A $24 million wellness center in Chicago’s gentrifying Humboldt Park is a step closer to reality.
The Chicago Plan Commission approved a plan to build a three-story, 45,500-square-foot wellness center on a vacant lot at 2933 West Division Street, according to Block Club Chicago. The former Norwegian Hospital will offer healthcare to area residents who disproportionately suffer from diabetes and congestive heart failure, as well as services such as rehab for stroke victims.
Humboldt Park Health, the first part of a six-phase project aimed at putting hospital land to better use, requires a $19 million state grant and $5 million from the center’s coffers. Hospitals are looking to build affordable housing, a senior center and commercial buildings in the area. In January, the Chicago City Council approved a 64-unit affordable housing project in Humboldt Park, one of the city’s many gentrifying neighborhoods.
“We really have a significant number of empty lots in our area, some as big as a full city block,” Humboldt Park Health CEO Sanchez said.
With final approval from the City Council, the Humboldt Park Health will break ground in June and be completed in about 18 months. The City Council meeting hasn’t been confirmed.
Another wellness center is planned for the area near Humboldt Park Health. Local home health organization ASI Home Care is trying to open a 16,000-square-foot wellness and workforce development center at 700 North Sacramento Boulevard, a few blocks from the vacant lot where Humboldt Park Health will be built. ASI, which employs 350 people, would form partnerships with local colleges and Latino-led programs to train 15,000 people annually. The $7 million project is being reviewed by the hospital board and hasn’t been finalized.