Chicago’s Little Village gets 30-acre mixed-use development

A controversial 30-acre development in the Southwest Side’s Little Village neighborhood has been approved by the city council.

The Focal Point Community Campus at 31st Street and Kedzie Avenue will include a new hospital, vocational school, day care, market, affordable housing, restaurants, retail, sports fields, a theater and more, according to Block Club Chicago.

The project is being managed by local nonprofit Chicago Southwest Development Corp. Block Club previously reported it will cost $600 million. Some residents have raised concern it will gentrify the area by pushing up rents.

“We started this project about 10 years ago and it’s been the hardest journey I’ve ever taken in my career,” said Guy A. Medaglia, the nonprofit’s CEO, in a statement, according to Block Club. “I’m thrilled about the support this project has received from the community, our elected officials and even from individuals outside the state. I’m really looking forward to breaking ground and really getting started for the community.”

Construction is expected to begin next year and end by 2026.

The site, owned by Chicago Public Schools, has been vacant since the 1990s, when the Washburne Trade School closed down. The building was demolished a decade ago. Block Club previously reported that nearby St. Anthony Hospital bought the site for $5 million last year.

Some residents, concerned about gentrification, protested a November meeting about the development. Alderman Mike Rodriguez, whose ward includes the development site, has publicly supported the project since March.

“The development will benefit the southwest side of Chicago as supported by an overwhelming number of residents and stakeholders who have testified in its support,” Rodriguez said in a statement, as reported by Block Club.

[Block Club Chicago] – Harrison Connery