North Lawndale

A look into the neighborhood and the nonprofit organizations that are improving the lives of citizens today.

Nichols Tower is the remaining structure from the former Sears headquarters.

Located on Chicago's West Side, North Lawndale was a bustling community at the start of the 1900s. Sears Roebuck and Co opened its headquarters here in 1904, along with a 3.3million square foot distribution center. More factories opened in nearby neighborhoods and North Lawndale became a destination for factory works. The population boomed.

In 1974, Sears moved its headquarters to their downtown tower and ceased its distribution operations in North Lawndale in 1984. What followed is not a story unique to North Lawndale, but a story experienced by many cities across the Midwest "Rust Belt". Jobs were loss and never replaced. Residents experienced extreme unemployed, poverty and crime rose, and population fell.

Despite these challenges, residents of North Lawndale remain resilient. In this story map, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the community and the numerous organizations working to make North Lawndale a healthy, vibrant community.

Youth at North Lawndale's "Street Love Ride" an annual bike ride to promote peace and unity.


Neighborhood Overview

Community history and Demographics

In 1946, North Lawndale was home to 25% of Chicago's Jewish community, approximately 65,000 residents. In 1960, North Lawndale's population had doubled to 124,000. The neighborhood now consisted of 90% African Americans many who were looking for work. They had migrated from the South or were displaced during Urban Renewal. In just 30 years, North Lawndale's population had decreased to 47,000 and remained at 96% African American According to the 2020 Census, North Lawndale's population now sits at 34,794. The majority demographic in North Lawndale remains African American, but has a seen an increase of Hispanic families, likely from neighboring communities of South Lawndale, Pilsen, and Cicero. Hispanics compromise 10% of the population. Source:  Encyclopedia of Chicago  and  Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning 

Employment Status

The majority of census tracts show 15 - 25% of individuals per tract being unemployed. According to the  Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning  almost 50% of North Lawndale residents are not participating in the work force.

Transportation Access

Residents of North Lawndale have access to two CTA Train Lines. The Pink Line is located on the southern end of the community. The Blue Line is located just north of the community. North Lawndale is serviced by 6 bus routes. The community has approximately 30 Divvy bike stations. Divvy is a bike ride share program. Low Income residents can apply for a $5 yearly membership through the Divvy for All program.

Schools

North Lawndale is serviced by 5 elementary schools (yellow pins) and 5 high schools (purple pins). Only 1 high school is operated by Chicago Public Schools: Manley Career Academy. There are two charter school campuses associated with the North Lawndale College Prep network. DRW College prep is operated by Noble Charter school network. Collins Academy is operated by the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL), a nonprofit that supports struggling schools financially and administratively.

Opportunity for growth and development

ChiBlockBuilder­­ is the City of Chicago’s program to encourage the purchase and redevelopment of City-owned vacant land in partnership with community stakeholders. The photo to the right shows all city owned lots in North Lawndale. Gray indicates lots to be assessed, orange will be available in the future, and blue are available currently. Source:  Map | ChiBlockBuilder 

“All eyes are on North Lawndale. We’re at the brink of something cutting edge, something transformative. This community has been through a bunch of changes and challenges, but we feel like there’s great opportunity for this community to excel, to rise from its ashes.” -Jeramey Winfield, North Lawndale native and Restorative Justice Community Advocate

My Block My Hood My City creates youth-led tour program in North Lawndale

Community Asset Map

North Lawndale is home to a wide variety of organizations that love and support the community. Take a look below!

1

Farm on Ogden

This facility hosts an aquaponic farm, neighborhood market, job training center, incubator kitchen, and community learning space. Learn more at:  Farm on Ogden — Lawndale Christian Health Center 

2

Lawndale Christian Health Center

The Lawndale Christian Health center provides low cost, accessible medical, mental health, and dental services to residents. It serves as a pharmacy, operates a low cost fitness center, and provides prenatal care to expecting mothers. Learn more at: https://lawndale.org/

3

North Lawndale Employment Network

Work force development programs for unemployed and underemployed adults in the North Lawndale Community. Learn more at: https://www.nlen.org/

4

My Block, My Hood, My City

Community organization that partners with high schools to provide "Explorers Program". M3 partners with businesses across Chicago to bring youth outside of their communities and expose them to new experiences. You can learn more at:  ForMyBlock.org 

5

Open Books

Literacy based nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services: Book donations, community events, and tutoring program. Learn more at: https://www.open-books.org/northlawndalereads/

6

Homan Sqaure

in 2015, the site of the Sears headquarters was redeveloped into a community hub. The School of the Art Institute was one of the primary funders and runs a variety of programming in this space.

7

Girls in the Game

Girls in the Game is a sports based youth development program for young women. Learn more at: https://www.girlsinthegame.org/aboutus

8

Douglass Park

161 acre park featuring a mini golf course, play ground, soccer field, baseball diamond, football field, and lagoon.

9

UCan

Ucan is a social service organization that works with individuals in the foster care system. They also provide mental health programming. Their facility services as a community center where they run youth development programs. Learn more at: https://ucanchicago.org/

10

BBF Family Services

Formerly known as the Better Boys Foundation, this organization provides youth development services to young men and families in North Lawndale with focuses on violence prevention and high school graduation.

11

Lawndale Christian Legal Center

The only community-based legal practice in Chicago dedicated to the felony criminal defense of juveniles and emerging adults. Their services are offered free of charge. Learn more at: https://lclc.net/

12

North Lawndale Fresh Meat/Produce

Full service grocery store opened by North Lawndale resident, Margie Langston, in July 2022.

13

Wintrust Bank

Wintrust Bank opened in 2021 with the help of the North Lawndale Employment Network. The Bee Love Cafe also shares the space, one of the few cafes in the neighborhood.

14

Freshway Market

Full service grocery store that received a full renovation in 2019 thanks to a grant from the City of Chicago.

15

Soulé

North Lawndale's first full service restaurant in 50 years. Soulé is a black owned business, serving a blend of creole and soul food. You can read more here: https://chicago.eater.com/2022/12/19/23517338/soule-2-north-lawndale-soul-food-creole-photos-images

My Year in North Lawndale

City Year is a nonprofit organization that is a part of Americorps, a national service organization. City Year is based in over 20 cities across America, including Chicago and Milwaukee. I was placed at Collins Academy in North Lawndale for the 2018-2019 school year working with freshmen. I was a tutor and mentor to students as they transitioned into high school. I supported students academically and coached them on social emotional skills.

Photo with two of my students on my last day of work in 2019.

"I really like sharing my neighborhood with other people because it's not what people might think. Every neighborhood has its ups and downs, but it's up to somebody to be the change that they want to see in their community." -Ashanti Marshal, My Block My Hood My City community tour guide.

Source:  How One Pioneering Nonprofit is Helping Chicago's Youths Explore Their City (timeout.com)  While North Lawndale has an array of nonprofit organizations and dedicated individuals, their work can only go far. As we look to the future, we need structural change in the community to build the future that North Lawndale residents deserve.

In 2019, Chicago's Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced her initiative titled "INVEST South/West" which would bring in over 1.4 billion dollars of investment to 10 historically disenfranchised communities.  "INVEST South/West's goal is to re-activate neighborhood cores that have historically served as focal points for pedestrian activity, shopping, services, transportation, public spaces and quality-of life amenities for local residents"  There are two projects proposed for North Lawndale.

Lawndale Innovation Center " The Lawndale Innovation Center  is a $38.4 million project led by 548 Development and Related Midwest proposed for Roosevelt Road and Kostner Avenue on the West Side of Chicago's largest piece of vacant land. The 20.8-acre development will include a 302,140-square-foot solar-powered industrial complex, a pair of community centers and public open space featuring public art."

Lawndale Redefined  "Lawndale Redefined  is a $31.4 million joint venture from GRE Ventures, Imagine Group, and 548 Development. Planned for an acre of vacant, City-owned and private land on Ogden Avenue between Homan and Trumbull avenues, the project consists of 60 mixed-income apartments, three market-rate townhomes, retail and restaurant space, and a stand-alone community center with technology and arts programming. Outdoor amenities include a plaza with public art and other cultural amenities."

Nichols Tower is the remaining structure from the former Sears headquarters.

Photo with two of my students on my last day of work in 2019.