1700 Jobs To Hit Pullman Area
On Sept. 19 representatives from U.S. Bank, along with state and city officials, broke ground on an economic development project in Pullman Park which has been in the works for at least two years. Fifty- two acres of land formally occupied by the Ryerson Steel Company plant, at 1000 E. 111th, will be transformed into a supercenter providing area residents access to groceries, basic retail goods and services. The development will create 1000 permanent and 700 construction jobs.
In addition, a $ 4.6 million grant was announced by the State of Illinois to make road and infrastructure improvements on Woodlawn/ Doty Ave between 103rd and 106th streets which is near the soon to be shopping center.
This funding will help Pullman Park make much needed repairs to flood-damaged roads and water mains. Projects like these build on our commitment to restoring communities, putting people to work and paving the way for future economic growth, said Governor Pat Quinn in a press release issued by U.S. Bank.
This is a great day for the Pullman and Roseland communities, said 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale said. My ward has been hit by unemployment, and when complete, this development is expected to provide up to 1,700 jobs for area residents.
Walmart, the nations largest retailer, has signed on as the sites first anchor tenant and will build a 148,000 square foot store complete with a full service grocery department, general merchandise, pharmacy and a garden center.
Although the identities of future businesses in that area are unknown, we hope Walmart will draw other businesses to the area. said Lisa H. Clark, U.S. Banks spokesperson.
The financing assistance by U.S. Bank will provide to the Chicago Neighborhoods Initiatives (CNI), 40,000 square feet of land along 111th and the Bishop Ford Expressway.
There is a bright day ahead because housing developments will come, a youth recreation center, detention ponds and parks. said Clark.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel who attended the ground breaking ceremony stated in a press release,
I am committed to creating an environment in Chicago where residents can live, work, raise families and thrive. U.S. Banks partnership will help to rebuild our infrastructure, revitalize our neighborhoods and bring jobs to hard working residents of Chicago.
The complete buildup of 111th street will take time, but the end result should be worth the wait because residents of Pullman Park and neighboring communities will travel shorter distances to access daily necessities.
The town of Pullman was established in 1880 by George M. Pullman, president of Pullmans Palace Car Company. He chose to make a community for his workers that had employee housing, shops, park land and other public facilities. In 1897 Pullman died and later the Illinois Supreme court required the company to sell the town which eventually became part of the city of Chicago. The Pullman factory shut down in the 1980s and the property was used by the Ryerson Steel Company for metal fabrication until 2008.
Sources: www.pullmanil.org, press releases
By: Abbra Stiffend
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