On July 17, the Chicago Plan Commission gave the first approval for a $41 million expansion project of XS Tennis Village. The proposed mixed-use development in Washington Park includes affordable living units, a 125-room hotel, and ground-floor retail spaces.
Highlights
- A new mixed-use development is being planned as part of the expansion of XS Tennis Village in Washington Park.
- The proposal by XS Tennis and Education Foundation includes living units, a hotel, and retail spaces.
- As of now, the Chicago Plan Commission has given the first approval for the million-dollar project.
XS Tennis Village’s Expansion Plans Get the First Approval
The latest mixed-use project has been proposed by the minority-owned tennis organization, XS Tennis and Education Foundation. The project recently received initial approval for its planned expansion of XS Tennis Village. Through the living units and hotel, the developer plans to assist Chicago’s young tennis athletes.
The tennis facility launched in Washington Park in 2018. It replaced the former Robert Taylor Homes, previously operated by the Chicago Housing Authority. Located at 5256–5338 S. State St., the facility features 27 courts and offers rental programs and training opportunities for young athletes.
The current expansion project is around the facility at 5301 S. State St. According to the 3rd Ward Ald. Pat Dowell, the proposed land in Washington Park was empty for nearly 30 years. According to property records, Kamau Murray’s LLC purchased the site in a private sale for $512,000 last March. Murray is XS Tennis Village’s president and CEO as well.
Multi-Use Project Planned for Washington Park
The latest expansion project of Washington Park’s tennis facility proposes 51 apartments. The building would include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments. Plans also include a second-floor roof deck and amenity room for residents. Murray added that the housing building would have a ground-floor retail space.
Of the 51 apartments, 50 would be designated as affordable housing for Washington Park residents. Most units would be available to households earning up to 60% of the area’s median income.
Apart from the living units, the expansion project would offer a $25 million hotel. The tennis facility signed a franchise agreement with Hyatt for it. If approved, the 125-room hotel in Washington Park can open its doors by December 2027.
Murray also plans to reserve the ground-floor retail space for a Black-owned business. The five-story residential building and six-story hotel under the XS Tennis Village expansion project would be built as two separate buildings. Murray said both buildings would feature light gray brick with terra cotta accents, matching nearby architecture. This would match the design of buildings based north of the tennis facility.
Developer Hopeful of Complementing the Success of XS Village
Murray shared his thoughts on adding to the success of XS Village with the new expansion project. He believes the proposed hotel could help Chicago’s young players by offering a place to stay when hosting tournaments at Washington Park.
He noted the hotel could especially support Black tennis players who face challenges traveling to national tournaments.
Opposition From Wabash Avenue Residents
Many Wabash Avenue residents have expressed concerns regarding the impacts of the construction of the proposed expansion project. This is mainly due to the hotel’s closeness to the Beasley Academic Center.
Other residents, like Cecilia Butler, who is the president of the Washington Park Residents Advisory Council, felt ignored as a community.
Ald. Dowell is among the local leaders who support the expansion in Washington Park. She particularly referenced two hotels in the ward with proximity to schools, which never demonstrated safety issues.
If approved, the project could play a key role in revitalizing Washington Park.
