Goals

Erie Neighborhood House is launching its Floreciendo project to establish The Erie House La Villita Floreciendo Center—a new, intergenerational, youth-focused space serving families in Chicago’s Little Village. Rooted in community voices, the Center will be a vibrant, culturally affirming place that promotes healing, opportunity, and belonging, responding to long-standing needs and aspirations of residents.

The name Floreciendo, meaning “blooming” or “growing,” reflects its mission to support community growth. Conceptually, the Floreciendo building is wrapped in a tapestry of playful terra-cotta baguettes, like a rebozo or shawl, symbolic of Latino culture and multi-generational use. Interwoven indoor and outdoor recreational spaces on each level invite youth and adults to experience the building in their own unique way– for healing, play, learning, and more.

Results

The 22,000-square-foot, five-story Erie House La Villita Floreciendo Center will include a full-size gymnasium, flexible classrooms, an arts studio, private counseling and therapy offices, teen and tech lounges, a community kitchen, outdoor green spaces, a rooftop playground, and children’s gardens. Each space has been shaped by community input to ensure safety, accessibility, and a reflection of neighborhood identity.

The Erie House La Villita Floreciendo Center will be a place where families can access vital services, develop skills, and forge connections rooted in culture and community strength. It aims to foster resilience, promote mental health, provide educational opportunities, and support economic mobility, all within an environment that celebrates Little Village’s rich identity.

By creating a space built from community voices and designed for inclusivity, Erie Neighborhood House’s Floreciendo project envisions a future where residents have the resources and support they need to thrive. It represents more than infrastructure—it’s a step toward empowering families, honoring culture, and nurturing a resilient, connected neighborhood where everyone can flourish.