Xquina Incubator & Cafe

Nurturing Little Village’s economy through a dedicated business space

Location

Chicago IL

Little Village

Status

Construction

Size

13,000 SF

Client

The Little Village Chamber of Commerce, The Little Village Community Foundation

Contractor

Toro Construction

Type

Adaptive Reuse

Xquina Incubator & Cafe is a partnership-driven, commercial and cultural amenity aiming to enhance the livelihood of Little Village residents. Public and private capital will be invested to redevelop approximately 13,000 SF of commercial retail including a business incubator, co-working office, local cafe, and shared commercial kitchen.

The project will revitalize a corridor under pressure from macro and micro economic forces. Impact investment in real estate by a trusted Latino-led organization will provide a platform to help solve community economic and social equity issues. The business incubator specifically is designed to drive impact by providing an open, accessible, and inclusive learning environment through programming and coaching that is adaptable and culturally relevant.

The program will service current and emerging businesses, local workforce and artists, multimedia professionals, as well as local youth. Once built, Xquina aims to provide access to resources for an estimated 40 new businesses a year. It will actively engage with neighborhood stakeholders to produce thousands of hours of programming across relevant market verticals to leverage public and private economic development goals throughout Little Village.