Artists Book House Receives Community Development Grant from the City of Chicago!

We have a lot of news to share with you! We are pleased to announce that Artists Book House has been selected to receive a Community Development Grant from the City of Chicago in the amount of $249,032.03 for the renovation of the roof, facade, and back wall of our building. As one of ten recipients out of 167 applicants, we are honored to have been awarded this grant, which will facilitate the renovation of our building into Chicago’s dedicated book arts hub and contribute to the revitalization of the commercial corridor along Irving Park Road.

On March 31, 2025, founder Audrey Niffenegger and board president Ken Gerleve met with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to present a brief overview of ABH and the renovation project submitted for the Chicago Community Development Grant to the Department of Planning and Development. The organization was thrilled by Mayor Johnson’s positive response and enthusiasm for our project. 

Johnson recently expressed his support for the nearly $2 million investment in Chicago neighborhood businesses. “These investments speak to the promise of the Housing and Economic Development bond. We promised to use these funds to invest in our communities, to support small businesses, create jobs, and make our communities more vibrant,” Mayor Johnson said. “We know we cannot rely on the federal government, so we are doing for ourselves here in Chicago. I’m proud of these spring grant awards because they are strategic, targeted investments that are essential for the health and vitality of local commercial corridors.” 

In addition to the City of Chicago grant, an anonymous family foundation has generously offered to match up to $50,000 in donations for the renovation project. Beyond the scope of exterior work in our CDG proposal, further interior work is necessary to build our print, paper, and binding studios, library, and retail spaces.

With donor support, we aim to raise an additional $1.5 million to complete the renovation and officially open to the public.

Amidst recent challenges to free speech, attacks on marginalized communities, and cutting of needed funds to cultural institutions emanating from within the federal government, community-supported spaces for creative expression have become paramount. ABH is dedicated to fostering literary and book arts education and providing affordable non-credit arts education. Through community engagement, education, exhibitions, and events, Artists Book House empowers individuals to share their stories and transform their worlds into books.

For those who have previously donated, Thank you! We encourage you to consider contributing again, as every dollar raised will help build an attractive, safe, and inclusive haven for the literary and book arts for future generations. For those who have not donated but have been observing from the sidelines, ABH warmly welcomes your support.