Last September, Fern Hill Company announced that architect David Adjaye would work as the lead designer for the redevelopment in Chicago. He will design buildings owned by Fern Hill and Moody Church, a non-denominational Christian church in the city’s north side. The overhaul will include two nearby gas stations, the Moody Church campus, a parking lot, a Walgreens, and a vacant grocery store space. 

A community engagement website launched in November received more than 1,400 comments on how the sites should be redeveloped. One consensus among local residents was the preservation and enhancement of the historical character of Wells Street, a major boulevard with retail, bars, and restaurants that cuts through the area. Another was to make it easier for people to connect to open public spaces. 

The next phase of community feedback asks locals to answer questions about each individual property regarding their community benefits and potential for new uses. Additional feedback through in-person and virtual meetings will occur over the next several months.