The Brighton Park Neighborhood Council has celebrated the groundbreaking on their new community center and headquarters. As a grassroots community justice organization for more than 20 years, the neighborhood group will offer legal aid, nutrition workshops, housing support and more. The group has also launched the Brighton Park Neighborhood Network, a coalition of community groups dedicated to supporting violence prevention, health, education and more.
Designed by JGMA, the new headquarters at 4000 S. Archer will allow the organization to offer all its programs and events from the same place. The colorful three-story building will stand approximately 45 feet tall and hold a community room, art room, therapy spaces, office space, and recreational space.
The $8.7 million project is reportedly funded through a mix of city, state and federal money, as well as contributions from private groups. Over 80 percent of the funding is covered, which means the group will fundraise for the remaining money while construction continues.
With Blackwood Group serving as the general contractor, construction is scheduled to start in the spring and take about 15 months, teeing up a Summer 2025 opening.