Details have been revealed for a new community center at 2653 S Kildare Avenue in Little Village. Sitting on the northeast corner with W 27th Avenue, the proposal will eventually be replacing a large vacant lot in the west end of the neighborhood. The project is being led by local nonprofit Erie Neighborhood House.
Erie Neighborhood House was established in 1870, immediately providing comprehensive support to immigrant and low-income families. Today the organization serves the local community with services like mental and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more.

Rendering of Floreciendo La Villita Community Hub via Erie House
In order to expand their reach, they are preparing to build out a new five-story, 18,000-square-foot center. Inside will be a half-court gym, classrooms, youth center, media lounge/lab, therapy rooms, commercial kitchen, office space, community room, playground, rooftop deck, garden, and a playground.

Previous view of 2653 S Kildare Avenue via Google Maps
Dubbed Floreciendo La Villita Community Hub, the project will be clad in a mix of glass and multi-color decorative panels. It also comes with a $16.4 million price tag, for which the city recently granted $150,000 in order to complete the design and engineering of the building. Erie House is currently embarking on a capital campaign to fund the rest.
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Yeesh.
Why yeesh? This seems to be an admirable endeavor in support of a community in need, led by an organization with long ties to it. I hope the funding campaign is successful.
My visceral reaction to a hideous building has absolutely nothing to do with the community it will be built in, the organization it is for, and whether their funding campaign is successful.
I reiterate: Yeesh.
I just had a seizure
Yikes that is ugly. That will look so outdated so quickly.
Besides the covered parking portion, REMOVE ALL PARKING; I like the design. The massing is fun, the pop in color is exciting, and it’s not another 5-over-1 sad cube.
But please… no stick motel covered parking! It would be terrible in winter, especially.
YIKES…boys and girls!!