South Chicago’s Commercial Avenue Revitalization Plan
Introduction
The Great Cities Institute facilitated a planning process for revitalization of the Commercial Avenue corridor in the South Chicago community. In collaboration with the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce and Special Service Area (SSA) #5, GCI embarked on a twelve-month community-based planning process with key neighborhood stakeholders including residents, business owners, community organizations, service providers, and elected officials.
Background
In South Chicago, retail has been on the decline, with very little recovery, since the loss of the steel industry. Beginning as a sharp decline in the mid 1970s, the last steel mill closed its doors in the early 1990s. The loss of those payrolls meant a loss in retail employment and the access to the goods and services that retail provides. As a result, a once thriving commercial corridor at the heart of South Chicago now contains only a fraction of the businesses it once held. Interspersed through the occasional business, are rampant vacancies and empty lots.
Residents active in South Chicago believe in the possibilities for a revived South Commercial Avenue. We are honored to have worked with them on this strategic planning process for commercial revitalization in South Chicago.
As we partnered with South Chicago residents and organizations, we began by inviting stakeholders to develop ideas and strategies, utilizing their local knowledge to provide the foundation for the plan. Applying our various technical tools, we gathered the community’s input and guided residents and organizations towards a consensus on actions to take to implement the plan. Through a series of community meetings and design charrettes, we developed a vision, design, and actions for the corridor. We coupled the wants and needs of stakeholders with data and economic analysis to form a basis for the recruitment of new businesses to fill vacancies and create a vibrant corridor.
The resulting plan is having a direct effect on the Commercial Avenue corridor by focusing on the importance of the corridor and by creating a framework for future developments along the corridor. This process takes time, but over several years of focused efforts, the intention is to produce a thriving, vibrant corridor that draws people from all over the region to shop, dine, and stroll in the South Chicago neighborhood. The result will be a stronger economy, more jobs, and access to the goods and services that neighborhood residents need.
Implementation
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General Implementation
Implementation
Conclusion
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Currently the project team is conducting outreach to develop a community stewardship and governance plan for the site. If you would like to participate in this project and/or provide your thoughts and feedback, please contact GCI or fill out the form.
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Partners
Intro
SSA 5 is comprised of the Commercial Avenue shopping district in South Chicago. Special Service Areas are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas. The enhanced services and programs are in addition to those currently provided through the City. SSA funded projects typically include but are not limited to: public way maintenance and beautification; district marketing and advertising; business retention/attraction, special events and promotional activities; auto and bike transit; security; facade improvements; and other commercial and economic development initiatives. The City contracts with local non-profits, called Service Providers, to manage SSA’s. South Chicago Parents & Friends is the Service Provider for SSA 5. Commissioners for each SSA district oversee and recommend the annual services, budget and Service Provider Agency to the City.
Intro
Chicago’s 10th Ward is home to Hegewisch, East Side, South Deering, Altgeld Gardens, Slag Valley, South Chicago, and The Bush neighborhood. It is the only ward that borders Indiana and the largest ward in Chicago. The 10th Ward is diverse, with wetlands, industrial zones, and public parks. The ward’s main commercial corridors are Commercial Avenue, Baltimore Avenue, and Ewing Avenue. They are home to many family-owned small businesses.
Intro
Carrying on a rich and collaborative tradition, Claretian Associates provides housing and vital services in South Chicago, and surrounding communities, benefitting our residents’ and families safety and wellbeing.
Intro
South Chicago Parents and Friends, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation that supports individuals and their families throughout southeast Chicago and the southern suburbs. It is dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and to providing support and solutions for those who love and care for them. We do this by developing options and creating opportunities that enable our consumers to learn, to the best of their abilities, to live productively, to work in rewarding jobs, and to value themselves and their roles in society.
Intro
Bridges//Puentes Justice Collective of the Southeast is a community-based organization committed to social justice and community building throughout the Southeast Side of Chicago. Our work is centered around issues of racial justice, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental and economic justice. We aim to build bridges between different communities and create a network of support and solidarity that can work toward righting the legacy of inequalities faced by our neighborhoods. Through a range of events and campaigns, including rallies, protests, community education workshops, and direct actions, we strive to make a positive impact in our community. Our vision is to ensure the southeast side is no longer exploited for its people and resources, and our community can thrive with dignity and respect.