CHICAGO— Today, MayorBrandonJohnson, Ald. David Moore and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development celebrated the reopening of The Mat, a renovated laundromat at 7152 S.
Halsted St. in Englewood.
The project was supported by a $250,000 Community Development Grant as part of the Johnsonadministration’s broader efforts to direct resources to historically disinvested communities.
“When a community has gone without investment, the impact stretches to the things residents encounter and interact with every day, including which basic amenities are available in their neighborhood,” said MayorBrandonJohnson. “Our administration is working to change that by directing public resources where they are most needed in order to fill those gaps, support local business owners, and bring vacant properties back to life.
The Mat is one example of that work happening right here in Englewood and I want to congratulate the new operators and wish them continued success.”
The Mat offers self-service laundry machines and professional cleaning services in a one-story commercial building that had stood vacant for more than a decade.
The property was purchased in 2023 by William Jackson, who completed a new roof as well as HVAC, electrical and plumbing system upgrades with support from the $250,000 grant.
Total project costs were approximately $340,000.
“Given the lack of traditional financing for projects like this, Community Development Grants help to turn bright ideas into sustainable neighborhood improvements,” saidDPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright.
Through Community Development Grants, DPD provides funding for business projects that contribute to neighborhood growth and expand economic opportunities for residents.
The grants fund up to 75% of a project’s eligible expenses, with a maximum grant amount of $250,000.
Larger grant amounts are subject to additional guidelines.
“Having a laundromat nearby makes a difference in the day-to-day lives of families, and for too long, that has been missing in this part of Englewood,” said Ald. David Moore. “The Mat answers a practical need for our residents and adds another neighborhood business along Halsted Street.
I’m glad to see these doors open and this service available to our community again.”
More than a dozen recently completed or planned Englewood projects have utilized DPD funding, representing more than $20 million in total project costs.
For more information on the Community Development Grant program, visit Chicago.gov/CDG.