A ribbon cutting has been held for the new community center at 2724 W Cermak Road in Little Village. Located on the intersection with S Fairfield Avenue just south of Douglass Park, the new center redeveloped the existing two-story building that previously housed a public library. The project was developed by local nonprofit Latinos Progresando and designed by Canopy Architecture + Design.
Ribbon cutting event for the new center via Latinos Progresando
Prior to this the structure was the former home of the Marshall Square Branch of the Chicago Public Library, which closed in 2009 for the new Little Village Branch a few minutes west from this location. Eventually in 2019 the city approved the sale of the building for $1 to Latinos Progresando for the new center which will help them expand their services even further focusing on providing legal aid to immigrants.
Ribbon cutting event for the new center via Latinos Progresando
The 9,300-square-foot building had its facade redesigned with new ground-level storefront windows as well as much of the interior redistributed, with offices on both floors while the second floor also holds conference rooms and a large community space. This will allow the center to offer new services such as after-school programs by the Lincoln Park Zoo and mental health services from Esperanza Health, both of which will have small offices on site as well.
Ribbon cutting event for the new center via Latinos Progresando
A bright orange portion of the facade on the corner helps mark the new destination, while visitors may reach the center via CTA bus service for Routes 21 and 94 as well as the CTA Pink Line at California station all within a five-minute walk. The $2.1 million development was partially funded via city grants as well as other partnerships including with BMO, taking roughly a year to complete after breaking ground in February 2022.
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Always an honor to here about giving back to the Community. Now the challenge is to have others do the same and for those that need the help make the time and effort to use the resources open. The need is Hreat. Thank you.