services, transportation, public spaces and quality-of life amenities for local residents. In New City, the priority focus is the intersection of 47th Street and Ashland Avenue and adjacent blocks.
Community Engagement
New City stakeholders participated in the INVEST South/West kick-off celebration in December 2019 at Kennedy-King College. The family-friendly event was one of four held this winter to launch the initiative with in-depth activities that helped participants identify priorities, goals, and key community assets.
More than 500 attendees listened to presentations about the goals and objectives of INVEST South/West, then interfaced with dozens of public agencies about opportunities to improve the community. A summary of the event, including an overview of New City comments and feedback, is available at right.
Neighborhood Roundtable
In spring 2020, the City formed the New City Neighborhood Roundtable. Consisting of representatives from city agencies, aldermanic offices neighborhood organizations, small businesses and resident groups, the roundtable seeks to advance local goals through a broad, cross-disciplinary approach that leverages the insights, wisdom, creativity and resources of local stakeholders.
Questions on the roundtable can be directed to DPD@cityofchicago.org.
New Back of the Yards Library
In partnership with Chicago Public Library and the Office of the Mayor, the New City Neighborhood Roundtable has served as a forum for community engagement regarding a new library in Back of the Yards since late 2021.
In May 2023, the City published answers to a series of frequently asked questions regarding plans for the new Back of the Yards library; the document is available in English and Spanish.
Winning Development Project
1515 W. 47th St.
United Yards
United Yards is a $51.5 million joint venture of Celadon Partners and the Blackwood Group planned for multiple vacant and improved properties near Ashland Avenue and 47th Street. The project will redevelop a vacant, City-owned lot at 1515 W. 47th St. with a 50-unit affordable apartment building that includes a ground floor business hub and youth programming space.
Additional phases will revitalize a largely vacant, four-story commercial building at 4701 S. Ashland Ave. with 30 senior rental apartments and a ground-floor coffee shop; redevelop vacant land at 1641 W. 47th St. with a pair of affordable, three-flat buildings; and enhance an existing supportive living center at 4707 S. Marshfield Ave. with a medical clinic, dialysis center, and park space. The proposed project will create 44 permanent jobs and more than 330 construction jobs.