Xquina Cafe Receives $1.5 Million Neighborhood Opportunity Grant
The Chicago Neighborhood Opportunity Fund was established in 2016 to help revitalize under-served communities. According to a press release from the Mayor’s office, ‘the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund allocates voluntary zoning fees from downtown construction projects to support neighborhood commercial corridors in low- to moderate- income communities on the South, Southwest, and West Sides.’
The funds can be utilized in a variety of ways including facade repair, roofing and architectural fees. P3 Markets and Little Village Chamber of Commerce intend to use the funds to help revitalize a corner lot building that was built in 1888 and purchased last year. The building will be used for Xquina Cafe, a multi-purpose entrepreneurial hub.
The vision for Xquina Cafe is to create a welcoming gathering space where connections can be formed over a cup of coffee. The plans for the first phase include renovating the exterior and turning the first floor into a bustling location for entrepreneurs and investors to meet. Programming designed by the chamber to support small business owners in the community will be provided in the cafe space. A community kitchen will also provide training in the food and restaurant fields operated by Food Hero.
Not only will the project be advantageous for business owners, but it will also create more community wealth. ‘The $3.5 million, 12,000-square-foot project will create 15 permanent and 28 construction jobs and help existing and start-up professionals to improve their business skills,’ as stated from the Mayor’s office.
The first phase is projected to begin later this year with renovations to the exterior and first floor. Completion date is set by early summer. Additional phases of the project include a co-working space on the second floor, private offices and conference rooms.
How to Get Involved
P3 Markets and Little Village Chamber of Commerce are excited to be awarded the Neighborhood Opportunity Grant which will accelerate the first phase of renovations. We are welcome to new relationships with investors and partners to aid in the completion of this project. If you are interested please reach out today.
Related Articles: City Council Approves $1.5 Million Grant For Little Village’s Xquina Cafe, Incubator