Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Breaks Ground on Western Works Industrial Campus on Southwest Side
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with city officials and community leaders, gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of Western Works, a new industrial campus on the South Side. This $100 million project, backed by the city, aims to revitalize a vacant 28-acre site and bring economic investment and sustainable employment opportunities to the Brighton Park and Back of the Yards communities.

Mayor Johnson expressed his excitement for the project, stating that it is a testament to what can be achieved when investment is prioritized in revitalizing communities. He believes that by transforming this abandoned site into a modern industrial hub, long-term economic opportunities will be advanced on Chicago's Southwest Side. The project is also expected to create hundreds of new jobs and bring renewed economic vitality to residents.

The City Council approved Ordinance O2025-0019967 in October 2025, which authorized the redevelopment of the site at 47th Street and Western Boulevard. This development will replace the former Wheatland Tubing warehouse facility that closed in 2024 with over 568,000 square feet of high-quality industrial space. It is estimated that this project will generate more than $30 million in real estate tax revenue over the next decade, with $6 million specifically designated for community reinvestment.

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The success of this development was made possible through a Cook County Class 6(b) incentive provided by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD). This incentive aims to encourage the rehabilitation of abandoned properties by lowering property tax assessment rates for a period of 12 years. It is estimated that this reduction will save developers $7.2 million in development costs.

According to DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright, Western Works reflects their commitment to driving equitable economic development by partnering with developers to bring high-quality industrial projects to Chicago's neighborhoods. She believes that this developer's choice to invest in Chicago shows their support for the city's growth and economic vitality. By leveraging development incentives, financial barriers can be reduced, businesses can be attracted, and strong, accessible jobs can be created for Chicagoans.

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The Western Works campus will consist of four facilities ranging from 75,000 to 198,000 square feet. It will be equipped with 87 dock doors and 635 parking stalls to support modern logistics and manufacturing needs. The project is expected to create 150 construction jobs and approximately 100 permanent, full-time positions upon completion. Construction is set to be completed by late 2027.

This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a transformative project that will not only bring economic benefits but also contribute to the revitalization of the Brighton Park and Back of the Yards communities. With the support of city officials and community leaders, Western Works is on its way to becoming a thriving hub for sustainable employment and economic growth on Chicago's South Side.

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