Oakland's Lakefront Transformation Advances with 'Mandrake to the Lake' Project

50 million investment, planned by The Habitat Company and Abide Capital Group, aims to create a gateway connecting Mandrake Park to Lake Michigan. Designed by Perkins&Will and METICULOUS, the project will bring three mixed-use buildings with 268 workforce and market-rate housing units to the area.

The development is part of a larger initiative by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development to revitalize six city-owned sites near Oakwood and Lake Park. This strategic location presents a unique opportunity to create an equitable, transit-oriented neighborhood adjacent to valuable community assets including the historic Bronzeville and Kenwood communities, Oakwood Beach, 31st Street Beach, Burnham Lakefront Park, and Lake Michigan. The thoughtfully designed landscape, managed by OMNI Ecosystems, will incorporate new plazas and green streets that enhance the connection between the park and lakefront while responding to community priorities.

Residents interested in learning more about this transformative project are encouraged to participate in the community feedback survey that will inform both the Department of Planning and Development and the developer teams about neighborhood priorities. The survey is available online and offers an important opportunity for Oakland community members to shape the future of their neighborhood as this exciting lakefront development moves forward.

Sources:
1. https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/designs-released-oakwood-and-lake-park-rfp
2. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/block-builder/home/featured-listings/oakwood-and-lake-park.html