2025 Projects
What's Happening in the Ward?
Blacks in Greens Voting
Blacks in Green requested aldermanic support to purchase four city-owned lots at 6000, 6356, and 6421 South Saint Lawrence Avenue to expand their Sustainable Square Mile – West Woodlawn initiative, as well as one city-owned lot at 6441 South Cottage Grove Avenue for the development of 12 affordable housing units. Voting eligibility was limited to residents living within the one-mile boundary from 6356 South Saint Lawrence Avenue.
Following the community voting process, Blacks in Green received the votes needed and will move forward with Alderwoman Taylor’s support for consideration in City Council.
UHSCC Farm Voting
The United Human Services Community Center Farm requested aldermanic support to purchase six city-owned lots located at 5008–5018 South Throop Avenue. In line with the 20th Ward’s Community-Driven Development Process, only 20th ward residents living within the one-mile voting boundary from 5008 South Throop Avenue were eligible to participate. Final results are scheduled to be shared with the community by October 20, 2025.
Closed CPS School Sites – Community Input & Bid Info
Chicago Public Schools is accepting bids for the purchase and redevelopment of 21 closed school sites — including 4 located in the 20th Ward. While CPS manages the official bid process, developers interested in 20th Ward buildings must also complete our community-led development process in order to be considered for aldermanic support.
Use the links below to access the full bid information and details about our ward’s required development steps.
Transforming 63rd & Cottage Grove
Exciting developments are underway at 63rd and Cottage Grove! The historic Washington Park National Bank Building is being reimagined into a vibrant community hub. This six-story, 70,000 square-foot mixed-use project will include office spaces, retail shops, co-working areas, and a food hall, designed to meet the needs of our neighbors and bring new opportunities to Woodlawn. Preserving the building's iconic facade honors our history while creating a future we can all be proud of.
Chicago Recovery Plan in Action
Our community is growing stronger with the support of the Chicago Recovery Plan! Here in the 20th Ward, we’re seeing 13 active programs across 22 sites focused on affordable housing, arts and culture, family support, and infrastructure improvements. Together, these initiatives aim to build a thriving, connected, and resilient ward for everyone.
Washington Park Bank Building
The 20th Ward has hosted multiple community meetings to discuss the future of the historic Washington Park Bank Building at 6300 S. Cottage Grove. Developer DL3 Realty is seeking aldermanic support to revitalize the site, with proposals including:
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$25 million in City-issued bonds and Chicago Recovery Grant funding.
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A community-driven agreement to relocate the Bessie Coleman Library (731 E. 63rd St.) into the renovated bank building.
Under the 20th Ward’s Community-Driven Development Process, only residents living within a 1-mile radius of the library can vote on whether DL3 should receive aldermanic support. Proof of address is required to vote, and the 20th Ward ensures privacy by keeping voting information accessible only to ward staff.
These meetings have provided a direct platform for residents to engage in the decision-making process and ensure that any development aligns with community needs. The discussions remain ongoing as we work toward a final outcome.
Liquor Moratorium in the 20th Ward
Earlier this year, the 20th Ward conducted a community-led review of existing liquor moratorium zones within the ward. Liquor moratoriums are restrictions that limit or prohibit the sale of packaged liquor or alcohol for on-site consumption within certain areas. In keeping with our ward’s commitment to transparency and resident involvement, this process included targeted outreach, public meetings, and a formal voting period for eligible residents living within the affected zones. The goal was to ensure that those most impacted by potential changes had the opportunity to learn about the issue, ask questions, and cast their vote. In the 20th Ward, liquor licensing decisions are guided by the voices of the community—not made in isolation.
