E.G. Woode L3C Wins $18 Million Development Contract In West Englewood

• The City of Chicago has selected E.G. Woode L3C as the winning developer for two vacant sites in West Englewood.
• The $18 million mixed-use proposal includes 36 residential units and nearly 8,800 square feet of ground-floor retail space across two four-story buildings.
• Located next to the CTA 63rd/Ashland Green Line Station, the project aims to bring new housing, retail, and investment to a long-vacant corridor.

What the Winning Proposal Includes

The Chicago Department of Planning and Development has selected E.G. Woode L3C to redevelop two city-owned properties at 1515 W. 63rd Street and 1607 W. 63rd Street in West Englewood. Together, the two vacant sites total approximately 0.9 acres and sit adjacent to the CTA's 63rd/Ashland Green Line Station, making the project a transit-oriented development. The proposed $18 million project consists of two four-story mixed-use buildings. The building at 1515 W. 63rd Street will total 23,959 square feet, featuring 18 residential units and 4,447 square feet of retail space. The second building at 1607 W. 63rd Street will span 24,048 square feet, with another 18 apartments and 4,350 square feet of retail space. Each building will also provide parking for 20 bicycles, encouraging alternative transportation options.

What the Development Means for West Englewood

City leaders believe the project will help transform a stretch of West Englewood that has struggled with vacant land for years. By adding new housing directly next to public transit, the development is expected to increase foot traffic, support neighborhood businesses, and create a more active commercial corridor. Chicago Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright said the addition of 36 new households will help strengthen the intersection by bringing more residents who can support local retailers while making greater use of the nearby Green Line station. To encourage redevelopment, the city plans to sell the two sites for $1 per lot, despite their combined estimated value of $100,600. The developer also intends to seek up to $5 million in Community Development Grant funding to help finance construction. Both the land sale and grant funding remain subject to City Council approval.

What Makes the Proposal Stand Out

The Request for Proposals, issued in October 2025, prioritized developments that combined mixed-income housing with neighborhood retail while taking advantage of nearby transit. E.G. Woode L3C's proposal was selected based on its development concept, financial feasibility, and the team's experience delivering community-focused projects. Developer Deon Lucas has positioned E.G. Woode as a firm focused on creating developments that support both housing and local entrepreneurship. The proposal also brings together a team that includes Wrought Iron Partners and architecture firms Beehyyve L3C and Alligood Song, combining experience in architecture, urban planning, and neighborhood revitalization.

What Happens Next

The project must still receive final approval from the Chicago City Council before construction can begin. If approved, the development will replace two long-vacant parcels with new apartments and retail space, continuing Chicago's efforts to encourage transit-oriented, mixed-use development in underserved neighborhoods. For investors, developers, and community stakeholders, the project represents another example of how public-private partnerships are being used to attract new investment while expanding housing and commercial opportunities on the city's South Side.