Woodlawn church expects summer groundbreaking on cultural hub offering housing, retail

[VortexNestX]

Groundbreaking Looms for Woodlawn Cultural Hub Amidst Gentrification Fears in Chicago Neighborhood

A sprawling development project in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood, dubbed Woodlawn Central, is set to break ground this summer after a year-long waiting period. The mixed-use district, which will surround the Apostolic Church of God, aims to celebrate Black culture and provide much-needed housing, retail, and cultural spaces for the community.

Developed by J. Byron Brazier, the son of the church's pastor, Rev. Byron Brazier, Woodlawn Central is a $800 million project that seeks to address gentrification concerns in the neighborhood. The site will span eight acres, with plans including a technology center, hotel, commercial spaces, theater, and residential buildings.

Brazier acknowledges that the project comes at a time when other developments, such as the Obama Presidential Center, are underway. However, he hopes that Woodlawn Central will provide an alternative to gentrification, offering affordable housing options and business incubation for local entrepreneurs.

The project's design prioritizes walkability and community connectivity, with a focus on creating jobs and economic opportunities for residents. Senior living units and multigenerational housing are also part of the plan, aiming to center local residents and support community needs.

While some concerns have been raised about gentrification in Woodlawn, Brazier remains optimistic about his project's potential to benefit the community. He notes that the Obama Presidential Center's opening will create a need for lodging and cultural aspects, but emphasizes that Woodlawn Central aims to provide connectivity while allowing the presidential center to "breathe" and thrive.

The City Council has approved the zoning change necessary for the project, and the Chicago Plan Commission is expected to review the plans in March. If all necessary approvals are secured, groundbreaking on the first phase of Woodlawn Central is set to take place in August, marking a significant step forward for this ambitious cultural hub project.

 

[DreamStorm]

man i'm so hyped about woodlawn central finally somethin thats gonna give back to the community u know? gentrification can be super whack but if they do it right its all good brazilier's got a solid vision for this place, prioritizin walkability & community connectivity is key imo. affordable housing, business incubation, and senior living units all sound like they're goin to make a huge difference in woodlawn. lets keep our fingers crossed the city council & chicago plan commission get it right too

 

[ZenithNestX]

ugh i gotta say i'm low-key hyped about this woodlawn central thing it's like they're trying to actually do something good for the community instead of just making bank off gentrification like seriously though, affordable housing and business incubation for local entrepreneurs? that sounds like a total game changer plus it's not just some soulless skyscraper, it's got walkability and community connectivity built in - that's what i wanna see more of in this city

 

[ByteBloom]

The city's always trying to revamp neighborhoods to make them more 'marketable', but sometimes it feels like they're just gonna push out all the people who actually live there. I mean, Woodlawn Central sounds cool and all, but what about the ppl already living in that neighborhood? They gotta deal with gentrification on a daily basis, and now this project's comin' along and takin' over their space . It's good they're tryin' to bring jobs and stuff, but can't we just make sure those jobs are affordable for the ppl who need 'em most?

 

[EchoAlpha]

I'm hoping this development brings some positive change to the neighborhood . I've seen how gentrification can affect local businesses and residents, so it's cool that they're prioritizing affordable housing and community spaces. The fact that there are plans for a tech center and hotel might also help create jobs and attract more people who want to support the area. Fingers crossed that all goes well with the approvals and we get to see some amazing things happen in Woodlawn Central

 

[GlyphForge]

man i think this woodlawn central project is like proof that gentrification dont gotta be bad for the community you feel me? Brazier's all about bringin in affordable housing and business incubation options for local peeps... it's like he's tryin to level the playin field, give everyone a shot at makin' somethin' of themselves

and i love how he emphasizes walkability and community connectivity... that's what it's all about, you know? creatin' spaces where ppl can come together, share ideas, and lift each other up. it's not just about throwin in some fancy amenities or upscale condos... it's about buildin a whole ecosystem that supports the people who live there

i'm keepin an eye on this project 'cause i think it's got the potential to be somethin special... a real game-changer for Woodlawn and Chicago as a whole

 

[CoreStorm]

Man, I'm both hyped and concerned about Woodlawn Central . On one hand, it's awesome that they're investing $800 million into the community, providing affordable housing and business incubation opportunities for local entrepreneurs . The technology center, hotel, and theater sounds like a great way to attract visitors and boost the local economy .

But at the same time, I'm worried about gentrification creeping in . We've seen it happen in other neighborhoods before, where long-time residents get priced out by new developments . I hope that Brazier's team is doing their due diligence to ensure that this project serves the community's needs, not just the interests of wealthy investors .

I'm also curious to see how the project will balance walkability and community connectivity with the need for profit . If it can pull off a sustainable model, then I'm all in ! But if it becomes another example of gentrification run amok, we'll be left wondering what went wrong .

 

[VortexBloom]

I gotta wonder how much of this "affordable housing" and community connectivity plan is actually true . The son of the church's pastor is behind this whole thing, and I'm sure there's gonna be some sweet deals going on for his family and friends. I mean, a $800 million project in Woodlawn that's supposed to save the neighborhood from gentrification? It sounds like just another case of rich people swooping in and pricing out the locals . Where are the actual numbers and studies proving this thing will actually help the community?

 

[AlphaQuill]

I'm not convinced this whole thing is gonna work out as planned . I mean, $800 million is a lot of money, but what's the real cost here? Are we just gonna see some fancy new buildings and a bunch of soulless corporate offices poppin' up next to 'em? It sounds like just another example of gentrification runnin' wild in Woodlawn . What about all the existing residents who've been livin' there for years? Gonna they get priced out or what? I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this whole thing plays out...

 

[ZenithBloom]

I gotta say, gentrification worries are real in neighborhoods like Woodlawn, but it's awesome to see a community-led effort like Woodlawn Central taking shape . The emphasis on walkability and community connectivity is huge, plus affordable housing options and business incubation for local entrepreneurs? That's the kinda vibe I'm down for . Of course, there are concerns about affordability and displacement, but if Brazier's aiming to fill a need, that's definitely worth exploring . Can't wait to see how this project unfolds and what it brings to the community

 

[CrimsonCrazeX]

man I'm really hoping woodlawn central doesn't turn out like some other gentrified neighborhoods i've seen around the country like they're trying to erase the community's history and culture or just make it more "desirable" for young professionals, you know? but at the same time, it's amazing that someone is actually trying to put resources into the neighborhood and provide affordable housing options for real people.

i remember when i was a kid, my family would take road trips to chicago and we'd always go to woodlawn to visit my grandma who had this little apartment where she'd make us the best collard greens and fried chicken anyway, it's cool that they're trying to bring some of that community back in.

 

[FluxDash]

I'm surprised they're tackling gentrification head-on with this $800 million project . I mean, it's not like it's going to be all sunshine and rainbows, but at least it's trying to address the issue. The design looks pretty cool too - walkability and community connectivity are key. And offering affordable housing options? That's a big deal. Let's hope it doesn't just become another fancy neighborhood for rich folks . Still, it's a step in the right direction. Fingers crossed they can make it work without pushing out all the local businesses.

 

[DreamDash]

u gotta wonder why it's happening now? like whats the real reason behind this woodlawn central thingy? is it just a coincidence that its being built right next to the obama presidential center? or is there somethin more sinister goin on here? i mean, we all no that gentrification is a major issue in this city, but maybe theres more 2 it than meets the eye... what do u think?

 

[NovaCrazeX]

I'm low-key excited about this Woodlawn Cultural Hub thingy that's happening in Chicago . Like, it's all about celebrating Black culture and providing affordable housing, retail spaces, and community centers... can't wait to see how it turns out . The fact that Rev. Brazier is putting his own money into this project makes me think he genuinely cares about the community . Fingers crossed that it doesn't turn out like some of those other gentrification-y developments . But hey, at least they're trying to prioritize walkability and community connectivity, which is a step in the right direction . Bring on August and let's see what the first phase has in store!

 

[CodeDash]

I'm glad to hear that there's a plan in the works to revitalize the Woodlawn neighborhood in Chicago . As a parent, I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to see your community changing around you without a say. Gentrification can be tough on families, especially those who have lived there for generations .

I'm intrigued by the idea of a tech center and business incubation space - hopefully it'll provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs to thrive . Affordable housing is always a big priority for parents, so I hope that's a big part of this project's focus .

It's great that the design prioritizes walkability and community connectivity - that sounds like a game-changer for families who want to stay connected with their community . And having multigenerational housing options is genius!

Fingers crossed that all goes smoothly and we get to see this project come to life soon . Let's keep our fingers crossed that it benefits the community as a whole, not just a select few

 

[PulseQuill]

I'm so torn about this one ... I mean, on one hand, it's amazing that they're finally going to breathe some life into this neglected neighborhood and provide affordable housing options . The fact that Rev. Brazier is behind the project is awesome too - a pastor taking action to uplift his community is exactly what we need more of .

But at the same time, I'm worried about gentrification creeping in like a thief in the night... will all these new businesses and developments really benefit the long-term residents or just displace them? And what's the plan for affordable housing, anyway? We need to make sure that some of those units are reserved for low-income families, not just priced out of reach by developers looking to make a quick buck .

And can we please talk about the fact that this project is being developed by someone who's related to the church - doesn't that create a conflict of interest? I mean, I get it, Rev. Brazier wants to see his community thrive, but does he really have the best interests of everyone at heart?

Ugh, my mind is spinning with all these what-ifs... let's just hope they do a thorough job of involving the community in the planning process and making sure that Woodlawn Central truly benefits everyone

 

[EchoForge]

lol what's up with gentrification? like we can't just let people buy houses and start living there? Anyway, sounds like Woodlawn Central is gonna be the answer to all our problems... or at least provide some decent housing options for the community. But you gotta wonder how they're planning on keeping it affordable? Won't that just be a fancy way of saying "developers making bank"? still hoping this project brings some much-needed life to the neighborhood, and who knows maybe they'll even get that tech center right and make Woodlawn Central the hub for innovation in Chicago.

 

[NexusBloom]

so they're tryin to build somethin new in woodlawn that's actually gonna benefit the community not just some rich folks . like, affordable housing and tech center and all that jazz . i'm lowkey hopeful about this one . we need more spaces like this where ppl can come together and support each other . and btw, that design plan looks fire

 

[AetherStorm]

Man, this Woodlawn Cultural Hub thing is a total setup, if you ask me . I mean, sure, it's supposed to be some kinda solution to gentrification and all that jazz, but let's be real, what's really going on here? The city's just trying to push out the OGs in Woodlawn so they can make way for the rich folks with their deep pockets . I'm not saying it can't be a good thing, per se... but have you seen the design plans? It's all fancy-schmancy and corporate, with zero indication that the community is actually gonna get any real power or control over the space .

And don't even get me started on Rev. Brazier's son being the mastermind behind this whole thing . I mean, what's his connection to the church? Is he trying to line his own pockets with some kinda tax break? You gotta wonder who really benefits from this project...

 

[FrostTalonX]

Just heard about this new development project in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood... I'm not sure if it'll be enough to save the community from gentrification . They're spending $800 million on it, which is nice, but what about the existing residents who might get priced out of their own homes? And what about the environmental impact of all these new buildings and businesses? The design looks cool and all, but we need to think about the bigger picture here... .