Mayor Brandon Johnson participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Xchange Chicago, a new IT services and innovation center located in Grand Crossing. The event was attended by Alderman Desmond Yancy (5th), Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright, representatives from P33, Xchange, SDI Presence, the Comer Science and Education Foundation, as well as apprentices and local residents.
The project received support from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and is expected to create up to 8,000 jobs while generating $160 million in annual economic impact across Chicago. Within Grand Crossing itself, the facility is projected to contribute $20 million in recurring yearly economic activity.
“Xchange has already created dynamic career pathways and economic opportunities for more than 50 South Side residents in just over a year,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The partners who brought Xchange to life, and the customers who believed in the vision, have made this beautiful new tech facility in Grand Crossing a reality. Together, their mentorship, training and supportive resources are helping to build a stronger Chicago and paving the way for thousands of life-changing technology jobs here on the South Side.”
Alderman Desmon Yancy commented on the transformation: “Over the years as industry packed up and left the city, this community was left on the verge of death. But, to this day our community has remained resilient and continued to push forward. To be here today, seeing new growth, seeing this beautiful orange building being reimagined as a tech hub that's going to benefit people in this community, we see what happens when we all come together and make a difference.”
The project was awarded a $5 million Community Development Grant by DPD. This funding comes from Mayor Johnson’s $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development Bond.
“I want to congratulate the entire project team, its partners, and everyone who contributed their combined ingenuity, resources, and willpower to make this project possible,” said DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright. “When we stand together, we stand stronger, and that unity is exactly what fuels real change. Together we’re making the critical investments to create new jobs, empower neighborhoods, and give communities the tools and support they need to turn the page on disinvestment.”
Located at 7247 S Chicago Ave., across from the Comer Education Center, Xchange builds upon existing apprenticeship programs that train individuals for IT careers. Graduates begin work with SDI Presence either part-time or full-time immediately after completing their training. So far Xchange has placed 55 apprentices into full-time roles resulting in over $3.25 million in wages and benefits.
“We’re excited to continue to help Chicago’s leading corporations redirect some of their IT outsourcing spend toward local services and talent,” said Hardik Bhatt, CEO of SDI Presence. “We have made an intentional 10-year lease commitment to the Xchange onshore tech delivery center. We are glad to be a part of the solution that helps apprentices build lasting tech careers and become a true economic catalyst for the community—creating a win-win for businesses and Chicago.”
Brad Henderson, CEO at P33 added: “Xchange is a workforce development story that is making a significant impact on the local community. We are opening up real, life-changing opportunities in technology fields from AI to cloud computing and cybersecurity for residents, and at the same time bringing millions of dollars in overseas IT investment back to the U.S. and Chicago.”
Greg Mooney of Comer Science & Education Foundation stated: “There’s exceptional talent here in Grand Crossing and the surrounding neighborhoods that just needs tools to thrive. As we scale and continue to graduate more apprentices into full-time roles, we estimate generating more than $70 million in the community every year.”