Blue Azul Center receives Community Development Grant

The City of Chicago has awarded a $3.7 million Community Development Grant to the Blue Azul Center. Planned for a site in Auburn Gresham, the project will occupy a vacant parcel of land at 7950 S. Emerald.

Planned by Eliseo Blue Pacheco-Cornejo and his wife, Valentina Pacheco-Cornejo, the Blue Azul Center will be a multidisciplinary facility with mental health services, educational programs and fitness and sports resources.

Designed by E.G. Woode, the project will include a fitness center, commercial kitchen, multipurpose room, full basketball court, indoor courtyard and outdoor seating. Dr. Valentina LLC, a mental health practice founded by Valentina Pacheco-Cornejo, will provide clinical services, workshops and training opportunities for college students at the center.

The $3.7 million grant from the city will cover almost half of the expected $7.9 million construction cost. It is unclear whether the development will need a rezoning before construction could begin. A timeline is currently unknown.