About the Project

history of the englewood corridor

Englewood, situated 8 miles south of downtown Chicago, once thrived as a bustling commercial area at 63rd and Halsted, rivaled only by the downtown Loop shopping district. However, population decline due to white flight and redlining caused major retailers to leave, leaving the commercial heart partially vacant. Recent City of Chicago investments include a $250 million Kennedy-King college facility and plans for Englewood Square, strategically positioned near public transport stops. These initiatives aim to revitalize the area, offering job training, local cuisine, and potential amenities like senior housing, education, and sports fields on nearby land.

Eradicating Food Deserts

Low-income areas in Chicago, like Englewood, face a lack of fresh grocery options, often termed "food deserts" or "food swamps." Englewood Square's initiative includes a Whole Foods Market to provide residents access to healthier food choices and fresh produce. Whole Foods will partner with local groups and the Washburne Culinary Institute for educational programs on healthy eating practices in the neighborhood.

DL3 Realty, Advisors

DL3 Realty, Advisors leads development at Englewood Square, striving to uplift urban neighborhoods through diverse commercial real estate ventures. Recognized for excellence, DL3 earned a LISC award in 2009 and was selected in 2012 as the developer for the innovative "Save-A-Lot Market," expanding traditional store formats. Actively building stores in high-need areas, DL3 has a pipeline of five Save-A-Lot Market grocery stores.

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By the numbers

5.5 acre development in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood
20,000 SF Whole Foods Market
22,000 SF of complementary retail space
Two outlot parcels
2,648 more residents in Englewood will be within a mile of a grocery store when Whole Foods opens
3.3 percent decline in total residents living in low-income areas who are more than a mile from a large grocery store
The shopping center opened in the Fall of 2016
Part of a larger 13-acre development located at a four-way intersection near Kennedy King Community College
Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Inc., an Illinois nonprofit, will develop the remaining portions of the larger 13-acre parcel

Made for the neighborhood

The Market will be a slightly smaller store with more conventional produce included next to organic options, and a focus on “365” house brand and prepared foods. Upon opening 2,648 more residents in Englewood will be within a mile of a grocery store, which will mean a 3.3 percent decline in the total residents living in low-income areas who are more than a mile from a large grocery store.

Conveniently Located

The shopping center opened in the Fall of 2016. The 5.5 acre parcel is part of a larger 13-acre development located at a four-way intersection near Kennedy King Community College. Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Inc., an Illinois nonprofit, will develop the remaining portions of the larger 13 acre parcel.

Understanding Food Deserts

Low-income areas of Chicago, and particularly the Englewood community, have been plagued by a lack of access to fresh and healthy grocery options. These areas have been called "food deserts," or sometimes "food swamps" to indicate the availability of cheap convenience food but the lack of traditional, full service grocery stores. The Englewood Square development aims to close the food desert gap. Through the Whole Foods Market, residents will have access to healthy food options and a full array of fresh produce. Additionally, Whole Foods will be partnering with local community groups and the Washburne Culinary Institute at Kennedy-King College to bring educational programs on healthy eating practices and natural foods to the Englewood neighborhood.