Mayor Emanuel along with local community leaders gathered Friday at a groundbreaking ceremony for the forthcoming Arts and Rec Center at Ellis Park, a 32,000-square-foot facility at the northern edge of the park in Oakland that will bring a gymnasium, indoor pool and arts center to the area. Mayor Emanuel noted that it will be the first public pool between Hyde Park and the South Loop when it opens, currently anticipated to be during the summer of 2016, and hopes it serves as a "neighborhood anchor" for the community, especially since it's within walking distance of several schools.
The public-private development will be financed in part by the federal New Markets Tax Credit Investments and partners including The Community Builders (TCB), the City of Chicago, CHA and LISC Chicago. This is one of many TCB projects in Bronzeville and the surrounding neighborhoods, such as the nearby Oakwood Shores and The Shops and Lofts at 47.
It's estimated that the $18 million project will provide 100 jobs. In addition to bringing new recreational facilities to the area, the center will also provide health services, screenings and immunizations via the Near North Health Services Corporation.
·A First Look at the New Ellis Park Field House in Oakland [Curbed Chicago]
·Previous Bronzeville coverage [Curbed Chicago]
·Previous Parks & Rec coverage [Curbed Chicago]
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