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Chicago, IL

Acquiring and redeveloping a community shopping center to foster local ownership and economic growth.

• Community Shopping Centers: The company acquires and redevelops urban community shopping centers in partnership with local entrepreneurs and investors.
• Local Wealth Building: The initiative provides increased ownership opportunities for real estate assets to local residents.
• Support for Minority Businesses: The project offers opportunities for minority-owned businesses and local community employment.
• Scalable Model: Plans to expand investment opportunities to up to 12 service-oriented community shopping centers.
• Inclusive Ownership: The project is led by a Black-owned team, emphasizing inclusive economic development.

The Chicago TREND Corporation is raising funds to acquire and redevelop the Mount Vernon Plaza Shops in Columbus, Ohio. This initiative aims to transform the historic neighborhood retail hub, originally developed in 1978, into a vibrant community shopping center. The redevelopment plan includes major capital improvements, attracting a mix of national and local retailers, developing new retail pad sites, and constructing a 47-unit affordable housing building. The project is positioned amid significant nearby redevelopment and investment, with the goal of revitalizing the area and providing ownership opportunities to local residents.

The company has a track record of successful urban retail development and aims to support minority-owned businesses and local employment through this project. By inviting community members to invest as co-owners, the initiative seeks to foster inclusive economic development and encourage residents to engage with and benefit from the shopping center’s growth. The redevelopment of Mount Vernon Plaza Shops is part of a broader effort to create sustainable community-owned shopping centers that contribute to local wealth building and economic resilience.

Company Info

Mount Vernon Plaza acquires and redevelops urban shopping centers, promoting local ownership and minority business support.

Mount Vernon Plaza focuses on acquiring and redeveloping urban community shopping centers, particularly in historically underserved areas. The company aims to foster local wealth by providing ownership opportunities to community investors and supporting minority-owned businesses. By partnering with local entrepreneurs, Mount Vernon Plaza seeks to revitalize commercial spaces, enhance community engagement, and create employment opportunities.

The business strategy includes purchasing profitable shopping centers and implementing scalable investment opportunities across multiple locations. Mount Vernon Plaza emphasizes inclusive economic development, aiming to attract both national and local retailers while modernizing facilities. The company also plans to develop affordable housing and community amenities, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability for the neighborhoods it serves.