Planned Community to Bring Holistic Health Options, Jobs to Chicago's South Side

Spirits were high at the future site of Advocate Health Care’s newest medical practice, 901 E. 95th St., in Chicago, where nearly 200 Trinity United Church of Christ members, Advocate leaders and community supporters gathered Thursday, to celebrate the dawn of Imani Village, a new health-focused, mixed-use community.

The gathering served as the official dedication of 23 acres near 95th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue that promise to bring holistic health and wellness, new options for quality health care services and jobs to Southside residents. In addition to food, networking and a performance by the Chicago Boys Acrobatics Team, the late afternoon event included a brief prayer service and a traditional African ritual for honoring ancestors.

Later this month, Trinity United Church of Christ and its development arm, Trinity 95th and Cottage Grove Planned Community Development, LLC, will begin construction of the planned residential and commercial development. Once completed, Imani Village will offer housing, a fitness center, a healthy food/public market and more.

“Imani Village represents a long-term commitment to living out our liberation theology in tangible ways. Initially we will focus on wellness for community residents who will be able to take advantage of conveniently located healthcare services provided by Advocate. Next, our efforts will expand to treating our community using a holistic system that includes urban farms, recreational and athletic programming and structures built using sustainable “green” construction methods,” says Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, senior pastor, Trinity UCC.
Advocate will help bring this health-focused community to fruition by financially supporting an 11,000 square-foot “green” physician office, where Advocate Medical Group physicians will provide health care services.

“Our investment in opening an Advocate Medical Group practice at this location is fueled by Advocate’s commitment to reducing and addressing the disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke in the surrounding community by offering increased access to primary care services for wellness and prevention. We couldn’t be more excited about this collaboration and the impact we stand to make on the health and overall well-being of our Southside neighbors,” says Terika Richardson, president, Advocate Trinity Hospital.

In addition to easier access to premier doctors and health services, the Advocate Medical Group practice will also infuse short-term construction jobs and permanent administrative positions into a community struggling with high unemployment.

Doors of the physician office are expected to open in April 2018.