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The West Humboldt Park community

Tom Otto
Published: May 1, 2009

The West Humboldt Park neighborhood sits to the west of its namesake, the historic 207-acre Humboldt Park and to the east of beautiful Garfield Park.   Once home to immigrants of Eastern European descent, it is now a predominantly African American and Latino community.  West Humboldt Park comprises an area of approximately there and a half square miles only a few miles from the loop, easily assessable by highway and public transportation. 

 

Today West Humboldt Park is a community of change and one of great potential.  The main commercial district, Chicago Avenue, is the central business district comprised of a variety of small businesses.  Plans are currently underway for major streetscaping (spring and summer 2010) which will enhance the corridor and attract more business to the area. 

 

The community has very active community participation through block clubs and local task forces.  This has led to several community based successes including:

  • Development of a Community Land Trust to develop affordable single-family homes
  • Increased programming in area parks
  • Development of a healthy Community Initiative

 

Collaboration like this among residents and community organizations actively promotes the revitalization and preservation of the character of the West Humboldt Park community.

 

 

Keywords: community, community development, future, history

Posted in Community Development