Community organizers in Englewood said they were excited by the farm’s potential to provide opportunities and fresh greens to Englewood residents, while also attracting people from other parts of the city

Chicago Tribune
”Coming to Englewood” / July 2018

Details
Englewood, Chicago, Illinois
6,300 sf / Urban Planning & Landmark Renovation
Unbuilt, 2017 - 2018

Architect Notes
Englewood is a community that has often been defined by its negatives. For many that live outside of Englewood, the neighborhood has come to symbolize all that is challenging in low-income communities across Chicago and throughout the country. Englewood Square is a transformative real estate development - launched in the fall of 2016 - that has defiantly and successfully challenged the negative stereotypes and created a new business model for revitalizing an underserved community.

The first phase of Englewood Square was anchored by Whole Foods, Chipotle, and Starbucks, thanks in part to the strong backing of Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Phase Two of Englewood Square was intended build on this success. New tenants in Phase Two would include Square Roots - an urban farming / entrepreneurship accelerator - and “Englewood Station,” a thoughtful renovation of the landmark firehouse into a showcase for permanent and rotating exhibitions expressing the rich history (and future) of Englewood. These tenants were scheduled to be accompanied by a new construction Family Dollar neighborhood store, and “Englewood 2.0” - a regional data center and tech training facility.

Recognition
Featured in Crain’s Chicago Business, October 2018
Featured in Chicago Tribune, July 2018