CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson joined City officials and community leaders to break ground on Western Works, a transformative four-building industrial campus on the South Side. The $100 million City-backed project is revitalizing a vacant 28-acre site, transforming the space into a modern hub designed to attract major economic investment and sustainable employment to the Brighton Park and Back of the Yards communities.
“This groundbreaking is a testament to what is possible when we prioritize investment which revitalizes of our communities,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. ”By transforming this shuttered site into a thriving, sustainable industrial campus we are advancing long-term economic opportunity on Chicago’s Southwest Side while delivering hundreds of new jobs and renewed economic vitality for our residents.“ 
City Council approved Ordinance O2025-0019967 in October 2025, authorizing the redevelopment of the site at 47th Street and Western Boulevard. The development replaces the former Wheatland Tubing warehouse facility, which closed in 2024, with 568,782 square feet of high-quality industrial space. The project is projected to generate over $30 million in real estate tax revenue over the next decade, with $6 million specifically earmarked for community reinvestment.
The development was made possible through a Cook County Class 6 incentive provided by the Department of Planning and Development. The incentive encourages the rehabilitation of abandoned properties by lowering the property tax assessment rate for a period of 12 years. This reduction is estimated to save $7.2 million in development costs.
“Western Works reflects our commitment to driving equitable economic development by partnering with developers to bring high-quality industrial projects to Chicago's neighborhoods,” said DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright. “This is a developer that is choosing to invest in Chicago because this project matters and supports our city's growth and economic vitality. By leveraging development incentives, we can reduce financial barriers, attract businesses, and create strong, accessible jobs for Chicagoans.”
The campus will feature four facilities ranging from 75,000 to 198,000 square feet, equipped with 87 dock doors and 635 parking stalls to support modern logistics and manufacturing needs. The project is expected to create 150 construction jobs and approximately 100 permanent, full-time positions upon completion.
Construction is slated for completion by late 2027.