Vacant Bronzeville Lot Transformed Into Community Gathering Space Offering Wide Variety of Programs

Arts & Entertainment

Vacant Bronzeville Lot Transformed Into Community Gathering Space Offering Wide Variety of Programs

Angel Idowu | August 7, 2024, 6:01 pm

A new community gathering space has officially opened its doors in Bronzeville.

Southside Sanctuary, which was built on what formerly was a vacant lot, opened Tuesday at 47th Street and Martin Luther King Drive. The concept was curated by Cecilia Cuff, co-owner of Bronzeville Winery, and her partner Jasmine Anwuli Michaels.

“For decades, community spaces that have been designed to foster connection, wellness, and economic opportunity have primarily existed on the North Side and downtown,” said Cuff in a news release. “The South Side Sanctuary – which was three years in the making – reflects the wants and needs of the Bronzeville community.”

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The 13,000-square-foot outdoor space was supported by $712,000 from the city’s Public Outdoor Plaza grants funded by the Department of Planning and Development.

The venue will work to serve the community through four pillars organizers believe are vital to strong community lead programming:

Integrative wellness works to incorporate outdoor accessibility through workshops, fitness activities and group therapy and is being led by the Haji Healing Salon.

Entrepreneurship and innovation will work to promote seller accessibility for local businesses via farmers markets, pop up shops and training. It will be led by Published Pebbles, Illinois Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Skate4Conrete and Revolution Workshop.

Arts and culture will work to amplify public art displays, host concerts in the park, offer dance performances and music education components. This pillar is led by FortuneHouse Art Center, DCASE and the MCA.

Sports and recreation will work to incorporate activities like skateboarding, rollerblading and group run clubs. Activities will be organized by Natty Bwoy Bikes and Boards and Black Girls Shred.

South Side Sanctuary opened in Bronzeville on Aug. 6, 2024. (WTTW News)

“In this Sanctuary, we believe that with a nurturing environment, a dedication to well-being, and genuine faith in each person's potential, the blossoming of human greatness isn’t just promised – it’s guaranteed,” said Anwuli Michaels.