The Englewood Agro-Eco District is a pioneering initiative aimed at creating more housing, fresh food production, and improved public parks is anchored by Englewood Nature Trial, a two-mile linear park that repurposes a vacated rail corridor into a naturalized space for residents to enjoy.

The first of its kind in the nation, the Englewood Agro-Eco District will transform vacant lots into an urban agriculture zone and green space. This meansimprovements to the environment and the local economy by attracting industry and entrepreneurs back to this unique corridor that sits between two of the nation’s largest railroads.

Grow Greater Englewood and Chicago Department of Planning and Development reimagines how to repurpose the land surrounding the proposed $82.8 million Englewood Nature Trail.

Developers building projects within the Englewood Agro-Eco District must agree to a Community Repair Compact.

As part of the mixed-use component of the plan, an $8.8 million Throop St. Cluster Environmental Remediation project will transform city-owned land near the nature trail into businesses such as restaurants, food education facilities and mixed-use buildings

The compact — created through multiple conversations with thousands of neighbors — ensures residents can continue to affordably live in Englewood and benefit from the economic impact that follows the multi-million dollar project.

Grow Greater Englewood launched a Community Control School this year to give neighbors the tools to advocate for economic development, land ownership, environmental justice, and quality housing in the community.

Also, Urban Growers Collective’s renewable energy and urban farm campus in Auburn Gresham was one of two projects to receive the $10 million Chicago Prize in 2020.


Grow Greater Englewood is a 501(c)(3) social enterprise that works with residents and developers to create sustainable local food economies, green businesses, and land sovereignty to empower residents to create wellness and wealth.


Resource: Atavia Reed, Block Club Chicago reporter covering the Englewood, Auburn Gresham and Chatham neighborhoods.