Latest news with #BowaConstruction
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Editorial: Speak incautiously about race, Mr. Mayor, and you invite federal scrutiny
On Sunday, Mayor Brandon Johnson visited one of Chicago's megachurches, the Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn. The mayor sat down in front of the large South Side congregation for a discussion with the church's pastor, Dr. Byron Brazier. Speaking about economic development, Johnson talked of the resources and investments his administration has made in Black communities and businesses. He got to speaking about how Bowa Construction, a Black-owned company, had been awarded a contract to be the lead vendor on a cargo expansion project at O'Hare Airport. It was the first time in U.S. aviation history that a Black-owned contractor had won the lead on a major airport cargo expansion project, the mayor said. All well and good. And to be celebrated for sure. But then things got problematic. Very problematic. In the context of the Bowa contract, Johnson said, 'One thing I know for sure I have to do over these next two years: every single dime that our people have been robbed of, I'm going to make sure that is returned two-, three-fold.' Whether he meant it this way or not, the clear implication was that the Johnson administration would attempt to award as much business as possible to Black-owned firms over the rest of his term. Johnson surely knows that there are strict rules when it comes to city contracting. All but the smallest jobs must be competitively bid. The rules can get complex and there long have been worthy programs to help minority- and women-owned firms win city business. But the rules exist to ensure taxpayers get the best work possible at the lowest possible price and that bidders believe the process is fair and nondiscriminatory. So while activists are free to opine on whether minority contractors ought to be favored because of the city's past discriminatory patronage practices, a mayor simply shouldn't do so. If he does, he invites reactions from those empowered to investigate, such as the U.S. Department of Justice. In the same sit-down at the church, Johnson celebrated the many Black people who hold senior roles in his administration, listing their names one by one. That prompted Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon to fire off a letter to Johnson just a day after his Sunday appearance saying she'd authorized an investigation into whether his administration is violating federal civil rights law in its hiring practices. Johnson didn't help his cause when he prefaced that part of his discussion by saying, 'Our people hire our people,' not far removed from the infamous 'We don't want nobody nobody sent' phrase, tied to the Richard J. Daley machine. Dhillon mused in the letter about whether Johnson's administration was showing a pattern of favoring Black candidates in employment decisions. Vendors are a particular concern to us because of how much they impact taxpayers. Statements about 'making sure' favored firms get their piece of the pie — and then some ('two-, three-fold') — should impel more scrutiny of the administration's contracting practices. The notorious 'Shakman decree,' a federal court order imposed on the city decades ago and barring patronage hiring practices prevalent in the days of the first Mayor Daley, was lifted in 2014 — during the mayoralty of Rahm Emanuel, ironically a frequent verbal punching bag for the current mayor. It shouldn't be a tall order for this mayor — or future mayors — to avoid the kind of rhetoric inviting a redux of such legal oversight. Even if the administration hasn't put its thumb on the contracting scales in the way Johnson suggested Sunday, such reckless rhetoric could well discourage qualified companies from bothering to bid on future projects, to the disadvantage of taxpayers. Perception easily can become reality. Then there's the corrosive message the rest of the city is hearing in these remarks. As 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez, a frequent Johnson critic, noted, the reaction to Johnson's messaging 'validates the concerns many people have throughout the city of Chicago that this isn't a mayor for everyone.' Indeed. There are ways for Brandon Johnson to communicate his record to voters without exacerbating the ethnic divisions that long have stymied progress in this city. No, Chicago's record of racial discrimination is not confined strictly to the past. And too many neighborhoods held back by racist policies and practices by past powers-that-be still are feeling the effects. Plenty of folks of all races, creeds and colors realize that, and many have spent years trying to repair the damage. But our mayor is supposed to be the mayor of the city of Chicago, not just some of its neighborhoods. Johnson sounds like he doesn't mind if he's perceived as caring about only some Chicagoans and not all. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@
Chicago Tribune
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: Speak incautiously about race, Mr. Mayor, and you invite federal scrutiny
On Sunday, Mayor Brandon Johnson visited one of Chicago's megachurches, the Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn. The mayor sat down in front of the large South Side congregation for a discussion with the church's pastor, Dr. Byron Brazier. Speaking about economic development, Johnson talked of the resources and investments his administration has made in Black communities and businesses. He got to speaking about how Bowa Construction, a Black-owned company, had been awarded a contract to be the lead vendor on a cargo expansion project at O'Hare Airport. It was the first time in U.S. aviation history that a Black-owned contractor had won the lead on a major airport cargo expansion project, the mayor said. All well and good. And to be celebrated for sure. But then things got problematic. Very problematic. In the context of the Bowa contract, Johnson said, 'One thing I know for sure I have to do over these next two years: every single dime that our people have been robbed of, I'm going to make sure that is returned two-, three-fold.' Whether he meant it this way or not, the clear implication was that the Johnson administration would attempt to award as much business as possible to Black-owned firms over the rest of his term. Johnson surely knows that there are strict rules when it comes to city contracting. All but the smallest jobs must be competitively bid. The rules can get complex and there long have been worthy programs to help minority- and women-owned firms win city business. But the rules exist to ensure taxpayers get the best work possible at the lowest possible price that bidders believe the process is fair and nondiscriminatory. So while activists are free to opine on whether minority contractors ought to be favored because of the city's past discriminatory patronage practices, a mayor simply shouldn't do so. If he does, he invites reactions from those empowered to investigate, such as the U.S. Department of Justice. In the same sit-down at the church, Johnson celebrated the many Black people who hold senior roles in his administration, listing their names one by one. That prompted Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon to fire off a letter to Johnson just a day after his Sunday appearance saying she'd authorized an investigation into whether his administration is violating federal civil rights law in its hiring practices. Johnson didn't help his cause when he prefaced that part of his discussion by saying, 'Our people hire our people,' not far removed from the infamous 'We don't want nobody nobody sent' phrase, tied to the Richard J. Daley machine. Dhillon mused in the letter about whether Johnson's administration was showing a pattern of favoring Black candidates in employment decisions. Vendors are a particular concern to us because of how much they impact taxpayers. Statements about 'making sure' favored firms get their piece of the pie — and then some ('two-, three-fold') — should impel more scrutiny of the administration's contracting practices. The notorious 'Shakman decree,' a federal court order imposed on the city decades ago and barring patronage hiring practices prevalent in the days of the first Mayor Daley, was lifted in 2014 — during the mayoralty of Rahm Emanuel, ironically a frequent verbal punching bag for the current mayor. It shouldn't be a tall order for this mayor — or future mayors — to avoid the kind of rhetoric inviting a redux of such legal oversight. Even if the administration hasn't put its thumb on the contracting scales in the way Johnson suggested Sunday, such reckless rhetoric could well discourage qualified companies from bothering to bid on future projects, to the disadvantage of taxpayers. Perception easily can become reality. Then there's the corrosive message the rest of the city is hearing in these remarks. As 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez, a frequent Johnson critic, noted, the reaction to Johnson's messaging 'validates the concerns many people have throughout the city of Chicago that this isn't a mayor for everyone.' Indeed. There are ways for Brandon Johnson to communicate his record to voters without exacerbating the ethnic divisions that long have stymied progress in this city. No, Chicago's record of racial discrimination is not confined strictly to the past. And too many neighborhoods held back by racist policies and practices by past powers-that-be still are feeling the effects. Plenty of folks of all races, creeds and colors realize that, and many have spent years trying to repair the damage. But our mayor is supposed to be the mayor of the city of Chicago, not just some of its neighborhoods. Johnson sounds like he doesn't mind if he's perceived as caring about only some Chicagoans and not all.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$895M Development Project to Break Ground in Chicago's South Side
Woodlawn Central Moves Forward with New Joint Venture: Phase One to Break Ground with Community-Centric Vision WOODLAWN, IL / / March 4, 2025 / Woodlawn Central, a visionary $895 million mixed-use development at 63rd and Dorchester, is moving forward with a newly announced joint venture for Phase One. Phillip Beckham III and Juan Saldana of P3 Markets have joined the project as development partners, while Bowa Construction, led by Nosa Ehimwenman, has been named construction manager and community partner. Phase One of Woodlawn Central will include: A state-of-the-art hotel The restoration and repurposing of the historic Metra Head House 140 units of mixed-income premier residential housing This joint venture represents a pivotal milestone in bringing the vision for Woodlawn Central to life-a community-first development designed to foster economic opportunity, protect cultural heritage, and promote sustainable growth in the Woodlawn neighborhood. A Commitment to Community-Led Development Byron Brazier, Lead Developer of Woodlawn Central, emphasized the importance of aligning with partners who share the project's mission: "After extensive meetings and proposals, it was clear that P3 Markets and Bowa Construction embody the values of shared vision and respect for community development," said Brazier. "Phil, Juan, and Nosa bring the expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit necessary to make this transformative vision a reality." Self-Development Model Prioritizing Equity Unlike traditional developments, Woodlawn Central is being self-developed by ACOG Ventures, the LLC entity of the Apostolic Church of God (ACOG), to ensure that the community remains at the heart of the project. Dr. Byron T. Brazier, Senior Pastor of ACOG, reinforced this commitment: "After many disappointing conversations with traditional investors and developers, we are more determined than ever to ensure that this project serves the long-term stability of both the church and the community," said Dr. Brazier. "We refuse to support displacement in any form and remain steadfast in our mission to empower the residents of Woodlawn." Since its announcement in 2021, Woodlawn Central has stood as a model for equitable development in the Black community-proving that large-scale urban projects can be community-led while prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and cultural preservation. About the Partners Byron Brazier - Lead Developer of Woodlawn Central, ensuring that the project aligns with long-term community interests. P3 Markets - A mission-driven development firm, co-founded by Phillip Beckham III and Juan Saldana, specializing in projects that promote equitable economic growth. Bowa Construction - A premier general contractor and construction manager based in Chicago. Known for achieving industry "firsts" on major projects like The Row, a 43-story high-rise in Fulton Market, Bowa continues to set new standards for excellence and innovation in construction. What's Next for Woodlawn Central? Phase One of Woodlawn Central is set to break ground later this year, laying the foundation for a thriving hub of mixed-use living, commerce, and community engagement at 63rd and Dorchester. For more information, visit or info@ Media Contact: Name: Jacinta Gandy,Email: jacinta@ SOURCE: Woodlawn Central View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Associated Press
27-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Joint Venture Announced for $895 Million Woodlawn Central Mega-Project
Woodlawn Central, a transformative $895 million development at 63rd and Dorchester, is proud to announce the addition of Phillip Beckham III, Juan Saldana of P3 Markets as joint venture partners for the Phase One of the project. Woodlawn Central is also excited to announce Bowa Construction, led by Nosa Ehimwenman, as the construction manager and community partner. Phase One will include the development of a state-of-the-art hotel, the restoration and repurposing of the iconic Metra Head House, and 140 units of mixed-income premier residential Housing. This joint venture marks a monumental step forward in realizing the vision for Woodlawn Central—a community-focused development designed to create economic opportunities, preserve cultural integrity, and ensure sustainable growth in the Woodlawn neighborhood. J. Byron Brazier, the project's Lead Developer, has remained steadfast in his commitment to prioritizing the community throughout this process. 'After many meetings and proposals, it was clear that the team of P3 Markets and Bowa embodies the best example of shared vision and respect for the community development initiative,' said J. Byron Brazier. 'Phil, Juan, and Nosa have the right heart, mind, and experience to bring this massive vision to reality in a truly collaborative way.' A Commitment to Self-Development and Equity The project is being spearheaded by ACOG Ventures, the LLC entity of the Apostolic Church of God (ACOG), which decided to self-develop the project to ensure the community's needs are prioritized. Dr. Byron T. Brazier, Senior Pastor of ACOG, emphasized the importance of resisting displacement through gentrification and creating sustainable development for the residents of Woodlawn. 'After many disappointing conversations with traditional investors and developers, we are more committed than ever to ensuring that the church's efforts focus on the sustainability of the church and the stability of the community,' stated Dr. Brazier. 'We refuse to support displacement in any form and remain unwavering in our mission to preserve and empower the people of Woodlawn.' Since its announcement in late 2021, Woodlawn Central has been a beacon of hope for equitable development in the Black community. With J. Byron Brazier at the helm, the project is poised to demonstrate a new paradigm for community-led urban development, driven by collaboration, transparency, and a profound respect for cultural heritage. Quotes from Joint Venture Partners Phillip Beckham III, Co-Founder of P3 Markets, shared his enthusiasm: 'P3 Markets thrives on Public Private Partnerships and this catalytic project in the Historic Woodlawn neighborhood aligns with our mission as an Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) developer as well. We are humbled and honored to be a part of this historic development and to have such great partners to build with.' Nosa Ehimwenman, CEO of Bowa Construction, stated: 'I founded my business less than a mile from this development, as the business has grown our roots have remained in the South Side, where our main office is based. Being part of this community's growth has been incredible, and it's an honor to contribute to another impactful project that fuels economic progress.' About the Partners J. Byron Brazier: As the Lead Developer, Brazier has championed the Woodlawn Central vision from its inception, ensuring it aligns with the community's long-term Interests. P3 Markets: Led by Phillip Beckham III and Juan Saldana, P3 Markets is a mission-driven development firm specializing in community-focused projects that drive equitable economic growth. Bowa Construction: BOWA is a premier general contractor and construction manager based of Chicago. Known for breaking barriers and achieving industry 'firsts' on major construction projects, like the 43 story high-rise, The Row, is Fulton Market. BOWA has solidified its reputation as a leader in the field. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, they continue to deliver high-quality projects while prioritizing a community-first approach. What's Next for Woodlawn Central Phase One of Woodlawn Central will break ground later this year, laying the foundation for a development that will transform 63rd and Dorchester into a vibrant hub for mixed-use living, commerce, and community gathering. J. Byron Brazier 773-675-0162
