The Resurrection Project (TRP) is excited to announce that the Dunkin Donuts located in the 18^th Street CTA Pink Line station will be relocating to the La Casa Student Housing retail space located at 1805 S. Paulina Street. The new Dunkin Donuts, which opens in two weeks, will play an important role for La Casa and its students.
“What’s innovative about this new relationship,” says CEO Raul Raymundo of The Resurrection Project, “is that revenue generated through the commercial space will help TRP and La Casa meet its mission of helping students graduate college and become the leaders of Chicago—including the programming, support services, and scholarships for the students that reside there.”
The retail space had been publicly listed for some time. Earlier this year, Sanjeev Khatau, owner of the existing Dunkin Donuts at the 18th Street station for the last eight years, inquired about the space and expressed serious interest because he wanted to expand his business and become a bigger part of the community.
“We have been in the community for the last 10 years and wanted to provide our customers a better atmosphere for them to enjoy their coffee,” says Khatau. “We want our current customers to come and enjoy the improved atmosphere and have La Casa students come downstairs and study or have a late night snack. Currently, our entire staff lives in the Pilsen neighborhood. We’re excited about our new location and we’re hoping to be part of the community for many years to come.”
The growth of this Pilsen business is a great thing for the local economy and speaks to the vibrancy of the 18^th Street commercial corridor. In order to continue this economic growth, TRP continues to expand its Economic Development program in order to support small businesses in Pilsen and throughout Chicago’s Southwest side. TRP currently assists local businesses by providing them with technical assistance, training, and access to resources through the Greater Pilsen Economic Development Association. TRP is also looking to expand its business-facing services to include small business loans and other assistance.
The entire community, however, benefits when a project like La Casa is able to provide the necessary resources area students need to achieve collegiate success.
For La Casa students, the Dunkin Donuts won’t just provide additional resources and programmatic funds.
“Having a Dunkin Donuts at La Casa,” says La Casa Student, Rafael Herrera, “is extremely convenient for those students who want a quick snack, get some coffee, or just to hang out. I hope it’s open late. That would be awesome!”
For more information about La Casa Student Housing, please visit www.lacasastudenthousing.org.