Designs released for Oakwood and Lake Park RFP

Designs have been released for six city-owned sites near Oakwood and Lake Park as part of an RFP process launched by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development. The sites present a unique opportunity to create an equitable, transit-oriented neighborhood adjacent to regional assets and attractions including the historic Bronzeville & Kenwood communities, the Oakwood Beach, 31st Street Beach, Burnham Lakefront Park and Lake Michigan. 

While no renderings or plans have been released, Morton Construction & Development Corp. is proposing a redevelopment of Site 1, which is an approximately 12,000 square foot parcel addressed at 3815 S. Lake Park Ave up the street from the remaining sites.

On Site 2, P3 Markets is leading a proposal in partnership with architects Moody Nolan and Future Firm as well as BOWA Construction. While renderings or plans have yet to be released, Site 2 is addressed at 3835 S. Lake Park and measures approximately 52,600 square feet.

Two development firms are vying to develop Sites 3, 4 and 5 as larger multi-phase developments. Site 3 measures 43,300 square feet and is located at 900 E. Oakwood at the corner of E. Oakwood Blvd and S. Lake Park Ave. Site 4 is a collection of parcels measuring 13,500 square feet at 854 E. Oakwood overlooking Mandrake Park on the north side of the street. Site 5 is 40,000 square feet and stretches from S. Lake Park towards Mandrake Park and is addressed at 855 E. Oakwood.

Mandrake to the Lake

Planned by The Habitat Company and Abide Capital Group, Mandrake to the Lake plans a gateway from Mandrake Park to the lake in Bronzeville on sites 3, 4, and 5. Designed by Perkins&Will and METICULOUS, the $150 million investment would bring three mixed-use buildings to the properties with a total of 268 workforce and market-rate housing units.

With OMNI Ecosystems in charge of landscape, the design incorporates new plazas, green streets, and architecture that enhances the connection between Mandrake Park and the Lakefront – all while reacting to the community’s hopes and desires.

--

Bronzeville Evolve

Planned by black woman-owned developer Chicago Homes One, Bronzeville Evolve embodies the soul of Bronzeville, a hub for jazz, blues, civil rights, and creativity in Chicago. According to the developer, it's time to reignite the energy and pride of this historic neighborhood.

With local architect JGMA in charge of the design, the multifamily residential and mixed-use project features an outdoor museum, honoring Bronzeville’s rich heritage and iconic musicians. The three buildings will use a unique facade system to show iconic musicians and people of significance for Bronzeville while hosting residential units and retail space inside them. It's a catalyst for positive change, preserving the community's heartbeat while celebrating its diversity.

--

The final site is Site 6, measuring 55,500 square feet located south of E. Oakwood Blvd at 3950 S. Lake Park. Developers CBBC have teamed up with DOM Properties to create a multifamily building on the site. Designed by Valerio Dewalt Train Associates, the building takes the form of a mid-rise multifamily building that creates a U-shape in plan with a courtyard in the center. Two-story townhomes are situated along the street, enclosing the courtyard and buffering the taller building from the street. 

As the concepts progress, DPD will award the sites to the selected development teams who will then need to proceed with the typical approval processes to make the concepts become a reality. A timeline is currently unknown for the proposals.