The City Council has approved the sale of 4.1 acres of vacant city land to Sunshine Gospel Ministries for the development of a community center in Washington Park, Chicago. This approval comes as part of the nonprofit's plan to construct a $36.9 million, 77,050-square-foot community center at 6016 S. King Drive, a site spanning 16 lots bounded by 60th and 61st Streets, King Drive, and Calumet Avenue. The sale price for each parcel is just $1.

The community center will feature a wide range of amenities, including a gymnasium, café, youth programming rooms, offices, outdoor athletic facilities, spaces for visual and graphic arts, a roller skating rink, tech rooms, a demonstration kitchen, lounges, and a recording studio. These offerings will be free for public use, with fees only applied for event space rentals and fitness center access.

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a $5 million Community Development Grant in January to support the project, which tied for the highest grant among the 14 recipients. The nonprofit has also secured a $13.5 million state grant, with additional support from Ald. Lamont Robinson (4th). Robinson, who helped secure the state grant while serving as a state representative, has been an advocate for the project.

Kimberly Salley, the nonprofit’s Executive Director, shared that Sunshine Gospel Ministries has already raised about 70% of the remaining $8 million needed to fully fund the project and continues to pursue private donations. The zoning change for the site was approved by the City Council in September, and Sunshine expects to close on the land purchase by September 2025.

Quote from Kimberly Salley, Executive Director of Sunshine Gospel Ministries

‍“We are thrilled to be one step closer to bringing this vital resource to the Washington Park community. This project will provide residents with a safe, welcoming space that fosters creativity, health, and community engagement.”

Quote from Mayor Brandon Johnson

‍“The development of this community center is a testament to our commitment to investing in the future of Chicago’s neighborhoods. This center will serve as a hub for opportunity and support, especially for our youth, and will continue the city’s efforts to revitalize and strengthen our communities.”

The center will serve as a transformative hub for local youth, offering a variety of activities, educational opportunities, and resources to help bridge gaps and enhance community cohesion. Sunshine Gospel Ministries continues to raise funds and rally support for the project, aiming to complete the center by 2025.
The Washington Park area is experiencing an economic resurgence, and the community center aims to provide residents with much-needed services. Sunshine Gospel Ministries plans to create a space that will contribute not only to the immediate area but to the broader South Side of Chicago. This initiative highlights the growing collaboration between city officials, nonprofits, and residents to create long-term, sustainable impact in underserved communities.

Originally reported by Chicago Construction News.