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An architecturally significant, but long-abandoned Austin neighborhood bank could see new life as a vibrant multi-use building featuring a cafe, a blues museum and even a bank branch.
The proposed $37.5 million transformation of the old Laramie State Bank, 5200 W. Chicago Ave., is one of the first three projects announced this week under the city’s Invest South/West program.
It’s still early and we certainly reserve permission to criticize Invest South/West if it starts to go sideways but for now, we’re glad to see the city making a serious attempt at revitalizing historically disinvested South and West side commercial areas.
Gallery of SOM and TnS Studio Design Community Hub for Chicago s South Side archdaily.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from archdaily.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
SOM and TnS are working with lead developer McLaurin Development Partners and Farpoint Development. Dawveed Scully, Urban Planning Associate Director at SOM, noted that, We envision a dynamic mix of community spaces, accessible to all local residents and connected to the surrounding neighborhoods. With flexible spaces that can be used year-round, our plan creates an ecosystem that cultivates upward mobility anchored by entrepreneurialism.
Courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
As the team explains, Englewood Connect is designed to elevate Englewood residents through a mixed-use, phased development strategy focused around a flexible public space called the Green Street Commons. In turn, they created the Englewood Living Room, a proposed year-round pavilion for markets, co-working spaces, exhibitions, and places for the community gatherings. The plan also includes the restoration of the landmark “castle” Firehouse station,
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces 3 INVEST South/West winning proposals abc7chicago.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc7chicago.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.