WELCOME TO L1
L1 is a creative business accelerator program and retail store housing three POC locally-owned businesses on the Arts Block. Launched in August 2020, L1 is located inside of the historic first “L” station, built in 1892 along Garfield Boulevard in Washington Park, and operated and managed by Arts + Public Life, an initiative of UChicago Arts.
L1 exemplifies Arts + Public Life’s mission to spark culturally stimulated growth on the South Side of Chicago and increase opportunities for communities that have been left out of economic development. Underinvested communities lack access to established systems and face disproportionately greater challenges in launching and sustaining business ventures.
L1 Retail Store
319 E Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL 60637
TUESDAY - SATURDAY, 11AM-7PM
“Retail locations can provide more than a place to buy material goods, they can also serve as community hubs, advocacy spaces and create a vibe that reflects the surrounding community.”