AUSTIN — The Soul City Corridor is poised to transform into one of the region’s premier Black business districts following its new state cultural designation and the recent completion of a major streetscape project along Chicago Avenue.
This corridor, stretching from Cicero Avenue to Austin Boulevard, has now received the significant cultural district designation from the state, which facilitates access to state funding and varied economic development opportunities.
Moreover, the new designation has expanded the Soul City Corridor’s boundaries to include areas between Madison and Division streets along with Chicago Avenue, broadening its potential for businesses and community activities.
Leaders from the Austin African American Business Networking Association, which was pivotal in establishing the Soul City Corridor in 2019 and overseeing the cultural district, express optimism about the new designation and streetscape enhancements. They anticipate these changes will not only generate further opportunities for local businesses but also attract more customers to the area.
Malcom Crawford, the executive director of the association, emphasized that the designation allows for a broader vision. “When you look at all of these pieces, now you can just say it’s not part of just one street, but now we can start looking at an entertainment corridor versus a historic corridor and what we want the corridor to be,” he stated.
Cultural districts can apply for up to $3 million in state funds, which can be utilized for various local needs and programs designed to foster economic growth while preserving the community’s cultural identity, as outlined by the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Crawford contends that the cultural district status will facilitate new developments and initiatives throughout the Soul City Corridor. Recent plans for a Soul City gateway arch, which have faced previous delays, may gain momentum thanks to this new status.
Furthermore, there is hope that this designation could lead to the introduction of new programs and events in Austin. Events like the Austin P.O.W.E.R. 5K, the association’s It’s Getting Chili In Soul City cookoff, and local blues festivals set a strong foundation for future community gatherings.
The recent overhauling of Chicago Avenue, initiated in 2022 by the Chicago Department of Transportation, aims to revitalize this commercial corridor. The $8.7 million project has improved pedestrian access and included features such as wider sidewalks, better bike lanes, street resurfacing, curb extensions, and landscaping enhancements. The project was officially completed in May.
Future phases of the renovation are planned, specifically between Central and Laramie avenues, ensuring continued improvement of the area. Mayor Brandon Johnson applauded these efforts, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between the city and its residents. “The Soul City Corridor is becoming a reflection of the Austin community’s pride and potential,” he commented. “These infrastructure improvements create opportunity, support small businesses and build a stronger West Side for future generations.”
Marshawn Feltus, who recently opened the A.C.T Yoga Studio in Austin, has been an active participant in the Austin African American Business Networking Association for over five years. Observing the success of North and South side businesses at West Side events, particularly the Austin P.O.W.E.R. 5K, has driven his desire to explore how similar exposure can benefit his business.
Despite the learning curve associated with being a part of a cultural district, local business owners share a collective anticipation for boosted visibility and patronage. Feltus expressed a hopeful vision: “I would love to see all businesses flourish. I would love to see, especially, the business corridors in the district become more frequented, more people patronizing, more cultural connections.”
He stressed the importance of creating both human and monetary capital to enable various endeavors aimed at engaging younger generations.
Looking ahead, Crawford has ambitious aspirations for the Soul City Corridor, envisioning its success serving as a model for similar predominantly Black-owned business districts in other major cities.
“Just like Chinatowns, we want to create a model that can be used in other places, where when you get to New Orleans or Detroit, you can go to a Soul City,” he remarked.
As the Soul City Corridor develops, it promises to not only uplift the local economy but also enhance community pride and cultural heritage within the Austin neighborhood.
image source from：blockclubchicago
