Located at 63rd and Racine Ave. in Englewood, the project marks the first phase of the ‘Go Green on Racine’ master plan to revitalize a neighborhood severely challenged by long-term systemic disinvestment. This adaptive reuse of a 1906 two-story masonry building, despite its structural issues and fire damage, serves as a symbol of resilience amidst neighborhood decline.
Many low-income neighborhoods lack access to healthy groceries, often relying on corner stores with limited fresh food options. The Fresh Market rethinks the traditional urban corner store, offering locally sourced produce and chef-prepared meals.
Serving around 6,000 residents within a 10-minutewalk, it provides a dignified, safe, and prideful source of fresh food and community connection.
Unlike traditional corner stores with high shelving and extensive security cameras, taller items are placed along the walls, promoting open sightlines and face-to-face interaction. Inside, West African fabrics were used to develop a color palette, signaling this isn’t a generic high-end grocery; it is by and for Englewood.
Additional Images
General Contractor: UJAMMA Construction Inc.
Structural Engineer: Enspect Engineering
MEP/FP Engineer: dbHMS
Civil Engineer: Terra Engineering
Lighting Consultant: Lux Populi
Kitchen Consultant: TriMark
Photography: Tom Harris Architectural Photography