Plans have been detailed for an expansion of the Growing Home urban farm at 1824 W 59th Street in Englewood. Located on the northeast corner with S Honore Street, the project would replace a large vacant lot and build upon the existing surrounding facilities. The development is being led by the nonprofit Growing Home and is designed by UrbanWorks.
Current (blue) – New (red) site map of Growing Home via Google Maps
Growing Home currently operates the only nonprofit USDA certified farm in the city, spanning multiple acres with hoop houses that provide food for over 3,700 Englewood residents according to Block Club. However, increased demand and outdated facilities led the organization to start their capital campaign in 2023 in order to revamp their operations.
Rendering of Growing Home facility by UrbanWorks
Rendering of Growing Home processing facility by UrbanWorks
Anchoring the expansion will be a two-story 30,850 square-foot building on the west end of the lot. Inside will be a new USDA-certified organic produce processing facility which will replace their current one. This will be supported by a retail storefront with fresh produce and prepared foods, a cafe, teaching and commercial kitchen, and an indoor hydroponics and growing space.
Rendering of Growing Home cafe by UrbanWorks
Rendering of Growing Home cafe by UrbanWorks
There will also be a community computer lab, and workforce development classrooms. This added space will allow Growing Home to double their current enrollment of 80-students in their certification programs. Surrounding the structure will be 62,000 square-feet of outdoor growing space, half of which will go towards a farm where neighbors can interact with their food.
Rendering of Growing Home hydroponics by UrbanWorks
Rendering of Growing Home kitchen by UrbanWorks
The project has been in development for over a decade, with the aforementioned latest capital campaign helping the nonprofit get closer to the $25 million needed to complete the project. Once completed, it will also help double the workforce employed at the current facility. Growing Home hopes to break ground sometime next year and open in 2026.
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As a tax paying citizen, i fully support this. For this location and any others around the city that require this. A far better idea than city sponsored grocery stores.
Fantastic idea for Englewood and any area with vacant land, far from the loop, and lacking food/grocery stores.
This is a wonderful project and concept. The campus situated near the Englewood Nature Trail and its regional Agro Eco Planning District will serve as a national model. The Agro Eco District goes before the Chicago Plan Commission on August 15th.