Land Sale Approved For Wellness Center In West Garfield Park

The Chicago Community Development Commission has approved the land-sale for The Sankofa Village Wellness Center at 4301-4329 W Madison Street in West Garfield Park. Located on the southwestern corner with S Kildare Avenue a few blocks west of Garfield Park itself, the proposal will replace a vacant lot and a handful of existing buildings as well. Developer The Community Builders Inc. proposed the greater Sankofa Wellness Village project last year designed by local-firm Moody Nolan.

Site map of Sankofa Wellness Village by Moody Nolan

Part of a greater four-site and building aimed at providing necessary health and community services for the local area, the wellness center will serve as the anchor of the proposal and will be built on the aforementioned land. The necessity for this type of facility is evident as surrounding residents on average live 12 years less than those in the loop, with over 30-percent more of the population facing issues with hypertension, obesity, and crime as well.

Rendering of Sankofa Village Wellness Center by Moody Nolan

Thus the four-story structure would include a large affordable medical center for all ages including dentistry operated by Erie Family Health Centers, a YMCA run daycare, a large fitness center with indoor court, and multiple community spaces including financial education programs. Users will also have access to small outdoor decks created by setbacks in the massing which will be clad in cast panel facade, with a masonry base and plenty of space for a side mural and an active streetfront.

Rendering of Arts and Activism Center by Moody Nolan

Further phases of the overall project will include a center for arts and activism within a redeveloped church at 4241 W Washington Boulevard, a social innovation hub, and potentially a new grocer at the former Aldi location nearby. The overall $50 million project won the Pritzker Foundation’s $10 million Chicago prize earlier this year among other funding efforts, at the moment no formal construction timeline has been announced.

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