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Pope Leo XIV Legacy Campaign

The Pope Leo XIV Legacy Campaign is a $16 million capital initiative led by Joe Hall, Chicago Native, St. Thomas the Apostle Alum, and Owner of the Historic St. Mary of the Assumption Campus, through JBlendz Enterprises NFP. The project restores the storm-damaged sacred landmark at 138th and Leyden — where Pope Leo XIV served as an altar boy — into a vibrant, mixed-use destination that honors his Chicago roots while delivering measurable economic and community impact for Riverdale.

 

Spanning four phased deliverables from April 2026 through December 2029, the campus will feature a fully weather-tight historic church converted to a working Oratory, a renovated 13,594 square foot workforce education wing, health and wellness services serving 1,500+ residents annually, arts and culture programming, and a revenue-generating 25-room Papal Heritage Inn with ballroom and restaurant. Phase 1, launching April 2026, secures the entire site and activates early training revenue by January 2027.

 

With a total investment of $15,157,600 and a projected stabilized annual revenue of $1.2M–$1.8M, the campus will become Riverdale’s primary economic driver — creating jobs, expanding opportunity, and serving as a lasting model of community revitalization. Every gift advances this transformative vision and helps bring Pope Leo XIV’s legacy home to the very ground that shaped him.

Restore. Empower. Legacy.

Church Before & After.png

Phase 01

Restoration & Infrastructure

Phase Overview

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  • Project Vision: Stabilize the entire St. Mary of the Assumption Campus following the 2023 storms, protect historic assets, and activate core infrastructure while preparing the site for future phases, including the Papal Heritage Inn.

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  • Strategic Objective: Deliver immediate safety, full code compliance, and partial site usability to enable early revenue generation from the Empower Skills Training Wing.

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  • Key Outcome: By January 2027, the 13,594 sq ft campus will be fully secured, weather-tight, and operational, transforming a storm-damaged historic site into a resilient foundation for education, economic empowerment, and community revitalization in Riverdale.

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Phase 1 Scope & Focus Areas

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Core Priority

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  • Full stabilization and infrastructure modernization to create a safe, functional, and future-ready campus.

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Major Deliverables

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  • Complete weather-tight building envelope

      (roofs, walls, windows, and doors)

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  • Full replacement of electrical, water/sewer, and resilient fiber optic systems

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  • Installation of 250 kW / 500 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for energy resilience

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  • Full Oratory conversion of the historic church, including new flooring, MEP systems, and interior restoration

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  • Perimeter security fencing and 9 months of overnight security services

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  • Comprehensive architecture, engineering, and permitting services

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Timeline & Milestones

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Overall Duration

April 2026 – January 2027 (10 months)

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  • Key Milestone: Campus fully secured and operational, with the 13,594 square feet Empower Skills Training Wing active and generating early training revenue by January 2027.

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  • Phased Approach: Sequential execution of envelope restoration → infrastructure upgrades → systems commissioning → security activation → final permitting and handover.

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Budget Summary

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Phase 1 Total Budget: $1,757,600

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  • Allocation Breakdown (High-Level):

    • Building Envelope Restoration

    • MEP Infrastructure & BESS

    • Historic Church Oratory Conversion

    • Security & Site Protection

    • Architecture, Engineering & Permitting

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  • Funding Strategy: Designed for rapid deployment with strong emphasis on cost control and immediate return through early training revenue streams.

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Expected Impacts & Benefits

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  • Immediate Safety & Compliance: Full weather protection and modern utility systems eliminate ongoing storm damage risks and achieve all current building codes.

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  • Early Revenue Activation: Empower Skills Training Wing operational by end of Phase 1, enabling initial workforce development programs and corporate training contracts.

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  • Community & Economic Value: Protects historic assets, creates a secure environment for future education and health services, and positions RD-137 as Riverdale’s emerging economic driver.

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  • Resilience Foundation: 250 kW / 500 kWh BESS and resilient fiber ensure long-term operational reliability.

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Risks & Mitigation

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  • Primary Risks: Weather delays during envelope work, permitting timelines, and supply chain disruptions for MEP components.

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  • Mitigation Measures: Aggressive scheduling with contingency windows, early permitting engagement, and qualified contractor selection with performance bonds.

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Transition to Phase 2

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  • Seamless Handover: Phase 1 completion directly enables Phase 2 (Education and Economic Empowerment) starting February 2027.

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  • Ready State: Restored classrooms, operational training wing, and secure infrastructure will support immediate launch of workforce programs, digital literacy training, and enrollment of 500+ participants.

Phase 02

Education & Economic Empowerment

School Before & After.png

Phase Overview

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  • Strategic role in overall campus transformation

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  • Direct build upon Phase 1 stabilization and infrastructure

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  • Focus on workforce development, digital literacy, and student success

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  • Activation of sustainable early revenue streams

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Major Deliverables​

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  • Restoration and adaptive conversion of school classrooms into flexible meeting rooms and administrative offices

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  • Conversion of school gymnasium into Legacy Hall (multi-purpose event and training venue)

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  • Renovation and activation of The 1969 Theatre, an 80-seat intimate black-box performance venue in the basement of the former St. Mary of the Assumption school, honoring the Class of 1969 and the childhood school of Pope Leo XIV.

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  • Full build-out and launch of Empower Skills Training Center (trades, technology, reintegration programs)

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  • Establishment of Tech Access Center with high-speed internet and digital skills training

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  • Creation of Spark Student Center (college tours, FAFSA assistance, mentorship, career pathways)

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  • Formation of initial strategic partnerships with employers and educational institutions

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  • Enrollment and activation of 500+ participants

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Key Milestones & Timeline

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  • Empower Skills Training Center fully operational by April 2027

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  • Legacy Hall hosting first paid events and corporate training by June 2027

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  • Achievement of 70% job placement rate for program graduates by August 2027

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  • Generation of early recurring revenue from training contracts and facility rentals

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Strategic Impact & Financial Contribution

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  • Immediate economic activation and skill-gap closure in Riverdale

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  • Reduction in unemployment through targeted workforce programs

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  • Creation of operational backbone for integrated campus services

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  • Contribution to overall campus revenue trajectory ($1.2M – $1.8M stabilized annual revenue by Year 3+)

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  • Preparation for Phase 3 health/welfare services and Phase 4 hospitality development

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Phase Investment & Expected Outcomes

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  • Total Phase 2 Investment: $1,200,000

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  • Measurable Results at Completion: 500+ active participants, operational training/event facilities, established revenue-generating programs

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  • Long-term Positioning: Establishes St. Mary of the Assumption Campus as Riverdale’s premier destination for education, empowerment, and economic revitalization

Rectory Before & After.png

Phase 03

Essential Health & Welfare Services

Phase Overview

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Phase 3 focuses on delivering critical health, mental health, nutrition, and housing support services to the most vulnerable residents of Riverdale and surrounding communities. Building directly on the stabilized and secured campus from Phase 1 and the operational education and training infrastructure from Phase 2, this phase activates integrated human services that address immediate survival needs while creating pathways to long-term stability.

 

By February 2028, the campus will serve as a comprehensive one-stop hub for health and welfare, serving an estimated 1,500+ residents annually through coordinated, high-impact programs that reduce emergency service burdens on local governments and improve quality of life metrics across the region.

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Strategic Objectives

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  • Provide immediate relief and preventive care in nutrition, mental health, and housing instability

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  • Integrate services with Phase 2 education and workforce programs to create seamless participant pathways

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  • Establish sustainable operations through partnerships, grants, and modest fee-for-service models

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  • Position the campus as Riverdale’s central anchor for essential human services

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Major Deliverables

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  1. Grub Bag Food Pantry

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  • Daily food distribution operations

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  • Nutrition education and community cooking classes

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  • Emergency relief stockpile and rapid-response protocols

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  2.  Mind Care Center

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  • Specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia clinic

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  • Comprehensive wellness and mental health programs

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  • Senior social engagement and caregiver support activities

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  3.  Positive Outcome Center + Housing Stability Hub

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  • Individual and family counseling services

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  • Crisis intervention and case management

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  • Off-site housing navigation and placement support

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Key Infrastructure & Operational Elements

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  • Full build-out and equipping of dedicated service spaces within the restored school and church buildings

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  • Integrated case management technology platform linking all Phase 3 programs with Phase 2 training records

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  • Staff training and certification for trauma-informed care and cultural competency

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  • Secure data systems compliant with HIPAA and relevant privacy standards

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Key Milestone

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Serving 1,500+ residents annually with fully operational, integrated health and housing support systems by the end of February 2028. This milestone marks the transition from foundational stabilization and education to direct, life-changing human services delivery.

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Projected Outcomes & Impact

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  • Immediate reduction in food insecurity and housing instability for target populations

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  • Measurable improvements in mental health indicators and senior wellness participation

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  • Stronger alignment between health services and workforce development, increasing participant success rates

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  • Foundation established for Phase 4 revenue-generating components by demonstrating campus-wide social return on investment to funders and partners

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Financial Snapshot

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Phase Budget: $1,700,000 (includes construction fit-out, equipment, initial staffing ramp-up, program launch, and six months of operating reserves) Revenue Contribution: Modest earned revenue from premium workshops and partnerships; primary funding through grants and government contracts secured during Phase 2.

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Phase 3 represents the compassionate core of the St. Mary of the Assumption Campus transformation — turning restored buildings into active lifelines that heal, feed, house, and uplift Riverdale’s most vulnerable while preparing the site for the economic engine of Phase 4.

Phase 04

Arts, Culture, Revenue Generation & Papal Heritage Inn

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Phase Overview

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  • Transform the restored campus into a vibrant, self-sustaining economic engine by activating high-revenue cultural, hospitality, and event components.

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  • Leverage completed infrastructure from Phases 1–3 to deliver immersive arts experiences, world-class event spaces, and a unique 25-room boutique hotel themed around papal heritage.

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  • Position St. Mary of the Assumption campus as Riverdale’s premier destination for tourism, corporate events, community gatherings, and creative programming.

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  • Generate sustainable operating revenue to ensure long-term financial independence and debt service coverage.

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Key Objectives

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  • Complete high-visibility, revenue-focused assets that maximize return on the full campus investment.

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  • Create integrated cultural and hospitality offerings that attract external visitors while continuing to serve local residents.

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  • Achieve full operational activation of the campus by Q4 2029.

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  • Establish recurring revenue streams projected at $1.0M – $1.6M annually from hotel, ballroom, restaurant, and event operations.

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Major Deliverables

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  • Purple Panda Studio – State-of-the-art arts workshops, youth programs, and rotating community exhibits.

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  • Stained Glass Chateau – Final fit-out and full event programming activation.

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  • Papal Heritage Inn – 25-room boutique hotel featuring personalized service and immersive papal heritage theme.

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  • 4,500 sq ft Ballroom – Flexible, high-end event space for weddings, conferences, and galas.

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  • 3,000 sq ft Restaurant – Full-service dining with complete commercial kitchen.

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  • 80-space Structured Parking Garage – Modern, secure parking to support all campus activities.

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  • Site-wide Landscaping & Integration – Beautiful, cohesive outdoor environments that unify the entire campus experience.

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Timeline & Milestones

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  • June 2028 – December 2028 (Months 1–7): Design finalization, permitting, hotel and restaurant core construction, ballroom structural work, and parking garage foundation.

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  • January 2029 – June 2029 (Months 8–13): Interior fit-outs, kitchen installation, arts studio completion, landscaping, and systems integration.

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  • July 2029 – December 2029 (Months 14–18): FF&E procurement, staff training, soft openings, and full operational launch.

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  • Key Milestone: Full hotel, ballroom, and restaurant operations begin in Q4 2029, with inaugural events and guest bookings.

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Budget Allocation Highlights (High-Level)

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  • Hospitality (Hotel, Restaurant, Kitchen): ~$5.8M

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  • Event & Cultural Spaces (Ballroom, Chateau, Studio): ~$2.9M

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  • Infrastructure & Site (Parking Garage, Landscaping): ~$1.3M

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  • FF&E, Permitting, Soft Costs & Contingency: ~$0.5M

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Expected Economic & Community Impact

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  • Projected stabilized annual revenue contribution from Phase 4 assets: $1.0M – $1.6M (hotel occupancy, room rates, F&B, event rentals).

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  • Combined with earlier phases, drive overall campus revenue to $1.2M – $1.8M by Year 3+.

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  • Create 35–45 new permanent jobs in hospitality, arts, and operations.

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  • Boost local tourism and position Riverdale as a cultural and economic destination.

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  • Enhance quality of life through accessible arts programming and community events.

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Risk Mitigation & Success Factors

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  • Phased construction sequencing to minimize disruption to already-operational Phases 1–3 programs.

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  • Strong partnerships with hospitality operators, arts organizations, and tourism boards.

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  • Comprehensive marketing launch campaign timed with soft openings.

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  • Resilient design standards carried forward from Phase 1 for long-term durability.

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Conclusion & Transformative Outcome

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Phase 4 represents the crowning achievement of the St. Mary of the Assumption Campus redevelopment. By delivering a fully integrated arts, culture, and hospitality destination, this phase converts the campus from a stabilized community asset into Riverdale’s primary economic driver—delivering measurable revenue, job creation, and lasting community pride while honoring the historic character of the site.

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