Construction of a 30-acre mixed-use development in Little Village, Southwest Side Chicago, has been approved. The Focal Point Community Campus, which will be located at 31st Street and Kedzie Avenue, will contain a new hospital, childcare, vocational school, market, affordable housing, restaurants, shops, sports fields, a theatre, and other amenities. Chicago Southwest Development Corp., a local charity, is in charge of the project. It has previously been claimed that it will cost US$600 million. Some people are concerned that it would gentrify the region by raising rents. Construction is set to begin next year and be completed by 2026.
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The land, which is owned by Chicago Public Schools, has remained unoccupied since the Washburne Trade School closed in the 1990s. The structure was dismantled a decade ago. It was originally claimed that the land was purchased by adjacent St. Anthony Hospital for US$5 million last year. Concerned about gentrification, some locals demonstrated at a November meeting regarding the plan. St. Anthony Hospital will move to the new location. St. Anthony plans to construct a 12-story, 151-bed hospital. The number of beds will be the same as at the current hospital, which is located at 2875 W. 19th St. Guy Medaglia, president of St. Anthony, stated that he is in talks with operators interested in repurposing the facility for senior housing.
Commentary on the Chicago Little Village mixed-use development
“We began this project almost ten years ago, and it’s been the most difficult trip I’ve ever done in my career.” I’m overjoyed with the community’s, our political leaders, and even those from beyond the state’s support for this effort. In a statement, Guy A. Medaglia, the nonprofit’s CEO, stated, “I’m really looking forward to breaking ground and actually getting started for the community.” “The development will benefit the southwest side of Chicago, as demonstrated by an overwhelming number of citizens and stakeholders who have spoken in its favour,” said Alderman Mike Rodriguez, whose ward encompasses the construction site and has openly backed the proposal since March.
