Envisioning Progreso

Instituto del Progreso Latino (IPL) annually helps thousands of Chicago-area Latinos to advance their academic and job-related skills. The not-for-profit organization's educational programs are respected and varied. They include English as a Second Language classes for adults, after-school programs for children, a nationally recognized nurse training program, and an alternative high school that meets Chicago Public School standards. For three decades, IPL has been a touchstone and critical base of support for the Latino community and newcomers of many nationalities. In 2007, IPL began spearheading an effort to renovate and revitalize its Chicago headquarters, at 2570 South Blue Island Expressway. Jason Westrope, Development Manager for DMA, has devoted more than 100 volunteer hours to this effort and continues to support IPL's progress toward a dramatically improved home.

Along with other industry leaders, Jason helped lead a community input process--including administrators, staff, students, and residents in the local neighborhood--to capture design and program goals. Several months of weekend workshops culminated in a design charette on Cinco de Mayo, 2007. Jason subsequently helped draft an RFP to identify local architecture firms and general contractors capable of realizing agreed concepts. He also participated on the interview team in an advisory role. Development Management Associates supports Jason's continued involvement in this worthwhile organization and its vision for the future.



Back...