Why a $7M South Side Restaurant Hub was Put On Hold

E.G. Woode’s vision to transform a vacant Englewood building into a premier culinary destination has been put on the backburner by Chicago officials.

City Council on Wednesday delayed a vote to provide $5 million in tax-increment financing for the redevelopment project at 1022 West 63rd Street, Block Club reported. Alderman David Moore, whose 17th Ward encompasses the South Side site, said he needed the money to fund a new field house at Ogden Park.

Despite initiatives and millions of dollars in public resources recently getting aimed at spurring South Side economic development, the delay emphasizes the difficult choices local leaders and professionals must make as they strive to improve their neighborhoods, while balancing competing interests in a limited amount of funding to help generate new businesses.

E.G. Woode, a group of architects, designers and entrepreneurs, unveiled plans earlier this year to convert the run-down building into a $7.1 million restaurant hub, set to include eateries like Pass the Peas and Ellie’s Urban Grill, along with a pop-up kitchen and three small offices.

The $5 million in TIF funding would support a comprehensive renovation of the 10,500-square-foot space, including asbestos removal, roof and mechanical system replacements, foundation repairs and interior improvements. E.G. Woode wants to revamp the property to have a modern flare, while retaining “the turrets that have helped define this corner of 63rd Street for the past 100 years.”

Many members of the finance committee praised E.G. Woode’s initiative to bring Englewood-owned residents to the community, but Moore and Alderman Raymond Lopez voted to defer the ordinance. Moore emphasized the importance of balancing development in Englewood with investment in other areas.

Deon Lucas, architect and leader at E.G. Woode, was disappointed in the aldermen’s decision.

“There are a lot of systemic things that go into play when it comes to putting communities in a position where they can win without having to sacrifice,” Lucas told the publication. Moore “shouldn’t have to sacrifice what he wants to get done, but, vice versa, we shouldn’t have to sacrifice people’s lifestyles, quality of life and the right to experience dining in their community.”

E.G. Woode received $3.98 million in TIF funding in September 2022, covering “hard costs” for the project. However, due to increased expenses due to the pandemic, the estimated budget for the food hub’s completion rose to approximately $7.1 million, with hard costs alone reaching $5.4 million.

Despite the delay, E.G. Woode remains committed to its vision and believes the investment will significantly benefit the Englewood community. The hope is that a resolution will be reached to ensure progress for the project.

— Quinn Donoghue