down the block
down the block
Back in high school, I wrote an extended essay for the International Baccalaureates program on gentrification and the effects it has on the neighborhood, as well as researching three specific neighborhoods: Logan Square, Humboldt Park, and Pilsen.
Upon entering my undergrad, I didn't think much of it. I treated that paper like any other throwaway essay meant to be turned in and forgotten.
However, discovering work like Jonathan Castillo’s Immigrant Owned changed my perspective. Seeing how photography serves as a means to honor local communities and tell their stories with such dignity inspired me to pick my essay back up and turn it into something different. It made me look at the two years of research I had done with a newfound sense of compassion, leading to the project Down the Block.
Down the Block is an ongoing photographic project documenting independent neighborhood businesses and residents across Chicago. Through environmental portraits of these individuals, the work explores how these neighborhood businesses shape community identity among ongoing change.
Each photograph is made in collaboration with the owner of the business, using a simple and respectful approach.
Logan Square
El condor
el condor is an Ecuadorean owned business. the individual on the far left is Edwin, the son of the owner. El condor has been opened since 1996.
el condor is located in the Logan Square neighborhood.
Iguala Grocery
Iguala grocery is a mexican owned business. the individual on the far left is Rosalba, the owner of the store. rosalba has owned the store for 10 years.
Iguala Grocery is located in the Logan Square neighborhood.
Supermercado Barrera
supermercado Barrera is a Mexican owned business. the individual on the far left is Hedilberto, the owner of the store. Hedilberto has owned the store for over 20 years.
Supermercado barrera is located in the Logan Square neighborhood.
La Canasta Bakery
La canasta bakery is a mexican owned business. the individual on the far left, Ciro, is the son of the owner.
La Canasta bakery is located in the Logan Square neighborhood.
Marie’s Bakery
Marie’s bakery is an Ecuadorean owned business. the individual on the far left is flor, the owner of the bakery.
Marie’s bakery is located in the Logan Square neighborhood.
Celeste’s Flower Shop
Celeste’s flower shop is a Mexican owned business. the individual on the far left is the owner of the business.
Celeste’s flower shop is located in the Logan Square neighborhood.
El Arriero Western Wear and Fashion
El Arriero Western Wear and Fashion is a Mexican owned business. Humberto, the individual on the far left, is the owner of the business.
El Arriero Western Wear and Fashion is located in the Logan square neighborhood
Carniceria Doña Mari’s
Carniceria Doña mari’s is a Mexican owned business. the individual on the far left is Gilberto, the owner.
Carniceria Doña mari’s is located in the Logan Square neighborhood.
Vanilla Flower Shop
Vanilla flower shop is an mexican owned business. the individual on the far left is Alfonso, one of the owners.
Vanilla flower shop is located in the Logan Square neighborhood.
Familia Food
Familia food is a Mexican owned business. the individual on the far left is maria, a co-owner of the store. familia food has been opened for over 20 years.
familia food is located in the Logan Square neighborhood.
Linda’s Flowers
Linda’s Flowers is a Mexican owned business. The individual is Jenny, the daughter of the owner.
Linda’s Flowers is located in the Logan Square neighborhood.