BUILD Headquarters

BUILD is a leading violence prevention, gang intervention, and youth development organization on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, they have embedded mentors in schools and neighborhoods to find youth who need support, offering counseling, case management and opportunities for fun and creativity. In 2011, BUILD acquired the former Shore Bank building. It quickly became a makeshift youth center, hosting programs in music, art, podcasting, sports, mental health and more. By 2018, BUILD was meeting with architecture firm LBBA to plan an expansion, and by 2023 BUILD's new Austin campus was open to the community. The 60,000 sq foot structure includes a gymnasium and fitness lab, youth lounges, a host of art and makers studios, reservable community workspaces, tech labs, and public café Momentum Coffee. Outside you'll find a half-acre urban farm and outdoor classroom, a chicken coop, playfields, and a peace garden around a firepit - all creating a sense of welcome, healing, and hands-on learning. The building’s exterior also features two vibrant murals by Chicago artist Dwight White.