West Siders weigh in on 1901 Project investment, plus the past and future of their neighborhood

Chicago’s West Side was once a bustling neighborhood and economic hub for the city’s working class. That all changed after white flight, and riots following the assasination of Martin Luther King, Jr. drove people and dollars from the area.

Decades of disinvestment led to an increase in widespread poverty, health disparities, and also left residents without basic resources like grocery stores.

In recent years, the area is experiencing a bit of a renaissance with investments into health facilities, education and even more recent 1901 Project, the largest private investment in the neighborhood’s history.

Following In the Loop’s interview with Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz, West Side residents weigh in on the 1901 Project, and their hopes for the future of their community.

GUESTS: Marie Henderson, owner Out of The Past Records

Brian Ellison, board president, Garfield Park Community Council

Ayesha Jaco, executive director, West Side United