Every block, every building, and every space at Woodlawn Central is crafted with intention. This is a development that centers the community, fuels economic opportunity, and fosters cultural expression.
Woodlawn Central is an 8.5-acre, mixed-use district designed to bring new opportunities in housing, business, and culture to Chicago’s South Side. Located at 63rd Street and Cottage Grove, steps from the CTA Green Line, this development prioritizes community, creativity, and long-term sustainability.
Vertical Greenhouse: ~530,000 cubic feet
All development program calculations are approximate and subject to change.
Total Developable Area: 8 acres
Total Development Program: 1.25 million gross square feet
Residential: ~870 dwelling units
Includes workforce housing, market rate, luxury, senior housing, and theater lofts
Commercial: Office and ground floor retail: ~215,000 gross sq. ft.
Hotel: ~154 rooms
Metra: Transit head house: ~15,000 gross sq. ft.
Performance Venue: Black Box Theater: ~21,500 gross sq. ft.
Microgrid Energy Facility: ~13,000 gross sq. ft. facility footprint
Apostolic Church of God Parking Structure: Shared use parking facility that consolidates existing Apostolic Church of God's off-street parking spaces into one multi-level structure
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Podium Parking Structure
Block A ("Legacy & Landscape")
Residental: 605 dwelling units
Office & Retail: 47,000 gross sq. ft.
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Ground Floor Retail: 16,000 gross sq. ft.
Block B ("Office")
Office: 110,000 gross sq. ft.
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Ground Floor Retail: 22,500 gross sq. ft.
Block C ("Integrated Station")
Podium Parking Structure
Residential: 48 dwelling units
Hotel: 154 guest rooms
Metra Headhouse: 15,000 gross sq. ft.
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District Energy Facility: 13,000 sq. ft. footprint
Block D ("Microgrid")
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Block E ("Black Box Theater")
Performance Venue: 22,500 gross sq. ft.
Includes 180-200 seat theater and two 20-seat smaller theaters
Tuck-under Parking
Residential Theater Lofts: 40 dwelling units
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Block G ("Mixed-use Vertical Greenhouse")
Vertical Greenhouse: 530,000 cubic feet
Residential: 56 dwelling units
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Block F + H ("Shared Parking Structure")
Residential: 38 dwelling units
Consolidated Parking for the Apostolic Church of God Parking and shared adjacent residential and retail uses.
Rooftop Urban Agriculture
Ground Floor Retail: 12,500 gross sq. ft.
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Block I ("Legacy Extension")
Residential: 80 dwelling units
Parking Structure
Ground Floor Retail: 7,000 gross sq. ft.
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Senior Pastor,
Apostolic Church of God
Visionary Leader & Community Builder
Project Executive, Woodlawn Central
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Co-Founder, P3 Markets
President & CEO, Bowa Construction
Woodlawn Central is the product of legacy, leadership, and a fierce commitment to community. The development team brings together family, faith, and forward-thinking partnerships—all working to ensure Woodlawn grows on its own terms.
Though he is no longer with us, Bishop Arthur M. Brazier’s legacy is the spiritual and strategic foundation of Woodlawn Central. As a civil rights leader, urban advocate, and former pastor of the Apostolic Church of God, Bishop Brazier spent decades working to dismantle systems of poverty and disinvestment on the South Side. His belief in self-determination, equitable growth, and faith-based leadership continues to guide this project. Woodlawn Central stands on the shoulders of his vision.
Carrying his father’s mission forward, Dr. Byron T. Brazier has been the driving force behind Woodlawn Central. As Senior Pastor of ACOG, he envisioned a development model that doesn’t displace—but empowers. His bold decision for the church to self-develop the land ensures this project remains rooted in the community’s needs, not outside interests.
As the founder of ACOG Ventures and Project Executive, J. Byron Brazier represents the next generation of leadership. With a background in tech and strategic planning, he’s focused on building not just buildings—but long-term systems for neighborhood stability, creativity, and opportunity. His lived experience in Woodlawn brings both passion and precision to the work.
Phillip Beckham’s deep experience in public-private partnerships and equitable transit-oriented development makes him a critical player in this project. His work with P3 Markets centers community ownership and long-term value creation—helping ensure that local residents and businesses have a real stake in the future of Woodlawn.
Nosa Ehimwenman built Bowa Construction from the ground up, right here on the South Side. Today, his award-winning firm is known for high-quality execution and strong workforce development practices. As a South Side native, he brings unmatched care and accountability to a project that is deeply personal.
Woodlawn Central offers 870 residential units, creating space for artists, entrepreneurs, and families alike. Theater lofts, modern apartments, and multigenerational housing provide options for those looking to build a future in Woodlawn. With walkable streets, nearby green spaces, and transit access, this is a place designed for people who want to live where things are happening.
Woodlawn Central will be home to a 21,500-square-foot Black Box Theater, providing a space for performances, film screenings, and cultural events. The district will also feature public art, murals, and creative installations that reflect the neighborhood’s identity. With performance venues and dedicated spaces for artistic expression, this is a place where culture and creativity are part of daily life.
The district includes 215,000 square feet of retail and office space, supporting local businesses, startups, and creative workspaces. Whether opening a storefront, launching a brand, or collaborating in a co-working space, Woodlawn Central is built to support entrepreneurs and business owners who want to grow within the community. A 154-room hotel will add hospitality options, while festival streets and public plazas create spaces for markets, pop-ups, and events.
A 15,000-square-foot Metra transit head house will improve public transportation access, making it easier to connect to the rest of Chicago. A multi-level shared parking structure will consolidate parking for the Apostolic Church of God and the surrounding community.
A 530,000-cubic-foot vertical greenhouse will bring urban agriculture to the district, supporting local food access and sustainability initiatives. A 13,000-square-foot microgrid energy facility will provide clean, reliable power. Woodlawn Central is designed to be walkable, energy-efficient, and future-ready.