Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Joins Resident Association of Greater Englewood to Break Ground on The Re-up at 59th And Racine
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.), local leaders, and community members, gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Re-Up at 59th and Racine. This mixed-use redevelopment project is set to transform a long-vacant commercial property into a center for economic opportunity and community investment in Englewood.

In his remarks, Mayor Johnson praised the efforts of Englewood residents in shaping the future of their neighborhood. He stated, "Today's groundbreaking is a testament to what is possible when residents lead the way in shaping the future of their communities." He also commended R.A.G.E. for their vision, determination, and organizing power in investing in their neighborhood and refusing to let disinvestment define its future.

The Re-Up, located at 1210 W. 59th St., represents a $6.4 million investment by R.A.G.E. to rehabilitate the 7,950-square-foot building that has been vacant for over a decade. Upon completion, it will serve as R.A.G.E.'s new headquarters and feature Black-owned retail, restaurant, office, and community spaces designed to support entrepreneurship, job creation, and long-term corridor revitalization.

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Executive Director of R.A.G.E., Asiaha Butler expressed her excitement about this milestone for both her organization and the entire Englewood community. She said, "The Re-Up reflects years of organizing, visioning, and hard work by residents who believe in the future of this neighborhood." She also highlighted how this project will support local businesses, workforce development, and community-building for years to come.

The realization of R.A.G.E.'s vision for The Re-Up was made possible with support from Mayor Johnson's administration through a Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant worth $2.5 million. Additionally, City Council approved a Cook County Class 7(b) property tax incentive for the development, which is expected to generate approximately $208,842 in savings over its 12-year term.

Ciere Boatright, Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), emphasized the impact of community-led investment and the importance of supporting neighborhood organizations. She stated, "By helping transform a long-vacant property into a productive community asset, this project advances our commitment to equitable economic development across Chicago."

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Founded in 2010, R.A.G.E. is a neighborhood-based organization dedicated to mobilizing residents, advancing community improvements, and fostering equitable development throughout Englewood. Through organizing, advocacy, and neighborhood investment initiatives, R.A.G.E. has played a leading role in addressing long-standing challenges facing the community.

The Re-Up will not only contribute to ongoing revitalization efforts along the 59th Street corridor but also create new opportunities for entrepreneurship. By transforming a long-vacant property into a hub for Black-owned businesses and community-centered investment, the project is expected to generate lasting benefits for residents and strengthen the commercial corridor while supporting Englewood's continued growth.

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