| Englewood | |
|---|---|
| — Community area — | |
| Community Area 68 - Englewood | |
| Location within the city of Chicago | |
| Coordinates: | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Cook |
| City | Chicago |
| Neighborhoods |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 3.1 sq mi (8.00 km2) |
| Population (2000) | |
| • Total | 40,222 |
| • Density | 13,021.8/sq mi (5,027.8/km2) |
| population down 15.0% from 1990 | |
| Demographics | |
| • White | 0.44% |
| • Black | 97.8% |
| • Hispanic | 0.86% |
| • Asian | 0.07% |
| • Other | 0.79% |
| Time zone | CST (UTC-6) |
| • Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| ZIP Codes | part of 60621 |
| Median income | $18,955 |
| Source: U.S. Census, Record Information Services | |
Englewood, once known as "Junction Grove" [1], is one of the 77 official community areas of Chicago. At its height, over 97,000 people lived in its approximately 3 square miles [2], but the neighborhood's population has since dropped dramatically. In 2000, it had a population of approximately 40,000 inhabitants, and the 2010 census indicated that its population has further declined to approximately 30,000 [3]. Englewood is bordered by 55th Street on the north, 75th Street on the south, Racine Ave on the west, and State St on the east. Both the Red Line (Chicago Transit Authority) and Green Line (Chicago Transit Authority) run through Englewood, as does the Dan Ryan Expressway. It is located on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois.
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The original inhabitants of what is now Englewood were Mascouten Indians. The land was swampy. In 1840, Englewood was officially documented as habitable land to the United States Government Land Office in Chicago. In the 1850s and 1860s, as Chicago was becoming a city of railroad tracks and economic prosperity, Englewood was just another supporting neighborhood. But in 1871, when the Great Chicago Fire destroyed a large portion of Chicago, residents moved to the outskirts. Englewood's railroad connections to downtown Chicago made it a convenient location, and the neighborhood's population grew rapidly. Englewood Station once served many railroad passengers; at one point over 1,000 trains would pass through Englewood every day in 1889.
Englewood was the home of Dr. H. H. Holmes, one of the first publicized serial murderers in America. His hotel located at Wallace and 63rd streets was the scene of most of his crimes. His story is featured in the best selling book "Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson.
The Englewood community[4] was largely defined by the Englewood Shopping Center, (63rd & Halsted) a large pedestrian mall. The City, social services, and mall management worked with community leaders and groups to integrate the mall with the community. The goal was to make the mall a vital part of the community, and a central part of everyday life. It was the site of numerous community events, parades, outdoor concerts, live radio broadcasts and the like. This was spearheaded by the Englewood Business Men's Association and its Director, Richard Drew. Mr. Drew died in 1978, and with his passing the Association lost its community focus.
In 1999, this 30 year decline was finally addressed, when Mayor Richard M. Daley announced a $256 million revitalization plan for the area. The keystone of the program is the relocation of Kennedy-King College to the former site of the Englewood Shopping Center. Shortly thereafter the city began an aggressive buyout and relocation program for mall merchants. The campus includes the Washburne Culinary Institute.[5]
Groundbreaking for the new location occurred on November 9, 2005. This marked the end of an era for the community, and the beginning of what many hope will be a rebirth. The 40-acre (160,000 m2) campus opened in 2007.
The area is in dire need of improvement. The infrastructure is crumbling and there is a decided lack of medical care available. Crime is still among the highest in the country. The railroad junction at Englewood, where Metra (the former Rock Island) crosses Norfolk Southern (the former Pennsylvania) has long been a cause of delay. In March 2010 a $133 million reconstruction project was announced which will improve operations by replacing the diamond crossing between Metra and NS with a flyover for Metra. The project is expected to be completed in 2014.[6]
Since the 81 murders in Englewood, which took place between January and April, 1991, a small group of adults has stepped up to create a safe place for the youth in Englewood. The main goal for this center, named P.E.A.C.E. (People Educating Against Crime In Englewood), is to provide an intermediate place for kids ranging from 8 years of age to 18, focusing on preventing crime and drug abuse by occupying children's time with activities and a loving family-like atmosphere. A square meal is served each day to the children who attend (free of charge), with an emphasis on healthy eating habits. For some of the kids, this is the only full meal they will receive that day. While the PEACE center attempts to subvert crime, its facilities are lacking. With a full gym and theatre on the second level, PEACE has great potential, but the lack of community generated funds prevents the improvement efforts.
Chicago Public Schools operates public schools. Paul Robeson High School is in Englewood.[7][8]
The community is also home to the Urban Prep Academies Englewood Campus.[9]
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