June 14, 2023
AU S TIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 2
THE AU S TIN COMMUNITY PUBLISHED ITS FIRST QU ALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN CALLED AU STIN FO RWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) IN 2018. THIS QU ARTERLY PUBLICATION DESCRIBES HOW AU S TIN COMING TOGETHER (ACT) IS SUPPORTING THE C OMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT AFT AND OTHER EFF OR TS .
THE AVENUE TO SUC CES S PA GE 3 | CENTRAL AVENUE: CONNECTING YOU TO AU S TIN’S BES T PA GE 4 INITIAL REC OMMENDATIONS FOR CENTRAL AVENUE PA GE 7
Special thanks to these Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan legacy investors:
Since 2010, Austin Coming Together (ACT) has facilitated collaboration to improve education and economic development outcomes in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Today, we serve a network of 50+ organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Austin community. Our strategic plan is called Thrive 2025 and outlines how we will mobilize our resources to achieve four impact goals by the year 2025: Quality Early Learning, Safe Neighborhoods, Living Wage Careers, and Stable Housing Markets.
Officers
CHAIR
Larry Williams
Broker, State Farm Insurance
SECRETARY
Bradly Johnson
Chief Community Officer, BUILD Inc.
TREASURER
LaDarius Curtis
Senior Director of Community Engagement & Health, West Side United
Leadership
Darnell Shields
Executive Director
Andrew Born
Strategic Advisor
Operations
Deirdre Bates*
Director of Operations
EXECUTIVE DIRECT OR Darnell Shields Austin Coming Together
Directors
Sharon Morgan Director of Graduate Support & Community Outreach, Catalyst Schools
Reverend Reginald E. Bachus Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church
Tenisha Jones
Vice President of Community & Government Engagement, Catholic Charities
Dearra Williams
Executive Operations Lead/ Assistant to the CEO
Strategic Initiatives
Sandra Diaz*
Service Delivery Enhancement Manager, Austin Community Hub
Janelle Martin
Austin Community Hub Specialist
A House in Austin
Academy of Scholastic Achievement
Austin Childcare Providers
Network
Austin Community Family Center
Austin Weekly News (Growing Community Media)
Be Strong Families
Beat the Streets Chicago
Bethel New Life
Reginald Little
Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union
Dawn Ferencak
Senior Marketing Strategist, Chicago Parent
Deborah Williams-Thurmond
Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist, Habilitative Systems, Inc.
Ruth Kimble
Founder & CEO, Austin Childcare Providers Network
Jerrod Williams
Law Clerk, Illinois Appellate Court
Max Komnenich
Associate Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative
In Memoriam
BOARD OF DIRECT ORS
Jack Macnamara
1937–2020
FOUNDING BOARD CHAIR
Mildred Wiley
1955–2019
Beyond Hunger
BUILD Inc.
By The Hand Club For Kids
Cara
Catholic Charities
Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures
Chicago Community Loan Fund
City of Refuge
Defy Ventures Illinois
Erikson Institute
Emone Moore Engagement Coordinator, Austin Community Hub
Dollie Sherman Engagement Specialist, Austin Community Hub
JeVon D. Moore*
Planning & Investment Manager, Austin Forward. Together.
Ethan Ramsay
Lead Organizer, Austin Forward. Together.
Friends of the Children
Friendship Community Development Corp. of Austin
Greater West Town Community
Development Project
Housing Forward
i.c. stars
IFF
Institute for Nonviolence
Chicago
Grace Cooper
Project Specialist, Austin Forward. Together.
Natalie Goodin
Micro Market Recovery
Program Coordinator
Nicholas Galassini
Micro Market Recovery
Program Intern
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Kids First Chicago
KRA Westside American Job Center
Learning Edge Tutoring (fka Cluster Tutoring)
Legal Aid Chicago (fka LAF)
Manufacturing Renaissance
Mary Shyrese Daycare
Maryville Academy
Mercy Housing Lakefront New Moms
Marketing & Development
Alicia Plomin*
Director of Marketing & Development
Scott Prywitch
Marketing & Development Coordinator
*Also part of the ACT Leadership Team
OAI, Inc.
Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Open Books
PCC Community Wellness Center
Project Exploration
Renaissance Social Services, Inc.
Sarah’s Inn
South Austin Neighborhood Association
St. Joseph Services
St. Leonard’s Ministries
Stone Community Development Corporation
The Catalyst Schools
The Journey Forward
The North Avenue District, Inc.
Towers of Excellence
UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work
VOCEL
Westside Health Authority
West Side Forward
Worldvision
Youth Guidance
Central Avenue represents a unifying and supportive spine through Austin. It connects the neighborhoods and districts that together make up our community, from Galewood Crossing in the north, through shopping near Midway Park and Austin’s historic downtown, past Columbus Park, and on to The Island in the south. Some of these neighborhood areas appear on o cial city maps and some do not, but all are important to us.
When discussing Austin’s main thoroughfares, many people think of our east-west corridors: Madison and Lake Streets, Chicago, and North Avenues, and the Eisenhower Expressway. These have become paths that often help people navigate through Austin on their way to Oak Park or the Loop, instead of encouraging them to spend time in our community. However, local leaders are working to revitalize Austin’s main corridors and renew them as vibrant commercial districts.
Despite being a unifier of Austin, Central Avenue currently does not illustrate a picture of an inviting cityscape. Empty storefronts, underutilized buildings, and a prominent lack of grocery stores and retail businesses are our present reality. But for all that Central Avenue doesn’t have, it is important to remember what it does have. Between
Harambee Community Garden, Austin Town Hall, and the Frank Lloyd Wright House, Central Avenue traverses the heart of Austin and has vast potential to be more than a simple pass-through.
We propose that Central Avenue can complement existing e orts in the community by becoming Austin’s Main Street, connecting some of our community’s strongest assets. A healthy Central Avenue Corridor consistently branded from the north to the south will support and embody a thriving and united Austin.
The Central Avenue Corridor is a key project outlined in the Austin Forward. Together. (AFT) quality-of-life plan and has the ability to address four of its seven issue areas:
Rewriting the community narrative will happen by revitalizing the image and spirit of Austin. By building on what Austin already has—its history, its people, and its energy— we can ensure that our community is a place where everyone can thrive and enjoy all that our city has to o er.
Strengthening new and existing local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the workforce, while also attracting new investment will build a stronger, more dynamic local economy, a critical piece of a thriving community.
Reimagining housing in a way that is supportive of new commercial development without displacement of existing residents will be accomplished by incorporating community engagement so that those who
live, work, or have a historic connection to Austin and its physical spaces are able to participate in its rebirth.
The Central Avenue Corridor will help reclaim the physical space so residents can feel a stronger attraction to their streets, and an improved sense of safety and community that has long been sought after.
Read specific recommendations made
As the connecting spine of Austin, the Central Avenue Corridor will integrate the other commercial corridors throughout the community and hopefully serve as something more than a main thoroughfare. These corridors include the Soul City Corridor along Chicago Avenue, the Arts, Culture, and Town Center along Lake Street, the Anchor for Commercial and Economic Revitalization along Madison Street, and the Austin Gateway at Interstate 29 0.
The Soul City Corridor will revitalize a 1.6-milelong stretch along Chicago Avenue in the Austin community and focuses on guiding the development of underutilized land. Its main goals are to promote Black culture, arts, and entertainment, as well as heighten economic development, job creation, and new development that serves neighborhood residents. Many nearby community assets, such as Forty Acres Fresh Market, Laramie State Bank, many thriving businesses, and available CTA options will help to enhance the unifying character of the Central Avenue project. The Austin African-American Business Networking Association (AAABNA) is leading the charge in the Soul City Corridor Noted for its more intimate, small business ecosystem, Soul City aims to attract people from Central Avenue with a variety of local shopping options.
With what is likely the central-most location, the Arts, Culture, and Town Center corridor at Lake and Central will help illuminate many of the historic landmarks, artistic riches, green spaces, and architectural marvels that have long stood in the community. Namely, Austin Town Hall Park (which is the only Town Hall in the City and has been a youth-led safe zone), the Austin Branch Chicago Public Library, Austin High School, Fraternite Notre Dame Church, and Levin (John) Park are on that list. And with the Green Line train running along Lake Street, commuters that pass by get the chance to see what’s happening in Austin.
Austin Town Hall Park and Cultural Center at 5610 W. Lake St. sits on 3.69 acres and o ers outdoor basketball courts, an auditorium, fitness/dance studio, programming through the Park District, and more. It is also the site of the Austin Town Hall City Market, an outdoor farmers market accepting Snap/Link that runs on Thursdays in June through October
The location at Madison and Central is an especially unique piece of the Central Avenue Corridor and the revitalization of the Austin community as a whole. Nearby assets like the Kehrein Center for the Arts, the Walser House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Columbus Park, and countless businesses help amplify the many commercial and economic development opportunities surrounding the area. Yet compared to other community corridors like Soul City, Madison Street is notable for a wider range of commercial activity. Larger businesses, big box stores, and other commercial endeavors are what can attract people from Central Avenue. Beyond that, the intersection of Madison and Central is home to one of the most prominent development projects in the community: The ASPIRE Center for Workforce Innovation. The Center will repurpose the former Emmet Elementary School into an anchor for commercial revitalization and a destination for top-notch workforce training. An inspiring feat of community organizing, the Center was largely made possible by the firm commitment of Austin residents who stepped up and donated their own money to the cause. Anticipated to open in 2024, the Aspire Center will represent a deep transformation in Austin.
When driving into Austin from Interstate 290, enue Corridor will serve an important role as the Austin Gateway. With nearby assets such as Columbus Park, Loretto Hospital, and CTA Blue Line, the gateway aims welcome people into the neighborhood as nture up Central Avenue and connect the other destinations.
By serving as the main vein of Austin, we hope Central Ave maximizes connectivity all throughout our community, especially with the work of the other community projects in motion
MALCOLM CRAWFORD, AUSTIN AFRICAN AMERIC AN BUSINESS NETWORKING ASSOCIATION
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Briana Shields
Briana Janeé Arts
Kenneth Varner Healthy Schools
Campaign
Dearra Williams
Austin Coming Together
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
S TRATE GY LEAD S
Lasondra Kern
Community Resident
Suzanne McBride
Austin Talks
Michael Romain
Community Stakeholder
Alicia Plomin
Austin Coming Together
Cindy Gray
Schneider
Spaces-n-Places
Rosondunnii
Marshall
Artesian Collaborative
Jai Jones
PSPC, The Chicago
Community Trust and Community Member
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Jerrod Williams
South Austin
Neighborhood Association
Heather Sattler
Community Development Consultant
S TRATE GY LEAD S
Erica Staley
Manufacturing Renaissance
Emily Peters
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Tina Augustus Chicago West Side Chamber of Commerce
Roxanne Charles West Side Forward
Melissa O’Dell
Defy Ventures
Fanya Berry
Community Resident
Crystal Bell
Ella Flagg Young
Elementary School (retired)
Charles Anderson
Michele Clark High School
S TRATE GY LEAD S
Ruth Kimble
Austin Childcare
Providers Network
Madelyn James
Austin Childcare
Providers Network
Pam Price Chicago Public Schools
Cata Truss
Community Resident
Sean Schindl Kids First Chicago
Athena Williams
West Cook
Homeownership Center
Allison McGowan
Community Resident
S TRATE GY LEAD S
Shirley Fields
Community Resident
Rosie Dawson Westside Health Authority
Athena Williams
West Cook Homeownership Center
Bradly Johnson BUILD Inc.
Marilyn Pitchford
Heartland Alliance
S TRATE GY LEAD S
Adam Alonso BUILD Inc.
Edwina Hamilton BUILD Inc.
Gina Young
Catholic Charities
Bertha Purnell Mothers OnA Mission28
Jose Abonce The Policing Project
Ruby Taylor Taproots, Inc.
TA SK FORCE CHAIRS
D’elegance Lane
Community Stakeholder
S TRATE GY LEAD S
Deonna Hart BUILD Inc.
Gina Young Catholic Charities
Aisha Oliver
Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Helen Slade
Territory NFP
Dollie Sherman
Austin Coming Together
Chris Thomas YourPassion1st
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Deborah Williams-Thurmond
Habilitative Systems Inc.
S TRATE GY LEAD S
Arnold Bearden
South Austin Neighborhood Association (SANA)
Crystal Gardner
Protest to the Polls
Sharif Walker
Bethel New Life
Given the enormity that is the Central Avenue Corridor Project, it is vital to recognize its distinct e orts in the conception, planning, and implementation processes.
Currently, the community is situated within the pre-planning stage, which mainly comprises engagement and research aspects. Lasting approximately 18 months, this phase will allow the community to identify leaders who can guide and steward the vision of the project.
On May 23rd, Austin Coming Together (ACT) joined forces with the Urban Land Institute Chicago District Council (ULI Chicago) and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) at the Kehrein Center for the Arts to present initial recommendations on the Central Avenue Corridor. Attendees had the chance to ask questions and provide feedback for the recommendations.
This public presentation came after a series of group interviews and conversations with Austin stakeholders to determine how best to redevelop the corridor. By connecting with stakeholders directly, the panel was able to hear some of the community’s most glaring concerns with regard to Central Avenue. Some of these include the unmet demand for services and amenities, physical barriers, walkability, development conditions, high unemployment, limited skills-building opportunities, public safety, and negative perceptions.
ULI Chicago formed a Technical Assistance Panel composed of 12 professionals representing urban design, economic development, and real estate. The panel found it imperative to be guided by the following principles when creating recommendations based on community engagements:
• Connect Austin residents to the existing spaces, landmarks, and public assets within Austin.
• Foster a sense of community pride and community awareness.
• Enhance connectivity between major east-west corridors and north-south corridors
• Recapture economic power and activity within Austin.
• Coordinate planning between community stakeholders and public sector.
• Establish Central Avenue as a spine of destination hubs that are reinforced through a variety of open spaces, civic assets, and historic sites.
• Amplify Austin’s cultural spaces & celebrate Austin’s historic sites by implementing wayfinding tools, visitor signs, key entry points, engaging landscapes, public art installations, and more.
• Enhance connectivity of the Central Avenue Corridor by altering tra c patterns that improve the pedestrian experience.
• Establish Central and Lake as the main destination hub through gateway infrastructure opportunities, establishing flex streets, linking green spaces, and defining Town Hall as a celebrated community anchor.
• Create a town center / main destination hub at Central and Lake that will address public safety, implement streetscape and public space improvements, and support food-oriented businesses.
• Build human capital by enhancing the “upskilling” cluster and providing training and resources in many industries.
• Support the residential ecosystem through the support of existing homeowners and enhancement of multifamily properties around Washington Avenue.
• Connect to commercial corridors that continue to focus on and support Chicago Avenue and Madison Street commercial development, attract people to Chicago and Madison, and enhance walkability and bike connections to local community assets.
• Focus on alignment with local and city government and continue research into viable financing options.
• Leverage the organizing strength of ACT to create more cohesive planning and investment across public sector actors and create a “master plan” for Austin.
• Coordinate with Westside Health Authority to expand Special Service Area #72 to include Cicero/Chicago/Austin/Madison to generate more revenue and more cohesive governance and use of resources.
Source: Urban Land Institute Chicago Technical Assistance Panel
Looking ahead, the panel also recommends that a “sister agency” task force be established to leverage financial, planning, and other resources. ACT is excited about the potential of the Central Avenue Corridor and is looking forward to building meaningful connections with Austin stakeholders and community partners to set the project in motion.
Though ACT is leading the charge in this e ort along with the aid of ULI Chicago and CMAP, it is important to remember that the project is community-driven. As previously mentioned, the recommendations made during this presentation were inspired by community input, and all future recommendations will be as well. ULI Chicago stresses that the recommendations are merely recommendations, and no o cial planning measures have been taken to implement them. They have come about solely during the initial engagement phase with the community. In the coming months, these recommendations will be subject to evolve per the community’s continued input and will culminate in the release of a formal plan for the corridor which could be ready in late 2024.
