City Club of Chicago – Meet the Chicago Prize Finalists: Four Plans Worthy of Millions

June 11, 2025

City Club event description:

Hear how four community leaders plan to use the $10 million Chicago Prize to advance economic opportunity in their neighborhoods: Bronzeville, North Lawndale, Back of the Yards, Chicago Lawn, Roseland and Pullman.

The Cottage Grove Corridor Collective aims to bring commercial activity to the growing Bronzeville neighborhood. Reclaiming Chicago wants to build 2,000 homes across four neighborhoods. In North Lawndale, they are focusing on increasing social and entrepreneurship opportunities that will encourage residents and visitors to spend money in the community. Renaissance 95 is building on a comprehensive community  plan that includes a thin-tech manufacturing facility, affordable homes, a health center, and a hotel.

The Chicago Prize was founded on the belief that community leaders on Chicago’s South and West sides are best positioned to envision and build positive change in their communities. Each of the projects is eligible for the full $10 million Chicago Prize  award or a $650,000 matching fund grant to advance their development.

City Club video

Featuring:
Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor
Ayesha Jaco, Executive Director, West Side United
Kareeshma Ali, Director of Community Investment, Pritzker Traubert Foundation

The Four Chicago Prize Finalists:

• The Cottage Grove Corridor Collective\
• Renaissance 95
• Reclaiming Chicago Initiative
• Energizing an Ecosystem for North Lawndale