Woodlawn Works STRONGLY opposes the demolition of the "structurally sound" 1924 Washington Park National Bank Building.
- Key part of our Woodlawn heritage
- Structurally sound
- Page 3 of Cook County Land Bank engineering report
- Compromised CCLBA Process (see overview)
- Cheaper to save than replace
- Adaptive reuse overwhelmingly favored by community
- "We are going to save this building" promise to community by CCLBA Director Rob Rose
- Could catalyze local/broad-based capacity development
- Not displacement by national chains
- Only one of the three finalists proposed demolition
- CCLBA "model process" puts historic buildings in minority/low income communities in grave danger
"We are going to save this building!"
- CCLBA Director Rob Rose
Alternative Proposals
Two of the finalists (Eastlake & Woodlawn Works) proposed adaptive reuse rather than demolition.
LEARN MORE BELOW
What happened?
The CCLBA process was compromised early on. Review the documentation
to see what happened.
Take Action!
Stand up to corruption and selective (minority/low income community) demolition!
Woodlawn Works Proposal: Selected Components
Woodlawn Works shares portions of our proposal in order for neighbors to see that there were great adaptive reuse alternatives (by Eastlake as well as Woodlawn Works) to demolition. The CCLBA called the three finalists "excellent," and extended their consideration time-frame due to the "high quality options." The proposal selected was the only one to demolish the building.
Adaptive Reuse
Only one (selected) of the three finalists proposed to demolish the building.
Capacity-building of CURRENT Woodlawn residents
This is key to our mission. Not a relocation of outsiders (or national/fancy logos) into Woodlawn.
Thoughtful Structure
- local (not national)
- broad-based (no singular controlling entity or monopolistic control of corner/corridor)
- sustainable (self-sufficient economic model)
Coworking
Local coworking and small business / food / retail / entertainment acceleration is at the heart of the proposal.
Office Space for:
- non-profits
- professional services
- artists/creatives
- mental health practitioners
Additional Vital Services
- Woodlawn credit union / bank
Construction Team
- local
- MBE/WBE
- apprenticeship partnerships
Public Safety
- "eyes/activity on the street"
- lighting
- security
Local Team
Almost each member lives and/or works in Woodlawn
Ample Private Financing
- NOT dependent on subsidies or tax breaks
- 33% initial equity
- the balance (full financing) pre-arranged
