Construction is ramping up on a highly anticipated health and nutrition center at 1110 E 130th Place in Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens. This project, led by TCA Health and designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects, aims to address critical gaps in healthcare and food access for a community long impacted by environmental challenges. With a focus on wellness, food security, and community engagement, the center promises a brighter future for the area.
Location: Northeast corner of Altgeld Gardens housing complex, 1110 E 130th Place, Chicago
Building Size: 10,000 square feet
Estimated Cost: $4.5 million
Construction Timeline: Completion expected by June 2025
Builders: John Keno and Co. and Millhouse Construction
Chicago Yimby reports that Altgeld Gardens, built in 1945, spans 190 acres and includes nearly 1,500 homes. Initially designed to house African Americans, the complex was surrounded by more than 50 landfills and 380 industrial facilities, exposing residents to high levels of pollution. For decades, these conditions contributed to severe health issues, including elevated rates of cancer, disease, and birth defects.
Thanks to persistent advocacy from residents, the community has seen improvements, but significant challenges remain. The area became a food desert after its only full-service grocery store closed in 2018. The new health and nutrition center seeks to fill this critical void by providing fresh food and wellness services to residents.
The new center will build on TCA Health’s existing services, offering resources to enhance food access, wellness, and community involvement. Highlights include:
Client Choice Food Pantry: A grocery-style system allowing residents to choose fresh and nutritious items.
Grab-and-Go Cafe: Convenient, healthy meals for residents on the go.
Teaching Kitchen: A space for cooking classes and nutritional education, empowering residents with knowledge to make healthier food choices.
Yoga and Meditation Space: Dedicated areas for physical and mental well-being activities.
Community Meeting Rooms: Versatile spaces for local gatherings, workshops, and events.
Designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects, the center will feature:
Exterior: Gray metal panels for a sleek, modern look.
Landscaping: Green spaces around the building to create a welcoming and relaxing environment.
Seamless Integration: Connected to TCA’s existing health facility, forming a unified campus for health and wellness.
Construction Teams: The project is being handled by John Keno and Co. and Millhouse Construction, experienced firms known for community-focused projects.
Project Timeline: With permits secured, work is progressing steadily toward the targeted June 2025 completion date.
Challenges: Building in a historically underserved area requires careful planning to minimize disruptions and align with community needs.
The new health and nutrition center represents a pivotal investment in the well-being of Altgeld Gardens. Benefits include:
Improved Food Access: Local access to fresh and nutritious food, reducing the need for long commutes to distant grocery stores.
Enhanced Wellness Programs: Resources like yoga classes, meditation, and cooking lessons will promote healthier lifestyles.
Community Engagement: Meeting rooms will provide a space for residents to connect, collaborate, and participate in events.
The health and nutrition center at Altgeld Gardens is a beacon of hope for a community that has faced decades of environmental and economic challenges. By addressing food insecurity and expanding wellness services, the facility will foster a stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhood. With construction underway and completion in sight, this project marks a transformative step forward for Altgeld Gardens.