A Little Village nonprofit raised $2 million in the last year and a half and plan to convert the shuttered Little Village Library into an office and community center at 2724 W. Cermak Road in Little Village.
Latinos Progresando, a nonprofit that provides legal aid for immigrants has raised 80 percent of the funding needed for transforming the old Marshall square Library building according to Block Club Chicago.
Latinos Progresando is working with Canopy/Architecture + Design.
"The library has always been a space for the community to enjoy, and learn and get together to build positive things. This plan aims to get it back to that - a space that is giving back to the community and being offered up to the community."
CEO & Founder of Latinos Progresando | Luis Gutierrez
The 10,000 square foot area will have legal services on the first floor and offices for the Marshall Square Resource Network. Conference rooms and a large space for community-wide programming will be on the second floor. Esperanza Health Systems and the Lincoln Park Zoo is also planning on renting out space in the building.
Esperanza Health Systems will provide mental health services and the Lincoln Park Zoo will expand its nature-based educational work at nearby schools on the Southwest sides.
The nonprofit will move its offices from 3047 W. Cermak Road to the new building by the spring of 2021. The new building will be named the Latinos Progresando Community Center.
The Latinos Progresando was approved for a $250,000 grant through the city's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund in 2018. The organization is now trying to raise $500,000 for the remaining funds for this project.
The group is working to finalize the sale from the city of Chicago according to the organization's chief advancement officer, Adrienne Lange.
The nonprofit was founded in Pilsen before moving to Little Village where it has been offering immigration resources since 1998.
Mr. Lange stated that this space is about making sure we are offering as many opportunities in our community to live happy and successful lives.
