After Two Years Of Work, Englewood Leaders Unveiling First ‘Buy The Block’ Renovated Home In Community Reveal

By Jamie Nesbitt Golden, Block Club Chicago  |  December 23rd, 2020   (Click here for Original Article)

Englewood neighbors can get a first look at a new house this weekend, the product of a community initiative seeking to help more residents become homeowners.

The virtual community reveal is 10:30 a.m.-noon Sunday.

The red brick two-flat at 6219 S. Bishop Ave. is a two-year-long “buy the block” renovation project spearheaded by the Englewood Development Group, a collective formed by R.A.G.E. Founder Asiaha Butler and E.G. Woode’s Deon Lucas.

Potential buyers would have to live in the home, which will go on the market for $199,000.

In addition to getting a first look at the house, attendees at the virtual event can learn the ins and outs of the home buying process and can ask questions about capital and lending.

Butler is cohosting the virtual unveiling with EXIT Strategy Realtor Cassandra Sneed. There’s still time to register. Englewood residents will be given first priority.

That Sunday’s event falls on the second day of Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia, is apropos, added Butler, as it took two years of grit and self-determination to complete the project.

“Sometimes, people have to see something to believe in it. I wanted to show that this is possible,” Butler said. “The community reveal is an opportunity to learn about the concept, that was really my brainchild, and for first time home buyers looking to take that first step.”

Butler and Lucas originally bought the property from the Cook County Land Bank for $10,000. Renovations cost about $140,000.