4 projects, including Cottage Grove Collective's, vying for 'Chicago Prize' from Pritzker Traubert Foundation: $10M over 5 years
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Four projects aim to bring business and investment into communities of color.

One of them will get a $10 million prize.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

A building on Cottage Grove Avenue and 43rd Street has seen better days.

But some want to make it part of a thriving Bronzeville business community.

It’s among the spaces that the Cottage Grove Collective hopes to make ready for retailers and services.

A vacant lot at 1000 E. 43rd St. would be space for several businesses, under the Collective’s plan.

“We must transform the empty lots and abandoned buildings into retail areas where people can come together,” stated Rhonda McFarland of the Cottage Grove Collective and Quad Communities Development Corporation.

The Collective is among four finalists for the “Chicago Prize”: $10 million over five years from the Pritzker Traubert Foundation.

On Wednesday, the four presented their projects at City Club of Chicago.

“In several underfunded areas, this initiative is crucial for providing residents a chance to achieve economic progress and for the community to build generational wealth,” explained Kareeshma Ali from the Pritzker Traubert Foundation.

In Bronzeville, the Collective aims to create more local opportunities for residents to access necessities, ensuring that money circulates within the community rather than being spent outside.

“We are looking to reduce that retail leakage that we know leaves our community. We are looking to increase our tax base; some of those tax dollars come directly to our corridor’s special programming,” McFarland said.

The winner of the $10 million prize will be announced in the fall. The remaining finalist will also have access to matching funds, with the goal to bring more to the communities they serve.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Tyler Robinson, the defendant in Charlie Kirk's shooting death, asks judge to disqualify prosecutors

Tyler Robinson Seeks Judge’s Intervention to Remove Prosecutors in Charlie Kirk Shooting Case

A Utah man, charged with the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk,…
'We'd try anything': Iowa couple's fertility success story sparks heartwarming tradition

From Desperation to Celebration: Iowa Couple’s Fertility Journey Inspires a Heartwarming Annual Tradition

For Lauren and Jon Phillips, the journey to parenthood was a challenging…
Ohio dentist murders gun match a ‘big problem’ for surgeon ex: Defense attorney

Ohio Dentist Murder Case: Forensic Gun Evidence Poses Major Challenge for Surgeon Ex-Partner

A gun retrieved from Michael McKee’s property in Illinois has been preliminarily…
Homan Vows to Expose Lefty Agitators: Reveals New Plan to 'Make Them Famous'

Tom Homan’s Bold Strategy: Unmasking Left-Wing Agitators with a Viral ‘Fame’ Campaign

Tom Homan, the White House Border Czar, has issued a stark warning…
Top Iran prayer leader who dubbed protesters 'Trump's soldiers' calls for executions amid ongoing unrest

Iran’s Leading Cleric Labels Protesters as ‘Trump’s Soldiers,’ Advocates for Executions Amid Continued Unrest

An Iranian cleric has ignited controversy by advocating for the execution of…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Virginia nanny's story, dentist murders charges, Barry Morphew's plea

Unveiling the Virginia Nanny’s Tale, Dentist Murder Indictments, and Barry Morphew’s Latest Court Move in True Crime News

In the Fairfax County Circuit Court on January 14, 2026, Brendan Banfield…
Berwyn police officer accused in DUI crash at Des Plaines Avenue and Country Club Lane, North Riverside police officials say

Local Berwyn Officer Involved in Alleged DUI Incident at North Riverside Intersection: Police Report

A Berwyn police officer is facing serious allegations after reportedly driving under…
Michael Rapaport under fire for ‘homophobic’ comment about Colton Underwood

Michael Rapaport Sparks Controversy with Remarks on Colton Underwood: A Deep Dive into the Backlash

Michael Rapaport is catching heat after making what many viewers believed to…
Wes Moore: Working with ICE to Do Arrests in Jail Will 'Make the Situation Worse'

Wes Moore Warns: Collaborating with ICE in Jails Could Escalate Challenges

During a recent episode of CNN’s “The Source,” Maryland Governor Wes Moore…
Adam Beckerink, Chicago attorney charged with murdering wife Caitlin Tracey in South Loop high-rise ordered detained pending trial

Chicago Lawyer Adam Beckerink Detained: Shocking Charges in South Loop High-Rise Murder Case

A Chicago lawyer is now in custody as he awaits trial on…
DOJ: California man found with missing Jacksonville child in 2023 sentenced to prison

California Man Sentenced for Involvement with Missing Jacksonville Child Found in 2023

In a recent court decision, Gyasi Wallace, a 33-year-old from California, received…
Smiling anti-ICE agitator accused of punching Florida trooper as DeSantis asserts, 'This is not Minneapolis'

Florida Showdown: Anti-ICE Activist Faces Charges for Assaulting Trooper Amid DeSantis’ Firm Stance Against Unrest

A protester opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida found…