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Competing developers vying for West Garfield Park site

Mixed-use projects would be grocery-anchored and receive $20M in TIF

Two proposals revealed for redevelopment project in West Garfield Park
Renderings of two proposals for Westgate and Garfield Gather at the development site in West Garfield Park (Chicago.gov)

Competing developers have each submitted mixed-use proposals including more than 80 apartments apiece with ground-floor retail to replace a former Aldi grocery store and its parking lot in West Garfield Park.

Nonprofit Community Builders is behind a plan to build an $86.4 million, 101-unit apartment complex called Garfield Gather, which would also include a 9,500-square-foot grocery store. Another bid, submitted by a venture of East Lake Management, Citizens Building a Better Community, TruDelta and Project Forward, calls for a $78.1 million, 88-unit housing complex and a 13,800-square-foot grocery store and cafe, the Chicago Sun-Times reported

Two proposals revealed for redevelopment project in West Garfield Park
Rendering of Garfield Gather proposal at the development site in West Garfield Park (Chicago.gov)

In 2022, Chicago officials attempted to tackle the issue of a growing food desert in the West Side neighborhood by acquiring the closed Aldi at 3835 West Madison Street for $700,000. The store’s closure in 2021 ignited debates over whether retailers exiting impoverished Black communities was a racial issue or pragmatic capitalism.

Thus, the city requested proposals for the property, inviting developers and community groups to submit ideas for a mixed-use development anchored by a grocery store, with the goal of increasing food access and revitalizing the area.

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Community Builders’ plan also includes 67 parking spaces, a public plaza and additional retailers. The joint venture’s proposed development, dubbed Westgate, would feature a mix of apartments and townhomes, along with 66 parking spaces and public space. Both projects are set to include affordable units and design elements that pay homage to African-American culture.

Two proposals revealed for redevelopment project in West Garfield Park
Rendering of The Westgate proposal at the development site in West Garfield Park (Chicago.gov)

Financing these projects could be a challenge, though. Even with roughly $20 million in city subsidies, most of it stemming from tax increment financing, the developers would need to raise additional capital or attain other forms of public funding, such as low-income housing tax credits.

Mike Tomas, executive director of the Garfield Park Community Council, is pleased with both proposals, he told the outlet.

— Quinn Donoghue 

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