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 met with architecture firm Landon Bone Baker (LBBA) to plan an expansion. The newly constructed section includes a gymnasium and fitness lab, youth lounges, a host of art and makers studios, reservable community workspaces, administrative offices, and public café, Momentum Coffee. Outside, an outdoor classroom, playfields, kitchen garden, chicken coop, and peace garden create a sense of welcome, healing, and hands-on learning. The building’s exterior also features a vibrant mural by Chicago artist Dwight White.

Explore Art in BUILD Community Use your own camera phone to become part of a photo wall designed and constructed by West Side BUILD youth! See the art team work with the tools and laser cutters of the Makers Lab to bring their next creation to life -and talk with youth and teachers about their work.

Paint the City Artist Collective Exhibition Our 1st floor Art Gallery will feature an exhibition of artists and work from the Paint the City community art collective. Founded in 2020, Paint the City involves over 60 artists from 13 neighborhoods, working together to transform communities through inspiring works of art that support the equality of all people and illustrate how BLACK LIVES MATTER. As a valued partner of BUILD, we are honored to highlight their tremendous creativity.

View the Solar Eclipse with NASA's Interstellar Mapping (IMAP) Team Safely watch Saturday morning's partial solar eclipse outside on the BUILD campus grounds with specialized glasses, filters, and explanations for the whole family! All courtesy of guest astrophysicists and experts, currently building NASA's next interstellar mapping probe (IMAP) to map the boundaries of our solar system.

Visitors will be greeted by BUILD staff and volunteers in the lobby, handed a map of the campus and invited to walk themselves around the building and gardens. Staff will be available for questions and mini-talks. Additionally, the Momentum Coffee Cafe will be open.

Lastly, a free collaborative art project and installation invites all visitors to participate, which is 10 am - 3 pm on Saturday and 1 - 3 pm on Sunday.