The Chicago Department of Planning and Development has officially chosen the winning proposal for the highly anticipated Request for Qualifications (RFQ) at 3811 W Madison Street in West Garfield Park. Following the initial unveiling of the finalists in late 2023, the chosen project, named Westgate, has been selected with minor modifications, signaling a significant step forward for development along West Madison Street.
Led by a collaborative team including Citizens Building a Better Community, TruDelta, East Lake Management, and Project Forward, the Westgate development promises a dynamic architectural presence. The design, a creation of Latent Design and Valerio Dewalt Train, features a distinctive arrangement of offset boxes, offering a modern aesthetic to this prominent location on West Madison Street. Strategically positioned across from the expansive Garfield Park, the 1.8-acre site, formerly occupied by a grocery store, is now poised for revitalization.
Site plan of 3811 West Madison Street, West Garfield Park, Chicago, the location for the Westgate development project.
The updated Westgate design maintains core elements of the original concept but has been refined to a five-story structure featuring 55 affordable residential units. This adjustment from the initially proposed nine stories and 72 units reflects a revised vision for the project. A welcoming plaza is planned for the northeast corner of the site, serving as an entry point to a small restaurant space and several retail units, enhancing the pedestrian experience along West Madison Street.
Architectural rendering showcasing the Westgate development at West Madison Street, designed by Latent Design and Valerio Dewalt Train.
A key feature of the Westgate development is the inclusion of a 10,400-square-foot grocery store, set to occupy the western end of the building. This addition addresses a crucial need within the community and aims to provide convenient access to fresh food options for residents of West Garfield Park and the surrounding West Madison Street area. Parking provisions include 72 spaces located at the rear of the building, shared by residents and visitors. The building’s façade will incorporate brick cladding, punctuated by striking lantern-like cubes adorned with metal patterns inspired by African textiles, adding a unique visual element to West Madison Street.
Detailed rendering of the Westgate project on West Madison Street, featuring its brick facade and lantern-like metal accents.
Earlier iterations of the Westgate plans included a rooftop play park and incubator live/work units, but details regarding these features remain unclear following the redesign. Alongside the reduction in building size, the project’s budget has been adjusted from $78 million to $45.3 million. Funding for the Westgate development will be sourced through a combination of $20 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF), $690,000 from Neighborhood Opportunity Funds, and additional tax credits, among other sources.
While a definitive timeline for construction is not yet available, the Westgate project will now proceed through the necessary city approval processes. This development promises to be a significant addition to West Madison Street and West Garfield Park, bringing much-needed affordable housing and community amenities to the area.
