A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday for a new housing complex and retail space in Englewood.
"Thrive Englewood" is a six-story building with lofts and retail space. It's located at West 62nd Street and South Sangamon Street.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A Chicago engineering student and working mom of two just moved in to her new place on Friday.
Resident Sarah Hawkins is among the dozens of new residents of Thrive Englewood a residential and retail building that is affordable housing for most of the residents.
"Right now I'm trying to get settled and figure out my next move while the kids are in school I'm in school and just figure everything out, but it's giving me the opportunity to explore more options," Hawkins said.
Wednesday was the official opening of Thrive Englewood, a building that some from Englewood say is an example of changing the narrative of the Chicago neighborhood.
Former Ald. Shirley Coleman recalls waking up to a national headlines.
"The title was murder capital of the world," Coleman said. "To see things turn around over 30 years later just brings me joy."
Now with her daughter as alderperson, investments and residents coming back, Coleman says she is gratified.
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"In communities like Englewood, where we have made these investments, building more affordable homes, investing in our young people, expanding mental and behavioral health care services, violent crime continues to go down," Mayor Johnson said.
Leon Walker's mother grew up in Englewood. His company DL3 brought the Englewood Plaza next door, and now Thrive Englewood.
"We can come back this is a bedroom community for residents to live in and if Chicago is going to thrive we have to bring back and create communities of first choice our it neighborhoods of last resort," Walker said.
Tammie Hargrove lives across the street. As someone who experienced homelessness, she wants to see more opportunity for people to get on level ground.
"It put a smile on my heart," Hargrove said. "It's a beautiful building it's what we need."
Residents acknowledged there are still challenges and a need to make residents feel safer. But for now, they see the progress and hope more families can find their footing in Englewood.