North Lawndale
North Lawndale 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 North Lawndale, the priority corridor is Ogden Avenue, running southwest from Kedzie Avenue to Pulaski Road.
Community Engagement
North Lawndale stakeholders participated in the INVEST South/West kick-off celebration in January 2020 at the Kehrein Center for the Arts. 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 600 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 North Lawndale comments and feedback, is available at right.
Neighborhood Roundtable
In spring 2020, the City formed the North Lawndale 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.
The goal of the roundtables is transparency: to ensure the neighborhood voices are heard and integrated into the priorities of public and private investments, to obtain feedback on INVEST South/West projects as they advance, and to put planners at the table with neighborhood stakeholders. The roundtable will be led and facilitated by local representation, a corridor project manager, once identified.
Questions on the roundtable can be directed to DPD@cityofchicago.org.
Winning Development Project
4300 W. Roosevelt Road
Lawndale Innovation Center
The Lawndale Innovation Center is a $38.4 million project led by 548 Development and Related Midwest proposed for Roosevelt Road and Kostner Avenue on the West Side of Chicago's largest piece of vacant land. The 20.8-acre development will include a 302,140-square-foot solar-powered industrial complex, a pair of community centers and public open space featuring public art.
The project is expected to create approximately 700 permanent and temporary jobs.
3400-18 W. Ogden Ave.
Lawndale Redefined
Lawndale Redefined is a $31.4 million joint venture from GRE Ventures, Imagine Group, and 548 Development. Planned for an acre of vacant, City-owned and private land on Ogden Avenue between Homan and Trumbull avenues, the project consists of 60 mixed-income apartments, three market-rate townhomes, retail and restaurant space, and a stand-alone community center with technology and arts programming.
Outdoor amenities include a plaza with public art and other cultural amenities. The project will create 30 permanent jobs and up to 120 construction jobs.