Austin is moving forward with more progress in 2024 and beyond.

This vibrant neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side is seeing a range of developments that are reshaping its landscape and community dynamics. Infrastructure improvements, new businesses, and community initiatives are driving this positive change. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting new investments to the area.

With a population of approximately 97,997 people, Austin stands as one of Chicago’s largest community areas, both in terms of population and geography. This diversity adds to the rich cultural fabric of the neighborhood, making it a dynamic place to live. The community is home to a mix of long-time residents and newcomers, all contributing to its unique character. As Austin continues to grow, its large population base provides a strong foundation for further economic and social development.

In Austin, about 40% of residents own their homes, while 60% are renters. This ownership structure highlights the area's rental market's vitality and the opportunities for real estate investors. Affordable housing options make Austin an attractive choice for families and young professionals alike. The high percentage of renters also underscores the need for continued investment in rental properties and amenities that cater to a diverse population.

Recent data indicates that property values in Austin are steadily increasing, reflecting the neighborhood's ongoing transformation. This upward trend in real estate prices is driven by various factors, including improved safety measures, better public services, and community-led beautification projects. As more amenities and services become available, Austin is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and development, making it an increasingly desirable place to live and invest.

So let’s dig deeper into Austin’s challenges first.

Challenges of Austin

Austin residents suffer from many challenges such as disinvestment, poverty, and crime. 

As people moved from here to Chicago's Northwest Side, the community saw decades of decline in home investment, job growth and business opportunities. 

Disinvestment

Austin has historically faced significant underinvestment, which has made it particularly vulnerable to various health crises. The lack of resources and support has exacerbated the impact of health issues on its residents. 

The COVID-19 pandemic hit Austin hard, exposing deep-seated health disparities. Limited access to healthcare facilities and services contributed to higher infection rates and severe outcomes for many residents. The community’s density and economic hardships made it difficult for people to practice social distancing and maintain proper hygiene. Efforts to combat the virus have included local vaccination drives and community health education, but the pandemic's effects are still being felt.

Opioid abuse and overdoses are another major health crisis affecting Austin. The neighborhood has seen a troubling increase in opioid-related incidents over the past decade. Contributing factors include high levels of poverty, unemployment, and limited access to mental health and addiction treatment services. The city has responded with initiatives to provide naloxone, an overdose-reversing drug, and increase the availability of addiction treatment programs. 

Additionally, Austin has struggled with other public health issues, including high rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These conditions are often linked to socio-economic factors, such as inadequate access to healthy food options, limited recreational spaces, and insufficient healthcare services. Community organizations are working to improve health education and provide better resources, but significant challenges remain. 

Morris Reed of the Westside Health Authority said,

“We’re still dealing with high unemployment, but we have seen an increase in violence, and the violence is pretty much a result of the pandemic, whether it be people are not working, people are not engaged, people don’t have the services, and so violence has resulted from that.”

Poverty

Austin faces significant economic challenges, with its median household income starkly lower than the citywide average. The median household income in Austin is $38,407, whereas the average household income in Chicago is $65,781. This substantial income gap highlights the economic disparities within the city. The lower income levels in Austin contribute to various socio-economic issues, affecting the overall quality of life for its residents.

Child poverty is a particularly pressing issue in Austin. In 2021, the community child poverty rate was 44%, compared to 31% for the entire city of Chicago. This high rate of child poverty has far-reaching implications for the community, impacting education, health, and future economic opportunities for young residents. 

Unemployment remains a critical concern in Austin, exacerbating economic hardships for many families. The unemployment rate in Austin is currently 10% higher than the overall rate in Chicago. This higher unemployment rate reflects the community's ongoing struggle with job availability and economic stability. 

The job market in Austin also reveals significant disparities in wages. About 32% of jobs in Austin pay less than $15,000 a year, while 75% of jobs pay less than $40,000 annually. These low-wage jobs make it difficult for families to achieve financial stability and upward mobility. 

Crime

Austin is also deeply affected by structural and institutional violence. Racist and classist institutions and practices have long impacted the community, leading to significant disparities. These systemic issues contribute to a cycle of poverty, limited opportunities, and high crime rates. 

In addition to systemic issues, Austin struggles with a high rate of interpersonal violence. The community faces significant challenges with crimes against people, including simple assault, aggravated assault, and homicide. Rush University Medical Center reports that Austin is in the second quartile of the communities it serves for these types of crimes. 

Violent crime rates in Austin are particularly concerning. The neighborhood ranks 12th among Chicago's 77 community areas for violent crimes per capita. 

The financial impact of crime on Austin is staggering. From 2005 to 2009, $550 million was spent on the incarceration of Austin residents. This amount is the highest of any Chicago community and reflects the enormous social and economic costs of crime. These funds, if redirected, could have been invested in education, healthcare, and economic development, potentially preventing many of the conditions that lead to crime.

Now that you know a bit about the challenges faced by Austin residents, let me show you the Austin Quality of Life Plan and the projects that succeeded from this plan.

Austin Quality of Life Plan

Austin is rapidly evolving into a vibrant community characterized by civically engaged residents, responsive institutions, and highly collaborative leadership. This transformation is a testament to the collective efforts of private, public, nonprofit, and faith-based leaders who are working together to drive positive change. Their commitment to the community is fostering an environment where residents actively participate in shaping the future of their neighborhood. This unity and dedication are making Austin a model of civic engagement and community resilience.

Central to Austin’s progress is the Quality of Life Plan known as Austin Forward Together (AFT). This comprehensive plan, created by community leaders, outlines a clear vision for the neighborhood’s development from 2019 to 2024. The AFT plan focuses on addressing key issues that impact the community's well-being. By setting specific goals and actions, the plan provides a structured approach to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. The strategic planning and collaboration under AFT are crucial to ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth in Austin.

The Austin Forward Together plan is ambitious, covering 23 strategies with 84 total actions across seven critical issue areas: Community Narrative, Education, Housing, Youth Empowerment, Economic Development, Public Safety, and Civic Engagement. Each of these areas addresses vital aspects of community life, from improving educational outcomes and housing quality to empowering youth and enhancing public safety. By systematically addressing these issues, the AFT plan aims to create a holistic improvement in the quality of life for all Austin residents. The ongoing efforts under this plan are transforming Austin into a thriving, cohesive, and forward-looking community.

The Austin Coming Together network, composed of residents and business owners, unveiled the “Agenda 2025” plan, aiming to coordinate community development and enhance Austin’s quality of life over the next decade. This ambitious plan, rooted in the Austin Forward Together (AFT) framework, outlines specific pledges by community leaders to address key areas of growth and improvement. Each pledge represents a commitment to tackling crucial issues and fostering a vibrant, resilient community.

One of the AFT's core pledges is to support youth and establish a high-quality cradle-to-career education system. This involves creating pathways for educational success from early childhood through to adulthood. By investing in robust educational programs, after-school activities, and mentorship opportunities, the community aims to ensure that every child in Austin has access to the resources they need to thrive academically and personally. This comprehensive approach is designed to equip young residents with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their future careers.

Economic revitalization for and by Austin is another critical pledge. The goal is to stimulate local economic growth through support for small businesses, entrepreneurship, and job creation. This includes initiatives to provide training and resources for aspiring business owners, attract new investments, and create a supportive environment for existing businesses to flourish. By focusing on local economic empowerment, the community seeks to build a sustainable economy that benefits all residents and reduces unemployment and underemployment rates.

Ensuring safe neighborhoods for all ages is a fundamental pledge within the AFT framework. Community leaders are committed to enhancing public safety through collaborative efforts with law enforcement, neighborhood watch programs, and community policing initiatives. Additionally, addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunities, is a key strategy. By fostering a sense of security and well-being, the community aims to create an environment where residents of all ages feel safe and protected.

A revitalized community spirit, built on cultural and recreational assets, is another vital pledge. This involves celebrating and preserving Austin's rich cultural heritage through events, festivals, and public art projects. Recreational facilities and green spaces will be enhanced to provide residents with areas to gather, play, and connect. By promoting cultural pride and recreational activities, the community aims to strengthen social bonds and improve overall quality of life.

Creating a vibrant real estate market that supports homeowners and affordable housing is essential for Austin's growth. This pledge focuses on increasing homeownership rates, preventing foreclosures, and ensuring that housing remains affordable for all residents. Strategies include providing financial assistance for first-time homebuyers, supporting the development of mixed-income housing, and implementing policies to protect existing homeowners. By stabilizing the housing market, the community seeks to foster economic stability and prevent displacement.

Under the AFT plan, there have been some successful projects in the community. 

a. Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation

The Aspire Initiative (ASPIRE) aims to transform Austin, Chicago, by merging new investments with existing community resources. The goal is to expand educational and economic opportunities for residents of all ages. A key project under this initiative is the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation. The Westside Health Authority (WHA) will renovate the old Emmet Elementary School at Madison and Central Street to create this hub. The Aspire Center will serve as a focal point for education, retail, social services, tech, industrial job training, and business incubation.

Emmet School, one of the 49 schools closed by the Chicago Public Schools district in 2013 due to a budget deficit, was purchased by WHA in 2018. The once-empty, vast brick building will be revitalized into a center of economic and educational activity. This renovation signifies a major investment in the Austin community, aiming to provide numerous services from one central location. The Aspire Center is expected to be a cornerstone for community improvement and empowerment.

The Aspire Initiative also includes other significant projects in Austin. Plans are in place for 60 new affordable housing units and a new health and fitness center. These developments aim to provide low-income residents with better living conditions and opportunities to improve their health and well-being. Additionally, a new 10,000-square-foot commercial center will be constructed on the former school parking lot. This center will feature a mix of local and national restaurants, retail, and banking services, prioritizing local and minority-owned businesses.

Adjacent to the Aspire Center will be a public plaza. This space is designed to serve as a community gathering spot, enhancing the neighborhood's social and cultural life. The Aspire Center and the surrounding developments are set to open in 2025, with construction expected to be completed by late 2024. This ambitious timeline reflects the community's commitment to swift and meaningful transformation.

The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation is much more than a building. It embodies the dreams and efforts of community leaders and residents. Darnell Shields, executive director for Austin Coming Together, emphasized the collective effort required to bring this project to life. Community engagement and support have been crucial, with local residents contributing the first $20,000 for the project. This grassroots investment highlights the community's belief in the Aspire Center's potential to drive economic growth and development.

Support for the Aspire Center extends beyond the local community. Significant contributions have come from public and private partners, including United Way, the City of Chicago, and various corporate sponsors like BMO and Illinois Tool Works (ITW). These investments demonstrate a commitment to community-led transformation and economic resilience. The Aspire Center aims to provide comprehensive services, including youth and social service workforce development, advanced manufacturing training, continuing education, and entrepreneurship programs. This integrated approach is designed to uplift the Austin community and create lasting change.

b. Laramie State Bank Redevelopment

Affordable housing is at the forefront of the redevelopment of the historic Laramie State Bank in Austin. This project, part of the INVEST South/West program, has secured over $32 million in government funding. The initiative is spearheaded by Austin United Alliance, Heartland Alliance, Oak Park Regional Housing, and Latent Design. These organizations are dedicated to transforming the 92-year-old bank building into a mixed-use development that will benefit the community.

The renovated Laramie State Bank will feature 78 units of mixed-income housing. In addition to housing, the facility will include a bank, a community art platform, and a business incubator. This multifaceted approach aims to provide not only affordable living spaces but also economic and cultural opportunities for Austin residents. The project is designed to be a hub of community activity and support.

Securing a new project co-lead was a crucial step in keeping the redevelopment on track. The Austin United Alliance development team brought in Pivotal Housing Partners from West Chester, Ohio, to co-lead the project. This partnership ensures that the redevelopment will proceed smoothly, with construction expected to begin by January 2024. The involvement of Pivotal Housing Partners brings additional expertise and resources to the project.

A new six-story, 78-unit apartment building will be constructed on vacant land adjacent to the bank. Out of these units, 45 will be affordable for residents earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and six units will be for those earning up to 50% AMI. The rest will be market-rate units. As of May 2023, 60% AMI is $46,380 for an individual and $52,980 for a two-person household. The development will also include a public plaza, enhancing the community space.

The redevelopment will preserve the historic Art Deco architecture of the Laramie State Bank while addressing its extensive water damage. Initial stabilization efforts will focus on repairing and replacing the building's roof and support structures. These efforts aim to create a weather-tight structure, ensuring the building’s longevity and safety. The project will also include cleaning up debris and removing unfixable parts of the building.

This project is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Chicago Avenue corridor, known as the Soul City Corridor. The redevelopment of the Laramie State Bank aims to boost Austin's local economy and provide essential services to residents. The development will include a café and an incubator to support emerging entrepreneurs. Additionally, a museum dedicated to Chicago's blues music heritage will be established inside the building. The redevelopment promises to be a catalyst for further economic and cultural growth in Austin.

c. Soul City Corridor infrastructure development

The revitalization of the Chicago Avenue business corridor between Austin Avenue and Cicero Avenue is a key component of the Soul City Corridor project. This initiative, led by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), aims to enhance the infrastructure and aesthetics of this crucial stretch. The project's goal is to create a safe, walkable, and attractive street that will foster community and economic growth. 

A significant part of this project involves streetscape improvements on Chicago Avenue. These improvements will span from Austin Boulevard to Cicero Avenue. By enhancing the streetscape, the project aims to support local businesses, especially Black-owned businesses, and establish an African-American cultural identity along Chicago Avenue. The improvements will include new sidewalks, street lighting, and bike lanes, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

The redevelopment efforts will also focus on specific zones within the corridor. One notable zone is from Central to Laramie, which will be a focal point for establishing the Soul City Corridor. This area will feature cultural identifiers and community spaces designed to celebrate African-American heritage. The project seeks to integrate elements like mini plazas, curb bump-outs, and high-quality metal identity signage of local landmarks to enhance the street’s visual appeal and functionality.

The project’s infrastructure upgrades are designed to support a comprehensive change in the community. Enhanced roadway lighting will not only improve safety but also provide opportunities for showcasing local art and culture. New light poles will feature fabric banners commissioned from local artists, adding a unique and vibrant touch to the streetscape. Additionally, curb bump-outs will create spaces for outdoor seating and positive loitering, fostering a sense of community.

As part of the revitalization, several new facilities and businesses are set to open along Chicago Avenue. A notable addition is the Forty Acres Fresh Market, which aims to address food insecurity in the neighborhood. This grocery store will provide fresh produce and other essentials, significantly improving access to healthy food options. The market broke ground in November, marking a significant milestone in the corridor's transformation.

Another key development is the Austin Community Health Hub at 5046 West Chicago Avenue. This facility will offer specialty physical and behavioral healthcare services, health education, and training. The hub will also serve as a gathering space for community organizations. The design phase is nearing completion, and construction is expected to start this spring. This health hub is a crucial addition, addressing the community's healthcare needs comprehensively.

Despite the positive developments, ongoing construction has posed challenges for local businesses. Road and sidewalk reconstruction have narrowed the street and limited parking access, impacting foot traffic and sales for businesses like Bitoy’s Sweet Treats and Certified Cuts Barbershop & Beauty Salon. Owners have had to adapt by reducing staff hours and encouraging online orders or pickups at alternative locations. These businesses are hopeful that the long-term benefits of the project will outweigh the temporary disruptions.

Conclusion

According to Darnell Shields, executive director of Austin Coming Together and a lifelong resident, "While the projects are amazing, what has transpired feels even more deep. We have reclaimed our own history and are co-creating our future from our varied, though always rooted in the community, viewpoints.”

The developments in Austin are unprecedented, bringing a level of progress the community has never seen before. These new projects are permanent, long-term solutions designed to address deep-seated issues such as economic disparity, inadequate housing, and limited educational opportunities. The transformation of the area is not just about new buildings but about creating sustainable growth that can uplift the entire community. The commitment to this vision is evident in the scale and ambition of the projects underway.

This remarkable progress is possible due to the unflinching dedication and support from local organizations, partners, and residents. Organizations like the Westside Health Authority, Austin United Alliance, and Oak Park Regional Housing have been instrumental in driving these changes. They have worked tirelessly to secure funding, develop plans, and implement projects that meet the community's needs. The collaboration between these groups and the involvement of local residents ensure that the developments are not only well-planned but also deeply rooted in the community's aspirations and needs.

Central to these efforts is the Austin Forward Plan, which leverages the power of collective action to enhance educational and economic development outcomes. This plan focuses on comprehensive strategies to improve the quality of life for Austin residents. By fostering partnerships across different sectors, the Austin Forward Plan aims to create an environment where local businesses can thrive, educational opportunities are expanded, and economic development is inclusive and sustainable. All these makes Austin a promising place to invest in.

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