CircEsteem’s new facility transforms a historic two story building into a vibrant, safe, and fully accessible hub for youth circus arts. The project carefully preserves and restores the building’s historic exterior while reimagining the interior with upgraded structural, mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems. New double height training studios, support spaces, and improved circulation were designed to meet modern codes, accessibility standards, and specialized rigging requirements.

Construction required close coordination and creative problem solving to integrate modern systems within the existing structure. The project was completed with zero lost time incidents, reflecting a strong commitment to safety for workers and the surrounding community.

This investment provides flexible, high capacity spaces for education, performance, and youth development, strengthening CircEsteem’s mission and delivering a revitalized community asset built for long term impact.

The design team approached the project with a clear goal to transform a century old structure into a modern training and performance facility while preserving the character and presence of its historic exterior. Achieving this vision required a highly creative and collaborative design process that balanced respect for the existing building with the demands of a specialized contemporary use.

Innovative problem solving was essential to integrate new structural, mechanical, and life safety systems within an aging framework constrained by limited space and modern code requirements. The team worked closely across disciplines to carefully thread new infrastructure through the existing building without compromising historic elements. Complex design challenges including accommodating significant rigging loads creating double height training volumes within an existing floor plate and improving accessibility throughout the facility demanded precise coordination and thoughtful detailing.

These challenges ultimately strengthened the design outcome. By addressing them head on the team achieved a clear and efficient layout that maximizes flexibility and safety while supporting the unique needs of circus arts training. Bright open studios durable materials and purposeful detailing reflect the energy and movement of the space creating an environment that is both highly functional and visually engaging. The result is a revitalized community asset that seamlessly blends architectural expression performance driven design and long term durability honoring the building’s past while enabling its future.

Achieving the highest quality of construction required a disciplined, collaborative approach focused on coordination, verification, and accountability. The project team used detailed field verification, continuous trade coordination, and strict QA and QC procedures to successfully integrate new structural, mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems within the constraints of a historic building. Frequent inspections and clear communication ensured all work aligned with design intent while protecting existing architectural elements.

The project presented significant challenges, including fitting modern infrastructure into tight and irregular spaces, achieving full accessibility within an older structure, and constructing specialized double height training areas capable of supporting rigging and performance loads. These challenges added complexity to sequencing and installation and required creative problem solving at every phase.

Working within an existing historic framework demanded precision, adaptability, and close interdisciplinary collaboration. By addressing these complexities through thoughtful planning and execution, the team delivered a durable, safe, and high performing facility that preserves the building’s character while fully supporting CircEsteem’s mission.

Safety was a top priority throughout the project, with a strong emphasis on planning, training, and daily accountability. Despite the complexity of the work and the challenges of renovating an existing building, the project was completed with zero safety incidents. This record reflects the effectiveness of site specific safety planning, consistent use of personal protective equipment, daily coordination meetings, and proactive hazard identification. The entire project team demonstrated a shared commitment to maintaining a safe work environment for workers, building occupants, and the surrounding community.

The project strengthens CircEsteem’s role as an inclusive community resource by creating a fully accessible and welcoming environment for youth and families. The upgraded facility expands program capacity, supports participants of all abilities and backgrounds, and enhances CircEsteem’s ability to reach underserved communities. By providing safe, flexible spaces for training, performance, and gathering, the project builds connection, increases participation, and reinforces CircEsteem’s mission of empowerment through the arts.

CircEsteem’s mission is rooted in using circus arts as a tool for empowerment, confidence building, and community connection for youth of all backgrounds. Berglund Construction was proud to partner in renewing a facility that makes this mission possible, transforming a historic building into a safe, accessible, and inspiring space where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.

Located within an underserved Chicagoland community, the project was designed and built with purpose beyond the walls of the building. Berglund worked closely with CircEsteem, designers, and local stakeholders to create a facility that supports expanded programming, increases access for participants of all abilities, and strengthens CircEsteem’s reach within the neighborhood. The construction effort prioritized local trade partners and small businesses, helping create job opportunities and circulate investment within the community.

By preserving a historic structure while modernizing it for long term use, the project contributes to neighborhood stability and growth, offering a welcoming anchor for youth development and community engagement. The renewed facility reflects the diversity of the community it serves and supports CircEsteem’s values of inclusion, creativity, and resilience. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and craftsmanship, Berglund helped deliver an enriching development that enhances quality of life and demonstrates the transformative power of community focused investment in underserved areas.

For more than 35 years, Lookingglass Theatre has defined regional theatre through groundbreaking, collaborative storytelling that reimagines the limits of theatrical experience. After more than two decades at home in the historic Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, this project marks a transformative expansion of Lookingglass’ public-facing presence, strengthening its role as a vital, inclusive arts platform that connects mainstage and city.

Design creativity is rooted in a carefully choreographed visitor experience. A terrazzo floor, inscribed with navigational paths, guides patrons from street entry past public utilities and new amenities, up a ceremonial stair and ramp, and into the theatre beyond. At the heart of the lobby stands a glowing fiberglass lantern supported by a pipe grid that references both the industrial language of the pumping station and the theatre’s mainstage. This sculptural core houses a renovated box office, coat check, and universal restroom, streamlining circulation while enhancing accessibility and comfort.

The project’s complexity extended beyond design into systems modernization and sustainability. A 40-year-old, water-wasting HVAC unit was replaced with a high-efficiency direct expansion system utilizing a remote air-cooled condenser, conserving water and eliminating unnecessary sewer discharge. Fast-track construction within a historic landmark required careful coordination, sequencing, and an unwavering commitment to safety, resulting in a strong safety record with no incidents.

The impact on the community is significant and lasting. Expanded café and bar programming introduces new revenue opportunities, while the street-facing lobby now accommodates the full 240-person audience for pre- and post-show gatherings, education, outreach, and independent programming. Art and technology, including neon signage and a floor-to-ceiling projection installation celebrating Lookingglass and its supporters, reinforce inclusion and visibility. The project surpassed the BEP goal of 28%, coming out at 49%, embodying equity, sustainability, and creativity, reaffirming Lookingglass Theatre as a beating cultural heart of Chicago.

From the outset, the project team worked closely with Lookingglass leadership, artists, and technical staff to clearly define performance needs, audience flow, and operational requirements. This collaboration informed a design approach that treated the building as an active participant in the theatre experience, carefully choreographing circulation while clearly organizing front-of-house functions and public spaces.

One of the primary challenges was executing contemporary architectural interventions within a protected historic structure while preserving and respecting its industrial character. Rather than conceal existing conditions, the design leveraged them. Elements such as the exposed pipe grid and glowing fiberglass lantern reference the mechanical language of the pumping station and the theatre’s technical infrastructure. Constructed as a central architectural feature, the lantern functions as wayfinding, visual anchor, and operational core, efficiently housing the box office, coat check, and universal restroom while maintaining openness, accessibility, and clear sightlines.

The terrazzo floor served as a critical design and construction element. Embedded navigational paths were carefully coordinated with existing utilities, structural constraints, and accessibility requirements, allowing circulation challenges to be resolved directly within the finished surface. Art and technology were integrated through coordinated installations including neon signage, architectural text, and a large-scale projection wall, requiring close alignment between design, fabrication, and installation teams.

The project was further complicated by a fast-tracked schedule, major system upgrades, and the need to modernize building infrastructure without impacting the historic envelope. Through detailed coordination, sequencing, and problem-solving, the team delivered a space that balances architectural expression with durability, functionality, and long-term performance, supporting theatre operations, education, and community use.

The Lookingglass Theatre expansion required rigorous quality control, careful coordination, and disciplined execution to deliver a complex renovation within a historic landmark. From preconstruction through closeout, the team emphasized early collaboration among the architect, engineers, and trade partners to align design intent with constructability, durability, and long-term performance. Detailed shop drawings, mockups, and material reviews were critical in achieving a high level of craftsmanship across key architectural elements, including the terrazzo flooring, fiberglass lantern enclosure, architectural metalwork, and integrated signage.

The project faced unique challenges due to the impacts of COVID. Construction was paused during the pandemic, requiring the team to remobilize, re-sequence work, and re-coordinate trades while maintaining evolving health and safety protocols. Despite these disruptions, the project was successfully completed over a 15-month construction period, demanding flexibility, clear communication, and disciplined project management to maintain quality and schedule.

Working within an existing historic structure added significant complexity. Selective demolition, unknown existing conditions, and the need to preserve historic elements required continuous field evaluation and real-time problem-solving. Installation of the central lantern element required tight tolerances and precise coordination among structural, electrical, lighting, and life-safety systems.

Additional complexity stemmed from major system upgrades, including the replacement of a 40-year-old HVAC system with a high-efficiency air-cooled direct expansion system. Through proactive planning, sequencing, and consistent safety oversight, the project team delivered a high-quality, durable renovation that meets contemporary performance standards while honoring the building’s historic character and supporting Lookingglass Theatre’s renewed mission.

Zero recordable incidents or injuries.

The redesigned lobby and front-of-house spaces now accommodate the full 240-person audience for pre- and post-show gatherings, education programs, rehearsals, and community events. This flexibility allows Lookingglass to expand outreach initiatives, host daytime programming, and create opportunities for collaboration beyond traditional performance hours. Universal restrooms, improved circulation, and clear wayfinding enhance accessibility and ensure an inclusive experience for patrons, artists, students, and staff.

Art and technology embedded throughout the space amplify community representation and recognition. Neon signage, architectural text, and a large-scale projection installation celebrate Lookingglass’ artists, donors, and partners, reinforcing a sense of shared ownership and visibility. Expanded café and bar programming further supports inclusion by creating an informal, welcoming environment that encourages connection while generating sustainable revenue.

In addition to its public-facing impact, the project demonstrates a strong commitment to workforce inclusion. The construction team exceeded the BEP Utilization Goal, achieving a 49 percent utilization rate against a 28 percent goal, and supported workforce development through a 15 percent apprenticeship participation rate. Together, these efforts position Lookingglass Theatre as an inclusive cultural anchor that advances equity, access, and opportunity while serving as a vibrant community resource in the heart of Chicago.

The Lookingglass Theatre expansion strengthens community access to the arts while advancing inclusion and economic opportunity through strategic public investment. Supported in part by a DCEO grant, the project transformed a formerly inward facing venue within the historic Chicago Avenue Pumping Station into a visible, welcoming civic resource with expanded street facing lobby, café, education, rehearsal, and outreach spaces that support year-round community programming.

Inclusive design measures including accessible circulation, universal restrooms, and clear wayfinding improve ease of use for patrons of all ages and abilities. Integrated art and technology such as architectural signage and large-scale projection installations celebrate artists and community partners, reinforcing visibility, representation, and shared ownership of the space.

The project also delivered measurable workforce and economic impact. Construction exceeded the BEP Utilization Goal of 28 percent, achieving a 49 percent utilization rate, and supported workforce development through a 15 percent apprenticeship participation rate. Together, these outcomes demonstrate how public funding can improve quality of life in economically disadvantaged areas by expanding cultural access, creating job training opportunities, and reinforcing Lookingglass Theatre as an inclusive community anchor in Chicago.

The Northwest Center + Northwest Side CDC project is a 5,850 square foot addition and renovation to an existing 4,500 square foot single-story building in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood. The building consolidates financial counseling, small-business incubation, youth programming, and public engagement under one roof, improving access to essential services for low- to moderate-income residents.

The addition maximizes the potential of the site by rising above the existing building. Doing this creates a building that reinforces the street edge, and has a bolder presence in the community. The interior features flexible layouts, ADA-compliant upgrades, open vertical circulation, and energy-efficient systems that reflect the organizations’ commitment to equity, inclusion, and long-term resiliency.

Bringing the existing building and the addition together to function seamlessly as one building presented some challenges in the design and construction process. This included structurally stabilizing the existing building, upgrading its systems to be more energy efficient, and detailing connections to create a tight building envelope. To achieve this vision, it was important to work with a General Contractor that had years of experience in retrofit projects. Their expertise ensured a safe working environment.

When Northwest Center sought to expand to include the operations of the NWSCDC, the initial plan was to move into a separate building. However, after careful consideration, the design team took a more sustainable and creative approach: preserving the existing building and expanding upward to create space for NWSCDC. This move presented a unique design challenge: how to give each organization its space, while also having a unified front and a connection between. The design team addressed this challenge with a shared lobby on the ground level, where visitors are appropriately directed to the services they seek. The lobby features a central, light-filled atrium with a sculptural staircase that connects the first-floor Northwest Center offices to the second-floor NWSCDC offices.

The building’s color and material concept is inspired by Belmont Cragin’s proud Mexican heritage. Drawing from the decorative tradition of papel picado, the building uses perforated metal panels on the exterior to shade and filter light. Inside, this motif appears in the stair railing panels and space dividers. A bold palette of orange and blue-gray reinforces the building’s civic identity and reflects the vibrancy of the community it serves.

Building over an existing building and connecting it to the old presented a few challenges to the project. The existing, old and fragile building needed to be treated delicately where it transitions to the addition. Structurally, this meant supporting the raised volume independent of the old building. The second floor straddles the existing volume, so this required beams to span across that length. Where a column had to be placed in the existing space, it was positioned strategically so as to not disrupt circulation and the fictionality of the ground floor. The mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems needed to be unified; therefore, parts of the existing system were selectively upgraded, and the rest preserved.

Detailing the building envelope to provide a tight building enclosure presented another challenge. One critical area is where the addition goes over the roof of the old building. The old roof is undisturbed to minimize demolition and unnecessary complex construction. Therefore, the construction had to be cleverly sequenced to properly enclose the underside of the second floor. Where the previous building exterior transitions to being in the interior lobby spaces, material transitions were carefully detailed and constructed.

To achieve the goals of this project, the team prioritized partnering with a General Contractor experienced in retrofit and renovation work, where construction occurs within and around existing structures. This expertise was critical to maintaining a strong safety record, as the project required the existing building to remain fully stabilized while a substantial new volume was constructed above it along the street edge. From early planning through execution, areas of elevated risk were clearly identified and addressed through careful sequencing and coordination between design and construction teams. This proactive approach ensured the safety of workers on site while protecting the integrity of the existing building throughout all phases of construction.

Belmont Cragin is a neighborhood characterized by a young demographic and an immigrant working class population. One of the greatest challenges the residents face is housing instability due to rising property taxes and overcrowding. Designed to support the shared mission of the Northwest Center and the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (NWSCDC), this project creates more office, meeting, and community spaces that advance affordable housing preservation, displacement prevention, and local business support. The renovation and addition create a 10,350 SF facility that serves as a centralized hub for economic development, financial counseling, small-business incubation, youth programming, and public engagement, allowing low- to moderate- income residents of the community to access a broad range of essential services under one roof. Residents can be acutely directed to the right office(s) to address their specific needs. The building’s present is also a symbol in the community, as it reflects the organizations’ commitment to equity, inclusion, and long-term resiliency.

This project represents far more than a physical transformation—it is a powerful example of community-driven design, collaboration, and investment in neighborhood stability. The building now serves as a hub for economic development, financial counseling, small business incubation, youth programs, and public engagement, allowing residents to access essential services under one roof. With a better working environment and new technologies, residents of the community are better connected with the aid they need to overcome. Overall, this building project is supporting the increased need for Northwest Center and NWSCDC’s services and allows for us to better serve our community.

The end result is a building that reflects and strengthens the fabric of our community—a visible symbol of what equitable development can achieve when architects, nonprofit partners, and residents work together toward a shared vision. Seek Design not only brought creative and technical excellence to this project, but also a deep respect for community voice and long-term neighborhood sustainability.

This project demonstrates how architecture can be a direct tool for advancing equity, inclusion, and long-term neighborhood stability in an under-resourced community. Located in Belmont Cragin, a predominantly Hispanic immigrant population, the project responds to a family-oriented, working-class community facing high economic vulnerability, rising displacement pressures, and limited access to affordable housing and support services.

The team partnered with Northwest Center and the NWSCDC to deliver a facility that directly addresses barriers to opportunity. The building is an inclusive hub for economic development, financial counseling, small business support, youth programming, and public engagement. The consolidation of these resources in one building reduces logistical barriers, increases accessibility, and strengthens trust between service providers and the community they serve.

By expanding and investing in a better working environment, the project enhances the capacity of local organizations to meet growing community needs and extend their reach to underrepresented populations. The design reinforces neighborhood presence and stability, countering the current displacement trends in the neighborhood. The result is a building that reflects the lived realities of the residents, while actively strengthening the community’s social and economic fabric.

The Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters is a transformative adaptive reuse of a former industrial soda factory into a state-of-the-art construction workforce training center and social enterprise hub in East Garfield Park, Chicago. Revolution Workshop’s mission is to reduce inequity by providing under- and unemployed residents with construction training that leads to financial stability, while addressing the industry’s skilled labor shortage through a diverse, job-ready workforce.

This $4.95 million renovation revitalized approximately 14,450 square feet of existing industrial structure while preserving the building’s historic character defining features. Design creativity is evident in the reorganization of interior spaces to separate high-noise shop areas from quiet classrooms and offices, the introduction of daylighting through new skylights and openings, and the insertion of efficient conditioned mezzanines within the original long-span bow trusses.

Unlike many community-based projects where engagement begins during design, this facility evolved from Revolution Workshop’s long-standing presence in the neighborhood. The organization has operated in East Garfield Park for more than seven years, using the space daily to train and employ local residents. As a result, the building’s program directly reflects how trainees, instructors, and staff already learn, work, and gather.

The project required extensive structural rehabilitation and modernization of electrical, HVAC, and life-safety systems to support industry-grade training environments. Completed with a strong emphasis on safety and coordination, the Headquarters now anchors workforce development on Chicago’s West Side and represents a lasting investment in a historically under-resourced community.

The design of the Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters is grounded in lived experience rather than abstraction. Because Revolution Workshop had occupied and operated within the building for years prior to renovation, the design process was informed by firsthand knowledge of how the space functioned day to day and where it needed to grow. This embedded understanding allowed the design team to move beyond conventional engagement strategies and focus on refining a space already central to the community.

Architecturally, the project preserves and celebrates the original long-span bow-truss structure, using it as a framework for inserting mezzanines that expand program capacity while maintaining the openness of the industrial volume. New skylights and wall openings introduce daylight deep into the building, improving comfort and energy performance.

Interior materials balance durability with warmth, referencing the building’s industrial past while signaling its new purpose as a place of learning, opportunity, and belonging. The result is a facility that feels authentic to its users—functional, welcoming, and deeply aligned with Revolution Workshop’s mission.

Transforming an aging industrial building into a modern training facility required navigating significant construction and coordination challenges. The Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters demanded extensive structural rehabilitation, full upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and life-safety systems, and the integration of accessible circulation within a shell never designed for public use.

Unforeseen conditions, including deteriorated structural elements, required responsive engineering solutions and close collaboration between the owner, architect, and construction team. At the same time, the project faced rising construction costs and supply-chain constraints, requiring disciplined sequencing and budget management.

Adding to this complexity was Revolution Workshop’s commitment to engaging Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise subcontractors wherever possible. Coordinating multiple trades within a tight urban site while maintaining quality and schedule underscores the technical rigor and execution required to deliver this adaptive reuse project successfully.

Safety was treated as a core responsibility throughout construction of the Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters. A project-specific safety approach guided all phases of work and emphasized proactive planning, coordination among trades, and clear communication on site.

Safety practices included regular coordination meetings, clearly delineated work zones during phased construction, and adherence to applicable OSHA standards and contractor safety protocols. These measures supported safe working conditions while maintaining steady progress on a complex renovation project. No injuries were reported during the project.

The emphasis on safety reflects Revolution Workshop’s broader commitment to modeling best practices within the construction industry—particularly important for a facility dedicated to training the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

The Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters reflects a fundamentally different relationship between project, developer, and community. In many projects, architects and developers must establish trust with neighborhoods they are entering for the first time. In this case, Revolution Workshop is not an outside presence—it has been physically embedded in East Garfield Park for more than seven years, serving residents through construction training, employment, and long-term investment.

Because of this sustained presence, community engagement was not a discrete phase of the project, but an ongoing condition. The building was shaped by the daily experiences of trainees, instructors, and staff who already relied on the space. Design and program decisions responded directly to how people learn, work, and gather, resulting in a facility that supports stability, dignity, and belonging.

The project anchors a growing workforce development corridor along the Green Line, improves the Lake Street streetscape, and signals permanence in a neighborhood long affected by disinvestment. Inclusion was prioritized in both process and outcome, resulting in a facility designed to be accessible, welcoming, and supportive of all users. Ultimately, the project represents a lasting commitment—not a one-time intervention—demonstrating how adaptive reuse can deliver enduring community impact.

The Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters is a strong candidate for the CBC Community Impact Award because it delivers sustained, place-based benefit to an economically disadvantaged community through long-term presence, investment, and opportunity creation. Located in East Garfield Park, a neighborhood shaped by decades of disinvestment, the project directly responds to community needs for access to quality jobs, skills training, and visible reinvestment.

Revolution Workshop has been embedded in the neighborhood for more than seven years, providing construction training, transitional employment, and stability for local residents. Because of this long-standing presence, the facility was shaped by lived experience rather than assumption, responding directly to how people learn, work, and gather. The completed Headquarters now serves as a permanent anchor for workforce development along the Green Line, bringing daily economic activity and strengthening connections with local employers and partners.

The project also improves quality of life through inclusive, dignified design. Accessible layouts, wellness space, gender-inclusive restrooms, and dedicated trainee amenities create a supportive environment for individuals facing systemic barriers to employment. Together, these outcomes demonstrate how adaptive reuse can deliver lasting community impact by pairing physical investment with human-centered programming and long-term commitment.

The Revolution Workshop Construction Training Headquarters is a strong candidate for the CBC Equity Champion Award because equity guided both the process and outcomes of the project. Revolution Workshop served as owner, developer, and general contractor, intentionally using the project as a platform to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within the construction industry.

More than 95 percent of subcontractors engaged on the project were Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, and the architect, Future Firm, is a certified minority- and women-owned firm. Achieving this level of participation required proactive outreach, close coordination, and flexibility—particularly within the constraints of a complex adaptive reuse project—and demonstrates that equity-centered procurement can be successfully executed at scale.

Equity is also embedded in the facility itself. The design supports individuals historically excluded from the trades through accessible circulation, gender-inclusive restrooms, wellness space, and amenities that prioritize dignity and belonging. As a construction training headquarters, the project models inclusive best practices for the very industry it serves, reinforcing the idea that equitable outcomes begin with equitable processes.

The Aux is a commercial hub of local, Black-owned businesses and organizations in the community dedicated to healing, wellness, and racial equity. The facility, which was co-created with the community, includes ten small business tenant spaces, five pop-up spaces for market vendors, five co-working spaces, offices and Zoom booths, outdoor gardens and green space, and a central gathering and programming space.

This was a renovated potato factory which repurposed building materials in order to minimize waste and reduce costs.

Some of the challenges with accomplishing this included multiple design revisions for the power to the building and being creative in order to succeed with using existing ComEd facilities. We did not experience and safety issues during this project.

The Aux was created from a vacant factory where vegetables were once processed into a high-quality community asset. By reactivating the dormant property and recycling building materials, when possible, the project is returning an unusable facility to productive use while maximizing the positive environmental impact of the renovated space. Some of the tenant spaces include, the laundry cafe, a private gym, movement studio and treatment rooms for physical therapy and massage.

The project team repurposed a building that wasn’t usable anymore. We accomplished this by using existing pieces and parts of the building wherever we could to minimize waste such as utilizing the existing ComEd facilities to minimize cost and time and also making modifications to minimize The Aux’s impact on stormwater runoff.

Some of the challenges with accomplishing this included multiple design revisions for the power to the building and being creative in order to succeed with using existing ComEd facilities.

During the duration of the project we had no safety incidences

The Aux was developed by a small group of community members driven to strengthen the community in partnership with a local nonprofit sponsor, The Growing Season, and Fix Development, which specializes in leveraging real estate projects as a tool for social change The Aux is a gathering space where people come to heal; it’s a reconnection of community. The hub includes several businesses that the developers want high school students to utilize.
“The name came from asking the question, what do Black people usually use to connect? And a friend of mine said music; we were in the car at the time, and it kind of reminded us of the auxiliary cord. And so the aux is short for auxiliary cord and it’s kind of a symbol of what we, as people, use to connect. This project is going to help tackle racial gaps in real estate, boost the local economy, build community wealth, and enhance community health”. – Tosha Wilson; Co-Developer

The Aux is a commercial hub of local, Black-owned businesses and organizations in the community dedicated to healing, wellness, and racial equity. The facility, which was co-created with the community, includes ten small business tenant spaces, five pop-up spaces for market vendors, five co-working spaces, offices and Zoom booths, outdoor gardens and green space, and a central gathering and programming space.

The Aux is a commercial hub of local, Black-owned businesses and organizations in the community dedicated to healing, wellness, and racial equity. The facility, which was co-created with the community, includes ten small business tenant spaces, five pop-up spaces for market vendors, five co-working spaces, offices and Zoom booths, outdoor gardens and green space, and a central gathering and programming space.