CHICAGO— Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the Resident Association of Greater Englewood, local leaders, and community members to break ground on The Re-Up at 59th and Racine, a mixed-use redevelopment project that will transform a long-vacant commercial property into a center for economic opportunity and community investment in Englewood.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a testament to what is possible when residents lead the way in shaping the future of their communities,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Re-Up reflects the vision, determination, and organizing power of Englewood residents who have invested in their neighborhood and refused to let disinvestment define its future.
My administration is proud to support projects like this that create opportunity, strengthen local economies, and build community wealth.”
Located at 1210 W. 59th St., The Re-Up represents a $6.4 million investment by R.A.G.E. to rehabilitate the 7,950-square-foot building, which has remained vacant for more than a decade.
Upon completion, the development will serve as R.A.G.E.'s new headquarters and feature Black-owned retail, restaurant, office, and community spaces designed to support entrepreneurship, job creation, and long-term corridor revitalization.
“Today marks an important milestone not only for our organization, but for the entire Englewood community,” said Asiaha Butler, Executive Director of R.A.G.E.“The Re-Up reflects years of organizing, visioning, and hard work by residents who believe in the future of this neighborhood.
We are proud to create a space that will support local businesses, workforce development, and community-building for years to come.”
R.A.G.E.’s vision for the site was brought to life thanks in part to a $2.5 million in support from the Johnson administration through a Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant.
The development also received City Council approval for a Cook County Class 7 property tax incentive that is expected to generate approximately $208,842 in savings over its 12-year term.
“Projects like The Re-Up demonstrate the impact of community-led investment and the importance of supporting neighborhood organizations that are creating lasting opportunities for residents,”saidDPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright. “By helping transform a long-vacant property into a productive community asset, this project advances our commitment to equitable economic development across Chicago.”
Founded in 2010, the Resident Association of Greater Englewood is a neighborhood-based organization dedicated to mobilizing residents, advancing community improvements, and fostering equitable development throughout Englewood.
Through organizing, advocacy, and neighborhood investment initiatives, R.A.G.E. has played a leading role in advancing resident-driven solutions to long-standing challenges facing the community.
The Re-Up will contribute to ongoing revitalization efforts along the 59th Street corridor while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship. By transforming a long-vacant property into a hub for Black-owned businesses and community-centered investment, the project is expected to generate lasting benefits for residents, strengthen the commercial corridor, and support Englewood's continued growth.