Presently, Chicago's Washington Park neighborhood is primarily a residential community located on the south side. It is known for its expansive public park and rich African-American cultural heritage. However, its future potential could be significantly impacted as it is being considered as the potential site for the Olympic Stadium for the 2016 Summer Games. This unassuming neighborhood has the opportunity to gain prominence in the near future. Evidence of the architectural styles from the last century can be seen throughout the area, although there is also a noticeable influx of new designs and extensive renovations taking place. As discussions about hosting the Olympics gain momentum, developers and city officials are eagerly anticipating the potential transformation of Washington Park. While temporary athlete accommodations and an enormous 80,000-seat arena would be temporary, the hope is that a wave of new businesses would follow, taking advantage of this unique opportunity to revitalize the Washington Park neighborhood for generations to come. Currently, the commercial presence in the area is limited, with a small number of soul food restaurants and Chinese takeout places. Nevertheless, annual cultural festivals and Park District programs contribute to the neighborhood's positive trajectory as Washington Park prepares for a transformation of Olympic proportions.