Sherman Phoenix Marketplace

"Part social movement, part cultural hub, the Phoenix remains the beating heart of the Sherman Park neighborhood. After the civil unrest following a fatal police shooting in 2016, community leaders transformed a damaged BMO Harris Bank building into this sprawling collective of small businesses, most of them owned by people of color. Since then, it’s hosted a presidential campaign rally and been nominated for a State Farm Building Blocks Award. On a quotidian level, it soothes with balms like barbecue, chicken wings from Brooklyn-based Buffalo Boss, a bar that doubles as a bartending school, and a smattering of culture, wellness, and fashion tenants whose offerings range from massage therapy to lash extensions." - Todd Lazarski

"This multi-use space was built as a catalyst for neighborhood unity in the city’s Sherman Park neighborhood. The complex is home to 27 small businesses and most are Black owned. Food options include artisan ice cream at Purple Door Ice Cream, Buffalo wings via Brooklyn at Buffalo Boss, and fresh spring rolls from Funky Fresh Spring Rolls." - Titus Ruscitti

"This ambitious Sherman Park operation is a true phoenix, having risen from the ashes of a bank building damaged by fire during a protest in the neighborhood following a fatal police shooting in 2016. The multipurpose community collective bills itself as a “model for healing” and “strives to provide a high-quality space for small businesses-of-color offering diverse foods, wellness services and cultural activities.” Since opening its doors, the emporium has been host to art and film exhibits, and today houses nearly 30 independent businesses that offer everything from yoga to jewelry to counseling. Among the food offerings, you can find very excellent pizza, spring rolls, gourmet popcorn, coffee, local favorite Purple Door ice cream, and, coming soon, Brooklyn-based wings slinger Buffalo Boss." - Todd Lazarski

"This ambitious Sherman Park operation is a true phoenix, having risen from the ashes of a bank building damaged by fire during a protest in the neighborhood following a fatal police shooting in 2016. The multipurpose community collective bills itself as a “model for healing” and “strives to provide a high-quality space for small businesses-of-color offering diverse foods, wellness services and cultural activities.” Since opening its doors, the emporium has been host to art and film exhibits, and today houses nearly 30 independent businesses that offer everything from yoga to jewelry to counseling. Among the food offerings, you can find very excellent pizza, spring rolls, gourmet popcorn, coffee, local favorite Purple Door ice cream, and, coming soon, Brooklyn-based wings slinger Buffalo Boss." - Todd Lazarski