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The University of Chicago and Washington Park

Last updated on October 10, 2008

The University of Chicago continues to work with neighbors and local leaders to create vibrant, safe, mixed-use communities; attract high-quality retail; expand mixed-income housing opportunities; improve educational opportunities; and create permanent jobs. Below are answers to a number of frequently asked questions about the University's interest in acquiring property in Washington Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University purchasing land in Washington Park?

The University has purchased, and is in the process of purchasing, a modest number of privately owned land parcels near the Garfield Boulevard and King Drive intersection in Washington Park.

Why is the University interested in this neighborhood?

The University is purchasing land in Washington Park to foster near-term economic growth and jobs in this neighborhood and to ensure that it has sufficient land for potential uses many decades into the future. We believe we have the ability to jump-start economic development and engage with the community in a participatory development process that directly benefits the community.

Why does the University want to encourage economic growth in Washington Park?

Today, Washington Park has more than 1,000 abandoned properties; almost one-third of the properties in Washington Park are City-owned. Unlike other parts of the South Side, economic development has eluded Washington Park. The neighborhood has lost two-thirds of its population – from more than 50,000 in 1950 to fewer than 12,000 in 2005. The University would like to partner with the community to reverse these trends and to support the vision of a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood.

How much land has the University purchased?

The University has purchased eight parcels of land, totaling approximately three acres.

What types of parcels is the University pursuing?

The University has executed binding agreements to purchase two additional parcels, and has contacted sellers regarding the acquisition of five other parcels, all of which are along Garfield Boulevard between King Drive and Prairie Avenue. All total no more than four acres.

How is the purchase price determined?

As always, purchase price is the product of a negotiation with the seller, and is based upon the value of the property as determined by the market, and the owner’s willingness to sell the property.

What does the University plan to do with the land?

The University would like to work with the community to define uses that benefit both the University and Washington Park residents. As part of a participatory development process, we can bring many resources, including expanded outreach and career initiatives, as well as increased involvement in local schools, after-school programs, and youth development.

What is the University’s basic approach to community development?

We believe this process can only be successful if the community is fully engaged at every stage of development. As a partner in neighborhood development, the University seeks to create vibrant, safe, mixed-use communities; attract high-quality retail; expand mixed-income housing opportunities; improve educational opportunities; and create permanent jobs.

What kind of communication has the University had with elected officials about Washington Park?

We have been – and continue to be – in discussions with both 20th Ward Alderman Cochran and 3rd Ward Alderman Dowell, as well as with City of Chicago officials, about our activities and our common goals. We are interested in joining with them to forge a partnership with the City and the community to improve the Washington Park neighborhood.

Will the University partner with other entities in order to develop the land?

We believe that successful development will result from a participatory development process that includes the community, the City and the University. The University can play a significant role, but only as partner in a larger process that will allow us to identify and engage local and national developers and retailers alike.

How much input will Washington Park residents have over how the land is used?

Community involvement at every stage will be critical to the success of a Washington Park development. The University would like to engage in a participatory process to determine the best uses for the land.

Is it possible that development encouraged by the University might have a negative impact on Washington Park residents?

We are interested in working with residents and their elected officials to understand their concerns and to ensure that the development addresses the needs of the community.

How will a process be developed that fully engages the community?

The University is interested in working with the Aldermen and the City to define a process that includes active community input at every stage.

What community benefits might the University be able to bring into Washington Park?

Over the last 10 years, the University has committed more than $80 million to community projects and collaborations including education, housing, employment and job training, and safety and security. In coming years, the University plans to increase substantially investments in, and collaborations with, neighborhoods north, south and west of campus. We believe we will be able to bring the type of community benefits and development to Washington Park that have been successful in neighboring communities.

How can the University attract developers to Washington Park?

University investment can be a catalyst, attracting high-quality developers to this area. We see the University’s purchase of land in Washington Park as key to a community-based, participatory development process.

How long will it take before we start to see something happening with the land purchased by the University?

Market conditions will play a role, but we would hope to engage the community and the City in discussions as soon as possible. Earlier this year, Alderman Cochran invited the University to join community residents, faith-based institutions, and community leaders in a quality-of-life planning initiative in Washington Park administered by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). We look forward to working with Alderman Dowell on how best to seek input from her constituents.

Is the University's purchase of property in Washington Park affecting the availability of land for other uses?

No. The University wants to engage in a community process to develop these properties in ways that benefit both the University and the community. We recognize the need for participatory development, in which the University, by purchasing land, can play the role of catalyst.

How does the University's interest in Washington Park relate to the possibility of Chicago hosting the Olympics in 2016?

Although the University’s interest in fostering economic development is not connected to the 2016 Olympic bid, we believe that the Olympics may create the impetus for all sides to come together to talk and, ideally, partner for the benefit of the community.

How does the University's interest in Washington Park connect to its development activities in other South Side communities?

The University is an active partner with the City and the community in projects that improve the quality of life on the South Side. Our interest in Washington Park is a part of that ongoing commitment.

These partnerships have led to a wide range of community benefits including:

  • The opening of the University’s fourth charter school campus this fall. The Carter G. Woodson Middle School at 4414 S. Evans in Washington Park will serve 250 students during its first year of operation, part of more than 1,300 students enrolled in University of Chicago charter schools.
  • As part of campus planning and development, we continue to work in partnership with local elected officials and community leaders to expand business diversity programs that ensure that contracting opportunities, jobs, and training programs that benefit the South Side and our local economy.
  • Thousands of students and faculty participate in volunteer and outreach activities, from student internships at Chicago Public Schools to teacher enrichment programs on campus, from the Southside Arts and Humanities network to research projects on preventing gun violence.
  • The University works with the City of Chicago, the South East Chicago Commission, LISC, and many other community-based organizations to improve housing, retail, parks, and public facilities for the benefit of all. And the University of Chicago Police Department serves the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from 39th to 64th Streets and Cottage Grove Avenue to Lake Shore Drive.

How can community members ask questions or provide input about the planning process?

We welcome your questions and ideas. Write to us at --

communityaffairs@listhost.uchicago.edu

or

Office of Community Affairs
University of Chicago
5801 S. Ellis
Chicago, IL 60637