Strategic Investing in Auburn Gresham -
INVEST South/West and the Chicago Prize
Almost 50 CCAC members gathered to hear a comprehensive update on strategic investing in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood, including the progress of Evergreen Imagine, the INVEST South/West project there, and an exciting update on the development progress of the Healthy Lifestyle Hub, winner of the 2020 Chicago Prize awarded by The Pritzker Traubert Foundation.
The panelists included Andrew Beideman, Senior Program Officer, Pritzker Traubert Foundation, David Block, Director of Development, Evergreen Real Estate Group, Gerardo Garcia, Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Department of Planning and Development and Carlos Nelson, CEO, Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corp. The panel was moderated by CCAC Executive Director Mark Hopkins.
Andy Beideman provided the strategy behind Pritzker Traubert’s decision to focus its efforts on the underserved communities on Chicago’s South and West sides, the development and awarding of the 2020 Chicago Prize, a preview of the award process for the 2022 Prize, and his perspective on Auburn Gresham.
Gerardo Garcia talked about the research, data and analysis that occurred at Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development when deciding what to do and where to do it with regard to sparking long-overdue development on the South and West sides.
Carlos Nelson gave an in-depth look at the long-planned Healthy Lifestyle Hub, provided photos of the in-process construction and renderings of the property when completed.
Evergreen Real Estate Group’s David Black talked about their project – Evergreen Imagine, the INVEST South/West Auburn Gresham project winner – the process to develop the winning proposal, and the work they’re doing in the community to complete the final designs and get started.
There was a robust discussion and many questions from the audience.
Thanks again to our panelists and special thanks to Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and CCAC Chairman Greg Hummel for hosting the event.
