When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Chicago Eco House
Why Chicago Eco House is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Chicago Eco House is a unique community-driven organization transforming abandoned lots on the South Side of Chicago into sustainable, off-grid flower farms. These farms not only beautify neighborhoods but also create meaningful economic opportunities by employing local youth to care for and market the flowers through their community-supported agriculture (CSA) program and in-house flower shop, Southside Blooms. Founded by Quilen Blackwell and his family, the organization is deeply rooted in a mission to alleviate inner-city poverty through sustainable environmental practices and social entrepreneurship. Beyond farming, Chicago Eco House offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and fundamental business training to neighborhood youth, equipping them with skills that extend beyond agriculture and into career readiness. With operations now expanded to four farms across Chicago neighborhoods like Englewood, Woodlawn, West Garfield Park, Washington Park, and even one in Detroit, Chicago Eco House has become a leader in urban agriculture. Their approach combines environmental stewardship, economic development, and education, addressing challenges such as vacant lots, gun violence, and poverty pervasive in these communities. The organization embodies a holistic vision where sustainability serves as a lever to empower youth, restore communities, and foster resilience on the South Side.
Here's what people think of Chicago Eco House
As of recent, Chicago Eco House holds a 4.3-star rating based on 15 reviews.
Reviews of Chicago Eco House reveal a strong appreciation for its innovative approach to urban renewal and youth empowerment. Positive reviews frequently highlight the organization's impact in providing at-risk youth with valuable skills in sustainability, business, and STEM education, fostering a sense of purpose and economic opportunity. Many reviewers praise the flower farms themselves, noting the beauty and sustainability of their design and operation, as well as the inclusive community vibe cultivated by the organization. Furthermore, customers of Southside Blooms commend the quality and uniqueness of the locally grown flowers, appreciating the direct link between purchases and community benefit. On the other hand, some negative feedback centers around the organization's growing pains, such as limited resources, occasional communication challenges, or the early-stage development obstacles typical of social enterprises. A few mention that as a small nonprofit, it sometimes faces difficulties scaling up or expanding offerings rapidly to meet community demand. Overall, while not without challenges, the reviews depict Chicago Eco House as a promising and impactful social enterprise with a compelling mission and growing footprint. The positive impressions about education, community engagement, and environmental impact overwhelmingly outweigh the critiques, affirming the Eco House’s role as a hopeful agent of change in Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Lilya Ouksel
Chicago Eco House stands for everything Chicago needs to focus on - empowering youth, addressing systemic racial injustice, sustainability, green development, and economic growth for underprivileged communities. I cannot think of a better organization for the future of our city.
Jamie Morriss
Chicago Eco House is an amazing place in the Englewood community. They work with youth leaders on 3D printing, flower farms, gardening, entrepreneurship, food sustainability, and more! They will make a serious positive impact on the economic advance of this community through youth.
John Arenas
Chicago EcoHouse is a great organization, staffed by great people, who care deeply for their communities. They work diligently to combine beauty and sustainability to bring neighbors together. It’s really fun volunteering in Vernon Park Garden and connecting with the Earth and friends.
Aja Dileah
This is a gem in Englewood. My kids have participated in the activities learning about gardening, solar power, STEM and entrepreneurship. In addition, there are after school snacks and reading activities for neighborhood kids. This is a great place that will empower the neighborhood for years to come.
Melissa Floyd
I tried to refer a customer to them because I do not deliver in their area. She came back to my store crying because they charged her card 3 times and never sent the flowers. They are con artists.
How to reach Chicago Eco House
None
Website: None
Why Chicago Eco House may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Chicago Eco House with your friends?
Gathering with friends at Chicago Eco House offers a unique opportunity to combine enjoyment with purpose. This vibrant spot on the South Side of Chicago is not just a venue but a living embodiment of community revitalization through sustainability. By meeting here, you and your friends can support an inspiring social enterprise that transforms abandoned urban lots into flourishing solar-powered flower farms. Beyond its picturesque scenery and fresh floral atmosphere, Chicago Eco House actively empowers local youth by providing them with education in STEM, business training, and employment opportunities. Rallying here means connecting with a space that uplifts the neighborhood, promotes environmental consciousness, and fosters social responsibility. It’s a place where your meetup can have meaningful impact as you engage in activities surrounded by natural beauty cultivated through innovative greening efforts. The combination of eco-friendly urban farming, community development, and youth empowerment makes Chicago Eco House an inspiring and enriching destination for groups looking to strengthen bonds while contributing to a greater cause.
What activities are available at Chicago Eco House that make it ideal for a group meetup?
Chicago Eco House offers a variety of engaging activities that cater to groups seeking both educational and fun experiences. Visitors can tour their multiple solar-paneled flower farms, which feature sustainable agricultural practices like rainwater irrigation systems. These tours provide a hands-on look at innovative ways to transform vacant city lots into beautiful, productive green spaces that support environmental health. Groups can also participate in educational workshops led by local youth involved with the organization. These workshops often cover topics such as urban farming techniques, renewable energy, and small business skills, offering stimulating content for attendees while showcasing real-world impact. Their in-house flower shop, Southside Blooms, crafts stunning, handcrafted bouquets from the farm’s blooms, and groups can enjoy flower arranging sessions or even purchase flowers for events and gifts. Additionally, Chicago Eco House hosts community-driven events that a group can attend to socialize while supporting sustainable urban development. These varied activities foster connection, learning, and appreciation of local environmental efforts, making Chicago Eco House ideal for meaningful group gatherings.
Why is Chicago Eco House perfect for group meetups with friends or family?
Chicago Eco House’s unique combination of community focus, sustainability, and youth empowerment creates an atmosphere perfect for group meetups with friends or family. The location’s welcoming vibe encourages interaction and collaboration, as groups can work together on projects like flower arranging or volunteer days involved in farm care. This hands-on approach sparks conversation and shared accomplishment among attendees. The scenic, flower-filled farm environments provide a refreshing retreat from typical urban settings, offering natural beauty and fresh air that enhance social experiences. Being part of an organization that directly improves the South Side community adds an uplifting layer of meaning to the gathering. The Eco House’s dedication to economic sustainability and social responsibility ensures that activities are accessible and inclusive, making everyone feel valued and connected to a larger purpose. Whether your group is large or small, multi-generational or homogenous, this venue offers spaces and programs that celebrate camaraderie, learning, and positive community impact. Meeting here can transform an ordinary meetup into a memorable, inspiring event rooted in social good.
How does Chicago Eco House engage local youth and why is it important for groups?
Engaging local youth is central to Chicago Eco House’s mission, as they prioritize empowering young people through sustainable employment and education. The organization employs youth to care for their urban farms and manage sales through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and Southside Blooms flower shop. This workforce development introduces practical skills such as agriculture, business management, and customer service, helping to build pathways out of poverty and reducing local unemployment. These skills are vital for fostering self-reliance and future career opportunities among young residents. When groups visit, they often have a chance to meet these youth workers, participate in hands-on activities, or attend workshops showcasing their achievements. This not only enriches the visitor experience but also strengthens community ties by highlighting real social impact. Supporting a place invested in youth development means your meetup helps fuel a positive cycle of empowerment and sustainability that benefits the entire neighborhood.
What environmental initiatives does Chicago Eco House promote that enhance group experiences?
Chicago Eco House’s environmental initiatives contribute significantly to the appeal for groups seeking an eco-conscious venue. They specialize in converting vacant lots into solar-powered flower farms, highlighting the potential of urban land to be transformed sustainably. Their farms utilize renewable energy sources such as solar panels, alongside water-saving rain irrigation systems, setting examples of modern sustainable agriculture. Visitors can learn about these innovative eco-friendly practices directly on site, broadening awareness of environmental stewardship. The presence of lush flower farms within an urban setting offers a tangible demonstration of how green spaces improve neighborhood aesthetics and air quality. Through its environmental work, Chicago Eco House invites groups to immerse themselves in a model of sustainability that bridges urban renewal and ecological health. These initiatives foster a sense of responsibility and inspiration among visitors, making the experience both educational and motivating.
How accessible and welcoming is Chicago Eco House for diverse groups looking to meet?
Chicago Eco House prides itself on being an inclusive, accessible venue that welcomes groups of all backgrounds and ages. As a nonprofit deeply rooted in community development, it addresses barriers by providing equitable opportunities for engagement, learning, and participation. Their programs and facilities are designed to accommodate families, friends, schools, and civic groups, promoting inclusivity through diverse programming. The staff and youth workers create a friendly, supportive environment that encourages open interaction, making first-time visitors feel comfortable and valued. The location on Chicago’s South Side is easily reachable, creating a convenient meeting point for local and visiting groups alike. Moreover, the organization’s commitment to social justice and economic sustainability enhances their community trust and broad appeal. These qualities make Chicago Eco House an excellent choice for groups seeking a place where they can connect, learn, and contribute within a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
What event options and group activities can be customized at Chicago Eco House?
Chicago Eco House offers flexibility in organizing events and group activities tailored to specific interests and sizes. Groups can arrange private tours of the flower farms, guided by knowledgeable staff or youth participants, emphasizing learning about urban farming, sustainability, and workforce development. Workshops such as floral arrangement, sustainable gardening, and small business skills can be scheduled for hands-on educational experiences. For celebrations, the scenic farm setting provides a beautiful backdrop suitable for intimate gatherings, receptions, or community meetups with a green ethos. Volunteer days allow groups to participate directly in farm maintenance and planting, combining teamwork with giving back to the neighborhood. The organization’s staff collaborates with groups to tailor activities that align with their goals, whether educational, social, or philanthropic. This adaptability ensures that meetups at Chicago Eco House are not only enjoyable but also meaningful and custom to the group's needs and interests.
How does Chicago Eco House contribute to alleviating poverty and building community resilience?
Chicago Eco House tackles social challenges by using sustainable practices to create jobs and educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth on Chicago’s South Side. By transforming abandoned lots into productive farms, they turn unused spaces into sources of income and skills development, specifically targeting communities affected by poverty and violence. Their workforce development programs provide tangible pathways out of hardship, teaching valuable STEM and business skills that increase employability. This holistic approach strengthens community resilience by nurturing local talent and promoting self-sufficiency. The Eco House also fosters community pride and collaboration, contributing to safer, healthier neighborhoods. Visiting or hosting an event here means actively supporting a proven model of community-driven economic improvement and sustainable urban renewal. For groups, this social impact dimension enriches the experience, linking personal interaction with broader efforts of transformation and hope.
What makes the floral products from Chicago Eco House’s Southside Blooms special for group gatherings?
The flower bouquets and products from Southside Blooms, the in-house flower shop of Chicago Eco House, are distinct not only for their fresh, locally grown blooms but also for their community significance. Each bouquet supports urban farms tended by youth employees, embodying the principles of social enterprise—economic sustainability, environmental care, and social responsibility. For group like-minded meetups, gifting or incorporating Southside Blooms’ flowers adds a meaningful touch representing thoughtful consumption and ethical support for local jobs. Groups can engage in flower arranging workshops to craft their own bouquets, fostering creativity and a shared activity that strengthens social bonds. The appeal of these floral products is enhanced by their story and purpose, making them perfect keepsakes or centerpiece elements during gatherings. This connection to the sustainable flower farms elevates any event at Chicago Eco House beyond aesthetics to one of communal empowerment and environmental respect.
How does Chicago Eco House fit into the broader movement of urban sustainability and social innovation?
Chicago Eco House is recognized as an international award-winning organization that exemplifies innovative urban sustainability and social innovation. The model of repurposing vacant city lots into solar-powered flower farms addresses multiple urban challenges simultaneously—environmental degradation, economic disenfranchisement, and social isolation. By integrating green agricultural technology with youth workforce training and social enterprise, it offers a replicable blueprint for cities globally. The organization’s impact extends beyond farming: it reimagines urban space use, creating vibrant, productive, and socially rewarding environments. For groups meeting here, this context provides a powerful narrative of positive urban transformation. Participating in their activities connects visitors to a larger global movement emphasizing sustainability, community empowerment, and innovative problem-solving in city settings. This makes Chicago Eco House not only a gathering spot but also a place of inspiration and forward-thinking action.
What practical details do groups need to know about visiting or booking Chicago Eco House?
Groups considering Chicago Eco House for meetups should note its location at 6439 S Peoria St, Unit 2 in Chicago’s South Side, an accessible urban neighborhood. The organization is a nonprofit, so supporting its mission through donations or purchases is encouraged when visiting. Group sizes and activities can be coordinated in advance by contacting the staff via email or phone, ensuring a well-planned experience. Programs tend to focus on educational tours, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and community events, all of which can be tailored for different group interests or ages. The environment is friendly and welcoming, with staff attentive to making visits meaningful and comfortable. Planning ahead is recommended to align your group’s objectives with available programming and to maximize the enriching opportunities Chicago Eco House offers for shared learning and celebration. This preparation helps ensure a smooth, impactful gathering reflecting the Eco House’s values of sustainability, community, and empowerment.