Englewood Emerald — SEEK Design + Architecture

Englewood
Emerald

Location: Englewood, Chicago, Illinois
Year: 2025
Size: 52,000 sq ft
Status: Under Development
Category: Commercial, Hospitality, Adaptive Reuse
Services: Architecture, Interiors

Located at the corner of W. 69th Street and Emerald Avenue, this three-story landmark began as the South Side Swedish Lodge and most recently operated as the El Gigante Ballroom before closing in 2023. In partnership with the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce and E.G. Woode, the building is now being reimagined as The Emerald—a vibrant community anchor and the first phase of a larger innovation hub planned for the area.

The 52,000-square-foot structure is being revived through a balance of restoration and transformation. The long-dormant ground floor storefronts will reopen as a food hall, retail pop-up spaces, and offices for the Chamber of Commerce. Above, the grand ballroom—paired with a new bar and gathering space—will once again host community celebrations, proms, and performances. The third floor will serve the next generation with a dedicated teen and youth center. These programs represent only a portion of the potential uses of the building once renewed.

At the core of the design is the vision of the building as a jewel for the community. A new identity is expressed through patina copper finishes, whose luminous green tones evoke the name Emerald, which symbolizes rebirth, hope, growth, and prosperity. Each space has been carefully crafted to embody this spirit—bridging history and future, honoring what was and creating opportunities for what’s next.

Photo courtesy of Block Club Chicago

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