Our first episode is a feature on the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, which will includes guests Jose E. Lopez, Joshua Gonzalez, and Alderman Maldonado. The story evaluates the ways in which the PRCC tries to support its community members and oppose gentrification.

Episode 01 -- The Puerto Rican Cultural Center

In this episode we look at how the Polish community in West Town has been affected by the transforming housing landscape. We spoke with Dr. Kinga Kosmala, a senior lecturer and director of slavic languages at Northwestern University, who shared her own views on gentrification.

Episode 02 -- The Polish Diaspora

In this episode, we dive into the topic of zoning in regard to developments in the West Town Area. After talking to a local developer, Michael Skoulsky, and former East Village Association president, Neil McKnight, we discovered their goals of keeping the developments in West Town sustainable and compatible. Though unable to speak with the Alderman, we found his policies somewhat in line with that of these individuals, hopefully ensuring where West Town is developed responsibly.

Episode 04 -- Zoning

In this episode we take a look into the Ukranian village in West town and learn about how they’ve been affected by gentrification. We spoke to Lydia Tkaczuk, the president of the The Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago, to learn about her experience growing up in West Town and how she’s seen the community change.

Episode 03 -- The Ukranian Village

In this episode, we feature a church that was supposed to be turned into an affordable housing unit. 20 years and three court cases later, it is now being turned into a luxury apartment complex. But will the alderman’s affordable housing policies be too much for the new developer to handle?

Episode 05 -- St. Boniface Church

In this episode, we explore the community’s opinions of the aldermen of West Town. Local developer Michael Skoulsky, local business owner Scott Weiner, and former president of the East Village Association Neil McKnight speak about their experiences working with Alderman LaSpata, while Jose Lopez of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center brings in an opposing view of sorts as he speaks about Alderman Maldonato.

Episode 07 -- Aldermen

In this episode we look at how shade, sidewalks, and parking lots are more of a priority for preservationists than West Town residents living in limbo.

Episode 08 -- "Throwing Shade"

In this episode, we will look at two of the most powerful preservation groups in Chicago, and evaluate how preservation has changed over the past twenty years. This episode will ask what does preservation looks like, and who has the final say in what buildings get preserved?

Episode 06 -- Preservation

Our last episode will be a conclusion to our podcast, where all of the group members will share their thoughts and experiences. We will each speak to parts of this project that we found interesting and our most valuable takeaways from this project.

Sounds of West Town