Wood Street Urban Farm Expansion

This extension and transformation of the Client's existing facilities on Chicago’s South Side employs a carbon smart palette that is locally sourced, providing the non-profit organization with healthy interiors that feature no-toxicity finishes that require little maintenance. Backed by a five-million-dollar grant from Chicago’s 2024 Community Development Grants, the 76,784-square-feet USDA-certified produce processing facility will incorporate a retail store, café, teaching and commercial kitchen, and community classrooms. The full block site abuts the future Englewood Elevated Nature Trail on its north side. By locating the new two-story polycarbonate and metal panel building along the west edge of the site, the east half of the block accommodates planting beds, greenhouses, and on-site parking. Public facing facilities include a farm store and café on the first floor. Education facilities include a big commercial kitchen and a teaching kitchen with a classroom on the ground floor and two classrooms, demonstration garden, indoor growing space, and a computer room on the second floor. Other amenities include offices, conference space, and an event space. The Wood Street Urban Farm is a USDA-certified organic urban farm. The organization’s urban-agriculture operations, workforce, and social-enterprise development programs directly address urgent needs and critical priorities of Chicago's most underserved communities. The project consolidates the Client's disparate sites, establishing fertile ground for a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable long-term future for the organization and Chicago. Category Architecture: Buildings Type of Construction Unbuilt