The Chicago Community Development Commission has approved the sale and redevelopment of the existing structure at 5021 S. Wabash in Grand Boulevard. The site is located just north of the intersection with E. 51st Street. The proposal will expand the small streets and sanitation facility into a new culinary center.
Urban Equities won the city's RFP earlier this year and has teamed up with SmithGroup architecture firm on the restoration and modern design of the new elements.
Chicago Yimby reports that the existing 1,500 square foot Prairie Style structure opened in the 1910's and has now become orange-rated due to its architectural significance to the surrounding area. The dilapidated building and its 7,000 square foot parking lot will require extensive repairs with both being eventually sold to the developer for $1.
Once the work is done, it will reopen as a new accessible, modern and more open project called Soul City Kitchens, an 8,000 square foot hub for food entrepreneurs near the 51st Street commercial area.
The new facility will include:
- Shared commercial cooking facilities
- Test kitchen
- Individual cooking cubicles
- Large storage areas with commercial coolers and freezers
- New communal dining room within the restored brick building
All of the spaces will have an emphasis on daylight along with added ADA accessibility so all will have access to the new space. Urban Equities would also like to partner with local schools to bring kids in to learn about healthy eating habits and building businesses.
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Chicago Planning and Development stated that Urban Equities CEO Lennox Jackson said the Soul City Kitchens will offer affordable and equitable solutions to chefs of all kinds by minimizing barriers to entry, helping them to focus on their food creations, and enabling them to continuously recalibrate in our so-called "new" normal. As an incubation hub, he envisions new jobs being created and chefs strengthening their ability to build wealth.
"Chicago remains a global leader in the food innovation space thanks to the talented entrepreneurs who call our city home. This new hub will allow us to deepen this reputation while giving food entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds an incredible opportunity to grow their businesses right in their own neighborhood. I am excited to see this project come to life and support residents as they chase after their career goals."
Mayor of Chicago | Lori E. Lightfoot
The next move for the $4.6 million project will be to move forward to the Chicago City Council for final approvals on the land sale, zoning, and design. Once these are approved and final financing is in place, it can break ground. A formal construction timeline has not yet been disclosed.
DataBid is currently working on this project: Soul City Kitchens Redevelopment Grand Boulevard - Chicago (0034012722)
