Economic Development
Austin Wellness Center
“Realizing that communities are strengthened by striving economic and business development, WHA developed a bold vision for the Austin community — the Austin Wellness Center.”
In response to the growing need for a larger health center facility in Austin, in early 2000, the Westside Health Authority (WHA) developed the Austin Wellness Center, a $7.9 million, 28,000 square foot healthcare facility. In the process of development, WHA quickly learned that by serving as the developer it controlled the disbursement of the construction budget which would leverage economic opportunities for the local community. Committed to the mission of using local resources, the development served as a economic engine to create over 50 jobs, over 5 million in new contracts for local businesses, and revived commercial business along Chicago Avenue. The Center opened in July 2004, and with the new Chicago Public Library, serves as a catalyst for other economic development along the Chicago Avenue business corridor, including 3 new businesses and new facades on older buildings adjacent to the Center and a new Chicago Public Library.The project was initiated by Citizen Leaders who were frustrated with the lack of space and difficulty in getting appointments at the Austin Cook County Health Center (formerly located at 4909 W. Division St.). The plan seemed simple: build a larger health center. But it required tenacity and commitment from community residents to implement. Residents met the challenge and began fundraising by selling catfish dinners, participating in canister drives, and sponsoring events such as the "Millennium Men's Brunch" and the "Sweethearts Ball." Their efforts paid off as the Austin Wellness Center was opened to grand community reception in 2004. This was the first new building in Austin to be constructed in over 60 years..
This model is at the core of WHA’s strategy for economic development. Since 2004, WHA has developed 3 new buildings, created an additional $1 million in local spending, and placed over 35 employees with local contractors that worked on the improvements, repairs and maintenance to all of the properties. Many of the individuals employed are those who were recently released from prison and committed themselves to Community Service. .
To keep this mission and to meet the current needs for affordable housing as well as commercial opportunities, WHA seeks to spin off a development entity which will continue to seek development opportunities. .
Currently, we are seeking your support and assistance for our new proposed development of the Austin Wellness Center expansion project. The new development will be approximately 25,000 square foot facility expanding space for employments services, family aid, health, and affordable commercial space for local business/entrepreneurs to grow their business. .
Accomplishments:
- 57% of the construction contracts were awarded to African-American contractors; 37% were neighborhood-based.
- The Wellness Center is anchored by the Austin Cook County Health Center which provides quality primary care health services; and the Austin Community Kidney Center, an 18-station dialysis treatment center developed by Frensenius Dialysis Services.
- Contractors leveraged their work on the Austin Wellness Center to obtain larger construction contracts on other developments such as the new 15th district Chicago Police Department and a Chicago Public Library.
- WHA’s economic revitalization projects include a community development center at 5814-16 West Division Street.