Details have been revealed for a new multi-modal transportation hub at 2107 South Pulaski Avenue in Lawndale. Dubbed “The Go Hub,” the new facility is being developed by Chicago-based nonprofit Equicity. It will replace a pair of vacant lots just north of the intersection with West Cermak Road, steps away from the CTA Pulaski Pink Line station.
Site context map of The Go Hub via Google Maps
Site plan of The Go Hub by Oldile Compagnon
Equicity aims to create racial equity in transportation within disinvested neighborhoods. Working with local architect Oldile Compagnon, the five-story facility will serve as a place for community and power-building by offering short- and long-term rentals, mobility workshops, local bike rides, walking and scooter tours, storage, space for community events, and an advocacy coalition.
Floor plans of The Go Hub by Oldile Compagnon
The ground level will include a 10-space parking lot with EV charging, a large lawn with seating and a small stage, and a public bike fix station. The building’s basement will focus on bike parking and storage, while the floors above will hold a community center, a double-height bike workshop/class space, a kitchen, community hoteling and office space, and new offices for Equicity itself.
Rendering of The Go Hub by Oldile Compagnon
Rendering of The Go Hub by Oldile Compagnon
All of this will be capped by a large rooftop terrace shaded by solar panels in a sawtooth motif that will extend down the front façade of the building. Equicity recently received a small grant to build a plaza on the site for programming and art, according to Streetblog. The plaza will activate the space and engage the community while the team continues fundraising for the $12 million hub.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
The architecture is heavily relying on that solar cell glass panel feature. That is not going to be a cheap feature.
If this is a more final rendition, I really hope they can pull it off both functionally and aesthetically. VE’ing the glass will not be a good look if nothing else changes. It does seem like a potential heat ray is being added to the roof/facade.
Would look really cool if its executed well though
While I have questions about the social and economic logic of this project — replacing vacant lots, close to a poorly-used transit stop, in a struggling part of the city? The right planning attitude in spots like that is “go for it”, let entrepreneurs or organizations try some new ideas. Hope it works out as planned.
I’ll take anything but I’m tired of all these community centers, urban farming, and working stations being incorporated in these types of projects because they just keep missing the mark. Build housing that is reasonably priced and provide space for business or commercial usage. The south/west side need jobs and housing, they don’t need workshop places or community centers on every street. Build mixed used buildings and you will have the place thriving.
you had me at “local bike rides”
Sounds like a good project!