Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, Ald. Pat Dowell Win Approval of $10.5 Million Investment to Build Deeply Rooted Dance Center in Washington Park
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago's South Side is set to become home to a new international hub for professional Black dance, thanks to a $10.5 million Community Development Grant approved by City Council. The grant, funded through Mayor Brandon Johnson's $1.25B Housing and Economic Development (HED) Bond, will support the construction of the Deeply Rooted Dance Center in Washington Park.

The $20.9 million project, located at 5339 S State St., will provide a permanent home for Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and expand access to arts education and cultural programming in the community. The planned 33,270-square-foot facility will feature six dance studios, a performance venue, event space, and a rooftop garden.

Mayor Johnson expressed his excitement about the project, stating that "Chicago has a rich history of Black art and culture, and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater has helped carry that legacy forward for nearly 30 years." He believes that this investment will give Black dancers and artists the space and resources they need to develop their talents and inspire the next generation.

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Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd) also shared her enthusiasm for the new center, stating that "Deeply Rooted Dance Theater has spent nearly three decades building a legacy of excellence in Black dance." She believes that its new home in Washington Park will bring significant benefits to the community, including a new performance venue, educational opportunities, and a space for residents to come together.

The Deeply Rooted Dance Center is just one of many investments being made by Mayor Johnson's administration in Washington Park. Other projects include the planned Abrams Intergenerational Village, which will provide affordable housing for seniors and families; the expansion of Evelyn's Food Love restaurant on S State Street; and the development of the Chicago Torture Justice Memorial.

These investments are not only bringing new housing options but also creating jobs and community resources while providing more opportunities for residents to participate in the cultural life of their neighborhood. Mayor Johnson and Alderman Dowell are committed to making Chicago's South Side a vibrant and thriving community for all its residents.

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