Chicago’s Austin neighborhood is experiencing a resurgence, spurred by the development of new businesses, mixed-income housing and health and workforce centers along Chicago Avenue.
After a section of the thoroughfare was christened “Soul City Corridor,” the state designated the community as the “Soul City” cultural district. The moniker celebrates the area’s potential to grow into a thriving arts scene. Here are just four of the organizations working toward that effort.
The Kehrein Center for the Arts
Owned by the Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School, the venue has hosted community events and a diverse lineup of performances, from Chicago Jazz Philharmonic concerts to theatrical productions about West Side activists. The restored mid-century modern auditorium is also the official home of the El Sistema Ravinia student orchestra, comprising musicians from Chicago Public Schools.
The goal of the center is to be a meeting place for the community, provide a platform for artists and contribute to the overall development of Austin, said Ed Siderewicz, co-founder of Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School. 5628 W. Washington Blvd. kehreincenter.com
Territory
At this urban design studio, young Austin residents learn technical, creative and problem-solving skills, and apply them to improve their community. The group has reimagined vacant lots, beautified schoolyards and hosted pop-up markets. They also have plans to contribute to the Soul City Corridor initiative by adding design elements to Chicago Avenue.
“Young people in Austin really want to make positive, tangible change where they live, and none of them are really getting a lot of exposure to design through their education,” said Helen Slade, the organization’s executive director. 5258 W, North Ave. territorychicago.org
alt_Chicago
Since 2019, alt_Chicago has produced sculpture installations, photo projects, fashion events, art exhibits and more. Through its “redemptive plastics” program, the organization repurposes materials into art, furniture and tools. The nonprofit also specializes in faith-based programs and community service, and houses other organizations including Root to Fruit Youth Foundation, Earth’s Remedies and Tyler Morgan Studios.
Jordan Campbell, executive director of alt_Chicago, said his goal is to “shift the cultural narrative” of Austin through the arts. 5645 W, Corcoran Pl. altspacechicago.com
Third City Studio
New to the Austin community, Third City Studio opened as part of a larger development on North Avenue that includes a cafe, shops and affordable housing. The space is also home to Third City Gallery, which will feature Black artists from Chicago in a new exhibit, “Midnight Blooms,” which runs Aug. 29 through Oct. 12. Third City Studio leaders hope to create an arts district in the area.
“The goal of Third City Studio is to be a creative and exhibition hub, and to support artists in Chicago, specifically on the West Side,” Sid Zalani, the organization’s executive director. 5538 W. North Ave. thirdcitystudio.org