Located in the Greater Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago, the Green Era Campus began with the remediation of contaminated soil on a 9-acre brownfield site in order to support the construction of a 35,000-square-foot facility to house an anaerobic digester system. Now, we’re launching the second phase of development: vibrant community spaces to educate, enrich, and empower Auburn Gresham and the city as a whole.
Carlos Nelson, Chief Executive Officer Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation
At the heart of Green Era is an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility, which will create renewable energy and nutrient-dense compost from food waste sourced from mission-aligned partnerships with local municipal agencies, local restaurants, food companies and manufacturers, and residents.
Learn moreUrban Growers Collective is working with Upside Down Consulting to design and implement a worker cooperative model for finished compost distribution among partners.
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Supported by the compost created by the AD, our urban farm will provide access to healthy, affordable, fresh produce and give the community opportunities to learn about nutrition and growing food. The Campus will feature technology-accessible greenhouse space and edible landscape elements that are projected to grow thousands of pounds of nutritionally dense food year-round, providing additional food security and access in the community.
Learn moreSelling affordable fresh produce and plants grown on our very own urban farm, our Retail Store and Nursery will serve as a destination for learning, gathering, and food access for an estimated 2,000 people per year.
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The onsite Community Education Center will offer workshops and trainings across a variety of topics led by community practitioners to educate and engage participants both virtually and in-person.The Green Era Campus will become the home base of Urban Growers Collective’s organization and will serve as a central hub for engagement within both the South and West Sides and citywide.
Learn moreGreen Era is a direct expression of Chicago’s motto Urbs in Horto—city in a garden—creating lush urban green space and supporting the vibrancy and diverse expressions of urban agriculture. In addition to the anaerobic digester and urban farm, the Green Era Campus will include:
We have big plans, and we’re just getting started. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the progress of Green Era. We’ll have exclusive updates and previews before our Grand Opening in 2022.