Chicago: Johnson Administration Officials Cut Ribbon on Austin HOPE Center, Expanding Access to Pediatric Care and Community Resources on the West Side

CHICAGO — Today, Johnson administration leaders joined representatives Stone Community Development Corporation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI), Wintrust Bank, and Thresholds to cut the ribbon on the Austin HOPE Center. Located in the heart of the Austin community at 5036 W Chicago Ave., the City-backed project brings pediatric specialty care, behavioral health services, and neighborhood-centered programming together under one roof at a state-of-the-art community hub designed with and for Austin families.

"Strong neighborhoods are built upon access to quality health care, places for young people to learn and grow, and resources that support families at every stage of life," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "The Austin HOPE Center brings those pieces together under one roof, making it easier for West Side families to access the care and support they need. This center represents the kind of long-term investment that strengthens communities, creates new possibilities for young people and families, and reflects our commitment to making sure Chicago's neighborhoods have a real voice in shaping their future."

The Austin HOPE Center was one of the first developments to benefit from support made available by Mayor Johnson's $1.25B Housing and Economic Development (HED) Bond. In addition to $5 million in HED funds provided by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the project also received a $12 million NMTC allocation from the Chicago Development Fund.

"This is an investment in Chicago's most precious resource: it's children and young people," said DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright. "The center is an instant anchor for community health and wellness that will resonate for generations."

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Austin HOPE Center counteracts years of disinvestment within West Side communities, promoting health equity while filling critical gaps in Chicago's health infrastructure. The center will offer pediatric health services including mental and behavioral health care, adolescent medicine, cardiology, developmental and behavioral pediatrics, gastroenterology, hematology, nephrology, pulmonary medicine, weight management and wellness, and autism care

"Projects like this are exactly why our administration championed the $1.25B Housing and Economic Development Bond—bringing critical investment to neighborhoods that have been historically underserved, strengthening community assets, and creating new opportunities for Chicagoans," said Deputy Mayor for Business, Neighborhood, and Economic Development Max Budovitch. "The Austin HOPE Center demonstrates what's possible when public investment is paired with strong community partnerships and a shared vision for the future."

The HOPE Center, focused on Healing, Opportunity, Partnerships and Equity (HOPE), was named with help from youth at KIPP Elementary school and other youth from the Austin community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the completion of years of sustained partnership and engagement with residents, youth, and community-based organizations.

"The Austin HOPE Center is the result of what is possible when trusted community organizations come together with institutions to invest in our neighborhoods," said Pastor Contrell Jenkins, CEO of Stone Community Development Corporation. "Together with our partners and government and philanthropic supporters, we've created a place that belongs to Austin—one that will support children, families and future generations for years to come."

The nearly 25,000 square foot facility will house an outpatient Lurie Children's location where patients can access pediatric specialty and behavioral health services, reducing barriers to care while expanding access to nationally recognized pediatric expertise.

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"The Austin HOPE Center represents a new model for how health systems can partner with communities to improve child health," said Thomas Shanley, MD, President & CEO of Lurie Children's. "This center was shaped by the voices of Austin residents every step of the way. Together, we've created a place where children and families can access exceptional pediatric care alongside programs and resources that support their overall health and future success."

Beyond healthcare, the center will serve as a flexible community space for youth development, health education, workforce training and neighborhood programming, reflecting the priorities identified by Austin residents throughout the planning and design process.

It will offer a teen lounge designed by youth for youth and an early childhood room for parents and babies to work with maternal and infant health experts. Lurie Children's and other community partners will use the facility to deliver programs that strengthen families, promote wellness and create new opportunities for neighborhood residents.

"CNI is proud to be among the community partners creating the Austin HOPE Center because it creates additional opportunities and ensures that long-overdue access to healthcare is no longer a barrier to building healthy lives and a vital community," said David Doig, President, CNI.

The development is located within the Soul City Corridor, a stretch of Chicago Avenue in Austin which the Johnson administration has led a comprehensive effort to revitalize through targeted, community-driven investments in infrastructure and streetscape improvements.

The Austin HOPE Center compliments nearby investments in the health and well-being of West Side communities, including the Sankofa Village Wellness Center in West Garfield Park. The Johnson administration contributed $7 million to support the community health hub at 4305 W. Madison St. which has begun providing primary medical, dental, behavioral, reproductive, substance abuse, and HIV prevention care to 6,000 patients annually.

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