City Approves Community Center and Affordable Housing for Little Village

The City Council has approved plans for a new community center and affordable housing in Little Village, marking a significant step towards enhancing local resources and housing options. On March 15, 2024, the Council endorsed proposals from two nonprofit organizations: Erie Neighborhood House and The Resurrection Project.

Both projects received prior approval from the city’s zoning committee earlier in the week. Erie Neighborhood House aims to construct an 18,000-square-foot community center at 2653 S. Kildare Ave. This five-story facility is projected to cost $16.4 million and will focus on providing services tailored for low-income and immigrant families. The center is designed to address the increasing demand for community support, offering mental health services, literacy initiatives, youth development programs, and legal aid.

The initiative, named the Floreciendo La Villita Community Hub, is part of a broader funding award through the Department of Planning and Development’s Community Development Grant and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund program, supporting various community-oriented projects this year.

In addition, The Resurrection Project plans to develop a four-story residential building featuring 42 affordable apartments. This project will be situated on a portion of a parking lot at 2505 S. Pulaski Road, currently owned by the Self Help Federal Credit Union. The attorney representing The Resurrection Project indicated that this development will significantly contribute to the local housing market, providing much-needed affordable living spaces for residents.

The approval of these projects reflects the city’s commitment to investing in community infrastructure and affordable housing. Both initiatives aim to create a more inclusive environment for the residents of Little Village, addressing critical needs in the community.