AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/laramie-state-bank-building/)
Work on the art deco building will begin in November. The cost of the project, which will feature 78 units of housing, has gone up due to inflation. The $45 million development is part of Mayor Lightfoot’s Invest South/West initiative.
Austin United Alliance will update residents from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 about the Laramie State Bank project. The Soul City Corridor and other economic issues also will be discussed.
West Side residents received updates Friday on the status of the Laramie State Bank building development and new businesses opening along the Soul City Corridor, which stretches from Austin Boulevard to Cicero Avenue on Chicago Avenue.
Austin United Alliance, the group the city of Chicago recently picked to develop the former bank building at the corner of Laramie and Chicago, briefed members of the Austin African American Business Networking Association about the nearly $40 million project.
The Austin United Alliance, led by Heartland Alliance and Oak Park Regional Housing Center, has been selected as the developer for the Laramie State Bank building. It was one of seven proposals considered by city officials, who made the announcement Monday in Austin.
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development hosted two community roundtables last week to get West Side residents’ input on proposals for developing the Laramie State Bank and surrounding land. Attendees expressed concern over how the projects would grow wealth, benefit the Black community and ensure community engagement.
Virtual community meetings about the building’s future will be held from 6 to 8:15 p.m. Jan. 19th and 20th. There will be presentations about seven proposals to West Side residents to learn more, then participants will be asked to provide feedback.
After years of vacancy, Preservation Chicago has added the historic Laramie State Bank Building to its annual list of endangered buildings with the hope that city officials and others will help save the West Side landmark.
Another hearing is scheduled for later this fall to discuss the future of the long-vacant Art Deco building at 5200 W. Chicago Ave.
The Austin landmark’s deteriorating condition will be discussed at 2 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Richard J. Daley Center. Some West Siders hope the building, located at 5200 W. Chicago Ave., will be put back in use for the community.