Envisioning a new master plan for the Bethel New Life community

On the West Side of Chicago, Bethel New Life was formed in response to the devastation and disinvestment that followed the civil rights riots of the late 1960s. The Bethel New Life Mildred Wiley Wellness Hub (MWWH) is inspired by the life and work of Mildred Wiley, an Austin community leader and activist who was dedicated to improving the quality of life for those around her. Bethel New Life has been in the business of creating social impact and community change for more than four decades and continues that work with the forthcoming Wellness Hub. Through community engagement, programming and responsive design, the MWWH will serve as a beacon of community investment and revitalization.

A New Plan for Bethel New Life

Proposed master plan. Graphic by WJW Architects.

Through a series of (virtual) community meetings and design charrette’s, the design team presented elements and features on interactive display boards. Residents and community members were able to vote in-person and online to add their voices to the project.

To engage the community, raised planters were built as a phase 0.5 to ignite the resident’s investment in the green space.

Community Ignited

The raised planters and programs with Windy City Harvest were a popular attraction amongst residents and the local day care.

Perspective view

New Horticenter Building and Community Courtyard (bottom & left). Graphics by WJW Architects.