Fillmore Center

In October 2024, CDF provided $7.5 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to North Lawndale Catalyst Initiative, an entity of the Steans Family Foundation (SFF), to support the redevelopment of a vacant 168,000-square-foot industrial building into a vibrant economic hub located at 4100 W. Fillmore Street in North Lawndale. CDF’s NMTC proceeds will specifically finance equipment for Fillmore Linen Services, a new 45,000-square-foot commercial laundry social enterprise that will anchor the project. Designed to support Chicago’s healthcare system, Fillmore Linen Services is part of SFF’s efforts to advance job creation and increase economic opportunity for North Lawndale residents. The remaining space in the building will be leased to various small local businesses including Southside Blooms, Kribi Coffee Air Roastery, CurlMix, and additional third-party tenants.

At full capacity, Fillmore Linen Services is expected to create more than 180 jobs, 100% of which will receive a living wage and benefits, including health insurance, retirement, and profit-sharing. Employees will also receive financial literacy and support services through external partners, covering topics from opening a bank account to home ownership programs. 100% of positions will be accessible without a four-year degree, and 93% of positions have no education requirement. Fillmore Linen Services will actively recruit low-income and hard-to-employ community residents for jobs at the Project through community partners including NLEN, Chicago CRED, CHICAT, Jane Addams Resource Corporation, and more.

In coordination with CDF’s financing, Cinnaire provided the project with $8.25 million in NMTC allocation and Dudley Ventures provided NMTC equity and an additional $6 million in NMTC allocation.