Englewood Reimagined: Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce Unveils Plans for "The Emerald"
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CHICAGO - illiNews -- The Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce (GE Chamber) announced the purchase of the former South Side Swedish Lodge, a storied 99‑year‑old building that will be reborn as "The Emerald." The 25,000‑square‑foot campus will house:

• A 5,500 sq ft food hall spotlighting Englewood's culinary talent
• A 7,000 sq ft ballroom for community celebrations, cultural events, and private functions
• A state‑of‑the‑art clean‑energy training center delivering industry‑recognized credentials and career pathways for local residents
• New GE Chamber and Foundation headquarters

"The Emerald is strategically designed to address critical needs in our community. The clean energy training center will equip residents with valuable skills for a growing industry, creating pathways to sustainable employment. Coupled with the retail space and food hall, The Emerald will be an economic engine, generating jobs and attracting visitors to Englewood. This project is about empowering our community from within."
— Felicia Slaton‑Young, Co‑Founder & Executive Director, GE Chamber Foundation

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"The Emerald is a launchpad for the future—a place where science, design, and community come together to shape what's next. It's not just a development; it's a living ecosystem of innovation. From clean energy to culinary creativity, it gives our youth the tools to not only imagine a better tomorrow—but to build it. As a technologist and designer, I see The Emerald as a prototype for how we empower communities to rise—through knowledge, opportunity, and a vision rooted in human progress. This is where transformation begins."
— Donnell Layne, Board Member, GE Chamber Foundation; Co‑CEO, TwinFlame Ventures; Founder, Catalyst Design Studios

Building on Momentum
The Emerald complements existing GE Chamber initiatives, including the Englewood Shared Renewables workforce program and Englewood Reimagined. By anchoring training, entrepreneurship and celebration under one roof, The Emerald accelerates Englewood's resurgence as a vibrant, self‑sustaining commercial district.

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Call to Action
Community members, foundations and corporate partners are invited to join the $9 million campaign to fund renovations, equipment and early programming. Donations can be made online at www.gechamber.com/giving or by contacting the Chamber directly.