CHICAGO — A number of Chicago’s struggling neighborhoods are quietly undergoing positive change, and it’s happening not because of outside investors but because people are coming together to transform their own communities in a way that works for — and with — those who already live there.

This process called “ethical redevelopment” was the topic of discussion Wednesday night at the Logan Center for the Arts on the South Side.

The event was put on by the University of Chicago’s “Place Lab,” a group committed to reviving challenged urban areas through arts and culture.

It was the first of several such gatherings demonstrating what can happen in a community when local artists, entrepreneurs, developers and civic leaders join forces.

Hundreds of people showed up to hear the various speakers who talked about ways neighborhoods can be transformed without displacing existing residents instead empowering the community to develop from within.

There will be more events like this —  all free and open to the public.

You can find more information at placelab.uchicago.edu.