Englewood Exchange
Englewood Exchange
englewood
Exterior View
Interior View
The Greater Englewood Community Development Corp. (CDC)— seeking to rebrand, rebuild and revitalize the Englewood community—sought out Civic Projects and Shed Studio to design the interior and storefront of the annexed US Bank Building at 63rd and Halsted. In the front of the building, a café space greets visitors and provides a place for residents of the area to gather and socialize, as well as a meeting venue for community businesses.
Further back, an open kitchen classroom provides a space for food service training and experimentation. Working with local food innovators, the CDC will develop a food lab open to emerging entrepreneurs. This shared kitchen is a rare asset and a special opportunity for caterers, young chefs and specialty food makers to expand their enterprises. Civic Projects is working jointly with the CDC and partners to write grants and fundraise for the project. Currently, a restaurant provider is proposed for the main floor and the CDC will provide training and workspace on the lower level.