Herban Produce – NOF Feature Project in East Garfield Park

 

Company Profile

Herban Produce is a commercial scale urban farm in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood. On land that was once vacant, now exists a farm consisting of a 4,000 square foot greenhouse and 17,000 square feet of outdoor raised beds. All of their 80+ varieties of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers are grown using organic practices.

Initially, Herban’s products were only sold directly to local Chicago restaurants. Now, they have expanded into also providing fresh produce to individuals and families through their MarketBox Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Grant Impact

Herban Produce was awarded a $215,000 Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant. Their project included the new construction of greenhouses and gardens on previously vacant lots. Additionally, the grant covered the renovation of an existing building to create The Coop, an on-site event space to host weddings, parties, workshops, and more.

Per Herban Produce’s website:

“We pride ourselves on just not being another urban farm, but a self-sustaining agricultural enterprise that employs residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, provides specialty greens to local upscale restaurants, educates our youth through internships, and cultivates community through special events.”

Eligible project costs covered by the grant included interior demolition and buildout, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system improvements, window and door replacement, exterior masonry work, exterior site and fencing construction, and general contractor fees.

Herban Produce is Open for Business:

Herban Produce is open and serving customers. Visit https://www.herbanproduce.com to learn about their food offerings and reserve the event space.

Learn More About the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund

The City of Chicago Neighborhood Opportunity Fund generates revenue from downtown developments to finance permanent building improvements for small businesses and nonprofits. Administered by SomerCor, NOF grants are for commercial property acquisition, improvement or new construction and can range up to $250,000. 

The NOF application period is open now through September 24, 2021. If you have a vision to strengthen the commercial corridors in Chicago’s South, Southwest and West Sides, click here to learn more about the program.