In a move that promises to transform Greater Grand Crossing's economic landscape, a new $20 million tech training center is slated to open by late 2024. Funded in part by a significant $5 million grant from the Chicago Recovery Plan, Xchange Chicago will take over the former Food and Paper Supply Company building at 7247 S. South Chicago Ave., promising to bring a much-needed workforce development hub to the South Side.
With the initiative, Xchange Chicago — birthed by the Comer Education Campus — is set to bring unparalleled opportunities to a community with its development. Featuring career training and jobs in burgeoning tech industries like cybersecurity and software engineering, the center's establishment is attracting notable attention for its potential impact. "It’s important that communities like ours on the South Side of Chicago have access to high-quality, new economy jobs," Greg Mooney, president and executive director of the Comer Science and Education Foundation, told Block Club Chicago in a feature about the announcement. Mooney expressed optimism despite early skepticism, noting the "strong interest, demand, and outstanding talent that is right in the heart of the South Side."
The center's plans include full-time apprenticeships allowing locals to gain on-the-job experience while earning. A workforce of about 100 is expected at the outset, with aspirations to triple that number within five years. "Neighbors can participate in training programs ranging from cybersecurity to software engineering," according to the Block Club Chicago report. Community partners such as CHAMPS Male Mentoring and Ring of Hope are lending support towards the hub's realization.
Leaders are anticipating an "economic impact of approximately $70 million" in the local community, as stated by Mooney in the same interview. The nonprofit, aiming to capture the essence of Greater Grand Crossing's motto "Greater together," is keenly recruiting locals for numerous positions. The project is buoyed by key grants including a substantial $500,000 from the We Rise Together initiative, aligning with their pursuit to revive the heart of the South Side.
Danny Friedman, co-owner of the Food and Paper Supply Company, relayed excitement about the transition, believing it to signal "an outstanding next chapter for South Chicago Avenue" as highlighted in a statement obtained by the Mayor's social media account. The renovation project was fast-tracked after the nonprofit was contacted regarding the sale of the building, previously unattainable, thus eliminating the former plan to construct on a vacant lot.
A $5 million Chicago Recovery Plan Grant helped get this monumental project across the finish line, and Xchange Chicago is developing Greater Grand Grossing’s South Chicago Ave. Corridor into a landmark location, which will help the South Side thrive!https://t.co/Konj3X7AB2
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) January 9, 2024
The financial backing from the city's recovery grant has proven pivotal. Mooney emphasized that without it, the "project would have likely stalled out by now." Xchange Chicago's foundation solidifies, its supporters, including local business and tech leaders joining through P33 collaboration, look forward to the future of innovation and opportunity in Greater Grand Crossing. As Mooney hopes, the South Side is poised to become synonymous with talent and technological advancement, rivaling the prominence of areas like Fulton Market.
