Chicago City Wire

Six Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) projects are being awarded $1.3 million in City grants to promote walkability near public transit locations across Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced today. 

Ranging from $83,700 to $250,000 each, the grants will help create and improve commercial spaces, cultural destinations, affordable homes, and other projects within walking distance to public transit locations that lack commensurate quality-of-life amenities. Total project costs are estimated at $4 million.  

"These Equitable Transit-Oriented Development projects are essential for creating spaces where residents can live, work, and thrive," Mayor Brandon Johnson said. "By investing in projects like the 1600 South Lawndale Business Hub and the Workshop Arts Collaborative, we are not only enhancing the local quality of life but also maximizing the positive impact of public transit routes on residents' daily routines, ensuring better, stronger, safer and more accessible neighborhoods.” 

Awardees were selected from 40 proposals submitted to the City earlier this year. Proposals were evaluated by an advisory committee for factors involving location, neighborhood equity, readiness, community benefit, and other factors.  

“ETOD projects bring life to parts of the city that are transit-served but have relatively few opportunities for bus and train passengers to shop, eat, learn or even grab a cup of coffee,” Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright said. “Many of these projects are also challenged by an absence of traditional financing resources for emerging entrepreneurs and community advocates, which is why these grants are so important.” Projects and award amounts include:

11600 South Lawndale Business Hub & Art Gallery, 1600 S.  Lawndale Ave., North Lawndale $217,173 for rehabilitation of a two-story commercial building as an arts incubator. 

Clark Commercial Corridor, 7000-20 N. Clark St., Rogers Park $250,000 for interior and exterior improvements at a multi-tenant retail space, including roof repairs, new HVAC units, and flooring. 

The Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 N. Ashland Ave., West Town $83,771 for interior improvements at a comedy training school, including a new heat pump system and insulation. 

P3 Markets Headquarters, 226 E. 43rd St., Grand Boulevard $250,000 for interior and exterior improvements to a multi-tenant retail space. 

Reconstruction West Trade School, 2711 W. Lake St., East Garfield Park $217,082 million for rehabilitation of a two-story commercial structure for trade-related programming and education. 

The Workshop Arts Collaborative, 3741-49 W. Lawrence Ave., Albany Park    $250,000 to help rehab a 100-year-old building as an artist workshop, rehearsal and performance space.  

ETOD grants are funded by proceeds from American Rescue Plan Act to help implement Chicago’s Connected Communities Ordinance, adopted by City Council in 2022 to promote transit access between neighborhoods. Eligible expenses included new construction, exterior and interior renovations, site acquisition and preparation, architectural and engineering costs, mechanical systems, and other costs. 

Grant awards are distributed incrementally as individual project phases are completed.  

In addition to ETOD projects, Mayor Johnson today announced more than 65 additional awardees for grants involving climate infrastructure improvements, community development and historic preservation.  

A full list of grant winners and award amounts is available on the Department of Planning and Development’s Chicago Recovery Plan website.  

Original source can be found here.