Woodlawn

The South Side neighborhood of Woodlawn has been the target of city sponsored revitalization projects intended to improve schools, infrastructure, and economic growth. Woodlawn is south of Hyde Park, delineated by 60th Street, Midway Plaisance Park, 67th Street, Cottage Grove, Stoney Island Avenue, and Jackson Park.

At one time the turf of the Black P Stone Rangers, Chicago’s most prolific gang, the community has taken great strides in ridding its streets of crime and making the district safe. Occupants have voted to make certain parts of Woodlawn ‘dry’ in an attempt to close the liquor stores that were hubs for drug trafficking, prostitution, and under-age drinking. As the stores closed, crime in the area decreased. By reducing illegal activity, Woodlawn is encouraging new businesses and new people to enter the area. A number of new homes that cost around $300,000 have been built, though the average sale price of property in Woodlawn is $140,000.

Woodlawn’s next task is improving schools and education in the area and raising test scores and improving students’ performance. Woodlawn is poised to return itself to its former level of prosperity.