Further details have been revealed about the mixed-use development at 6441 South Cottage Grove Avenue in Woodlawn. Located mid-block between East 64th and 65th Streets, the project is part of a larger master plan known as the Sustainable Square Mile. Efforts are being led by the local non-profit Blacks In Green (BIG) and Tom Bassett-Dilley Architects.
Site map of Sustainable Square Mile via BIG
To execute their vision, the organization is requesting four city-owned parcels to build a mix of gardens, housing, and commercial space. Just over a year ago, BIG received funding from the city to develop the design for the mile, which we previously covered. Anchoring the district will be the upcoming Emmett Till House, which is set to open in a year.
Rendering of 6441 S Cottage Grove Ave by Tom Bassett-Dilley Architects
In addition to expanding and creating three community gardens, the organization plans to expand its headquarters with new housing at the aforementioned address. The proposal includes redeveloping the organization’s two existing buildings and constructing a three-story expansion to the south, along with a rear garden, according to Block Club.
Rendering of 6441 S Cottage Grove Ave by Tom Bassett-Dilley Architects
Rendering of 6441 S Cottage Grove Ave by Tom Bassett-Dilley Architects
The development will include 20 apartments, four of which will be designated as affordable housing. The ground floor will feature four 1,100-square-foot storefronts and eight 300-square-foot live/work units aimed at small businesses. A future second site is also planned to be converted into a four-story residential building, though few details are available at this time.
Rendering House as Garden via BIG
To realize the initial phase of the project, including the building and surrounding gardens, the organization will require $11.5 million in funding—$2 million of which has already been raised. To complete the funding stack, the team plans to pursue Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), among other sources. Currently, no timeline has been announced.
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We will see!
It’s impressive everything that’s going on in Woodlawn, I can’t wait to see what the neighborhood will look like in 5 or 10 years
There’s been a lot of projects in the past couple years for Woodlawn taking over empty lots. Last census showed the population down… but I feel there’s been an uptick since Covid. I’d be curious to know what the estimates are today/if Woodlawn has finally hit its lowest point.
There will naturally be a lag. Projects will appear here a year before occupancy and then leasing takes time. Include natural population loss due to smaller families, and population growth will follow a few years after we see a boom in construction.
I’d also be curious since, indeed, we’re probably at the upswing.
These are beautiful concepts. The West Woodlawn district is back on the map. It’s my hope CTA will be moved to action to help accelerate transit oriented development along the Greenline South Stations. It’s transit board with back it up!
Wow this is a cool design. I like all the green.
Not sure the decorative flourishes added to the vintage buildings are totally necessary. But that’s a minor detail on a very cool project.
We need more mixed use all over the city and country! Win win
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Did I read too fast and mix that lol