J. Byron Brazier, lead developer of Woodlawn Central on Chicago’s South Side, is an artist-turned-entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to bringing opportunity and equity to underserved communities. Drawing on his extensive background in the arts, program management, strategic planning, branding and marketing, he plans and executes transformative projects that create coveted local facilities and amenities. These new community assets spur economic development and improve public safety, health equity, education, employment, the quality of housing, tourism, entertainment offerings and more in their respective areas.
The team behind the $900-million Woodlawn Central mixed-use project in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood has selected Transwestern for real estate services.
Higher interest rates, a new city government and slow permitting add up to a longer timeline to get new projects going.
"Woodlawn Central has a broad scope because it's been designed to bring significant economic benefits to an undercapitalized community in multiple ways. We wanted to partner with a firm that's multifaceted, agile and has deep expertise in development, project management, investment services, public engagement and more. Transwestern checked all the proverbial boxes for us," J. Byron Brazier, managing member of Woodlawn Central LLC, said.
"Chicago Megadevelopment Woodlawn Central Selects Transwestern as Real Estate Services Provider" Press release, March 14, 2023