$15M investment bringing new youth centers to communities on Chicago's West Side

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago city leaders are pumping millions of dollars into two community centers that will serve West Side residents, especially the youth.

The Lohengrin Foundation announced Wednesday in the Loop that two organizations will receive $15 million to building youth centers.

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The foundation said $10 million will go to Lawndale Christian Development Corporation for a sports training facility.

"We want to create a place year round all the time great coaches great mentors family support as well as the athletes," said Richard Townsell with Lawndale Christian Development Corporation. "That's why this is a dream come true for us."

And $5 million will go to Erie Neighborhood House for a gymnasium and training space.

"After school we'll be able to provide those services summer full day and so we are really looking to9 amplify that and double our impact," said Cristiana De La Rosa with Erie Neighborhood House.

The centers will be in neighboring communities, North Lawndale and Little Village.

"A mission of identifying and selecting a partner that would help us bring to life a youth and community center that would help reduce violence and help bridge communities," said Mark Rodriguez with the Lohengrin Foundation.

According to the U.S. Census, about 29.8% of North Lawndale's population is people 19 and younger, and South Lawndale, which includes Little Village, is about 23.5%. Overall, the city's youth population is 21%.

The organizations' leaders say these West Side centers will be critical to keeping kids safer from violence.

"There are very few spaces where they feel like they can go after school," De La Rosa said. "That space is limited outdoor, and green space in the neighborhood is limited, so having the gym is going to be critical for us."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once moved into North Lawndale to draw attention to poor housing conditions. Fast forward decades later, Lawndale Christian is adding investment, housing and now an investment in young people.

"We are going to be doing other development retail development on 16th Street, right where Dr. King lived, so I think he would be very proud," Townsell said.

Youth centers are also expected to serve as community centers. The centers are scheduled to be completed in two to five years.