Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago

The Chicago Fire Department vacated this early 20th-century firehouse at South Hamlin and Ogden Avenues upon the completion of a new fire station at 399 West 16th Street. Sold in 2006 to a partnership between Lawndale Community Church and the House Covenant Church, and converted through pro bono design services from AAG Architects, the historic site reopened as the Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago, an expansion of a series of hip-hop services for young adults started in 2003 by Pastor Phil Jackson. The Firehouse now offers “multidisciplinary cultural arts programming, mentorship, leadership and workforce development” year-round, centered on the interruption and prevention of violence.