Ciere Boatright commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) | City of Chicago Website
Ciere Boatright commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) | City of Chicago Website
A vacant building in Austin will be transformed into an arts space and café with the help of a $662,778 grant from the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. The City Council approved the funding today.
The new establishment, Outwest Gallery and Cafe, plans to feature local artists' work and provide healthy food options using a pay-what-you-can model. The project will occupy a 2,500-square-foot space at 5249 W. Chicago Ave., taking advantage of its location near the POPCourts! community plaza, which has been hosting outdoor events since it opened on the same block in 2021.
Upon completion of the project, there is potential for an additional $75,000 in grant funding if local hiring and job training criteria are met.
The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund is designed to use fees collected from downtown construction projects to invest in commercial corridors on the South, Southwest, and West sides of the city. Grants over $250,000 require approval from the City Council.
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