Growing Home's $25 Million Urban Farm Expansion Set to Break Ground in West Englewood

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Englewood ·

West Englewood residents will soon see a transformative addition to their neighborhood as Growing Home prepares to break ground on its highly anticipated $25 million urban farm expansion. The USDA-Certified Organic farm at 5814 S. Wood Street is finalizing plans to develop a comprehensive 56,000-square-foot campus that will significantly enhance food access and economic opportunities throughout the community.

The expansion, designed by UrbanWorks, will feature a 30,000-square-foot facility housing an organic produce processing center, retail storefront, technology resource center, teaching kitchen, café, workforce development classrooms, and commercial kitchen spaces. The project will also include 26,000 square feet of additional growing space where neighbors can harvest their own crops. This development will enable Growing Home to double its workforce development program capacity from 80 to 160 participants annually while enabling year-round food production in a neighborhood that has struggled with food access.

"Growing Home could replicate what universities represent in some communities," says Executive Director Janelle St. John. "It can be an anchor site that I want the community to be proud of. My hope is that it'll be a catalyst for other people to think creatively about how they can bring jobs to Englewood and not just social services." West Englewood residents interested in learning more about Growing Home's expansion plans or participating in their upcoming programs can visit their Wood Street Urban Farm location or check their website for volunteer opportunities and updates on the groundbreaking timeline.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/08/07/a-25-million-organic-farm-and-job-training-campus-could-come-to-englewood/
2. https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/growing-home-plans-25-million-expansion
3. https://www.bldup.com/posts/new-renderings-and-details-revealed-for-growing-home-urban-farm-expansion