What's Happening?
The Chicago Board of Education has approved the sale of two closed school buildings, allowing them to be repurposed into community-focused facilities. The former Louis Daniel Armstrong Elementary in Austin will be transformed into an athletic training
facility by BreakAway Community Development, which aims to provide affordable access for young athletes. The facility will feature basketball courts, an indoor turf field, and a fitness studio. Meanwhile, the Ignace Paderewski Elementary in Little Village will be demolished to make way for an 86-unit affordable housing development by P3 Markets. These sales are part of a broader effort by Chicago Public Schools to offload vacant properties that have been closed since 2013, which have been costly to maintain and prone to vandalism.
Why It's Important?
The redevelopment of these properties is significant as it addresses the dual challenges of urban blight and community needs. By converting these long-vacant buildings into useful community assets, the initiative not only reduces maintenance costs for the school district but also provides much-needed facilities for local residents. The athletic facility in Austin is expected to become a sports hub, promoting physical activity and providing opportunities for young athletes. The affordable housing project in Little Village addresses the critical need for housing in the area, potentially improving living conditions for many families. These developments could serve as a model for other cities facing similar issues with unused public properties.
What's Next?
Following the school board's approval, the bids for these properties must receive final approval from the City Council or the Public Buildings Commission. BreakAway Community Development is actively seeking $10 million in donations to fund the $12.5 million athletic facility project, which is expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months. The success of these projects could influence future decisions regarding the remaining vacant school properties in Chicago, as the district continues to seek viable solutions for these sites.
