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
Video shows gunman ‘lying in wait’ to ambush businessman outside estate as police hunt shooter: prosecutor

Prosecutor Highlights Chilling Footage of Gunman Ambushing Businessman Outside Estate as Police Intensify Search for Suspect

Macomb County, Michigan, is currently on high alert as authorities intensify their…
Chinese USC grad student accused of drugging, raping multiple women

USC Graduate Student from China Charged with Alleged Drugging and Assault of Multiple Women

A Chinese doctoral student in the United States has been charged with…
Evacuees detail harrowing scenes of flooding in coastal Alaska villages as airlift continues

Alaska Coastal Villages Face Devastating Floods: Evacuees Share Harrowing Survival Stories Amid Ongoing Airlift Operations

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — It felt like an earthquake had hit as…
OceanGate Titan submersible damaged on multiple dives before catastrophic implosion, NTSB report finds

NTSB Report Reveals Repeated Damage to OceanGate Titan Submersible Prior to Tragic Implosion

A damning new investigation into the Titan submersible tragedy, which claimed the…
Cuomo and Sliwa aim to blunt Mamdani's momentum in first NYC mayoral debate

Cuomo and Sliwa Take on Mamdani in High-Stakes NYC Mayoral Debate Showdown

NEW YORK (AP) — Anticipation builds as New York City prepares for…
Putnam County sex offender convicted of capital sexual battery, sentenced to life in prison

Putnam County Justice: Life Sentence for Convicted Capital Sexual Battery Offender

In Palatka, Florida, a man from Putnam County, Lawrence Lacourse, has been…
44,000 NordicTrack rowing machines recalled after reports of fires

Massive Recall: NordicTrack Rowing Machines Pulled from Market Due to Fire Hazard Concerns

A widespread recall has been announced for tens of thousands of NordicTrack…
Israeli hostages reunited with families in emotional moments

Fox News Unveils ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Uncovering the Profound and Lasting Impact on Hostages

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter is your source for the latest stories…
US police warn against 'AI Homeless Man' prank

Police Issue Warning Over ‘AI Homeless Man’ Prank Trend

Law enforcement agencies nationwide are encountering a surge in prank calls involving…
Owner faces $25K repair bill after teens allegedly drove stolen car into store

Teens Allegedly Crash Stolen Car Into Store, Leaving Owner with $25K Repair Bill

A dramatic incident early Sunday morning left a Northside furniture store severely…
Smucker sues Trader Joe's, saying its new PB&J sandwiches are too similar to Uncrustables

Smucker Takes Legal Action Against Trader Joe’s Over PB&J Sandwich Dispute

The J.M. Smucker Co., renowned for its iconic Uncrustables, has taken legal…
WATCH: Food order mix-up triggers brawl at burger joint, leading to seven arrests

Burger Brawl Chaos: Food Mix-Up Sparks Violent Clash and Seven Arrests at Local Diner

A chaotic brawl erupted inside a Texas burger restaurant, culminating in seven…