Growing Home's $25 Million Urban Farm Expansion Reaches Final Planning Stage in West Englewood
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Englewood ·
Growing Home has revealed new details for its $25 million urban farm expansion project that will support increasing demand for its farming operations and workforce development programs serving West Englewood. Designed by UrbanWorks, the comprehensive campus will include 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 feature a 26,000-square-foot outdoor growing space where neighbors can harvest their own crops. This expansion 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.
Sources:
1. https://www.bldup.com/posts/new-renderings-and-details-revealed-for-growing-home-urban-farm-expansion
2. https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/growing-home-plans-25-million-expansion
3. https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2024/07/03/5m-city-grant-to-help-englewood-farm-provide-options-economic-development