South Chicago
South Chicago is one of 10 priority communities selected as a part of the initial phase of Chicago’s INVEST South/West commercial corridor improvement strategy.
Launched in October 2019, INVEST South/West's goal is to re-activate neighborhood cores that have historically served as focal points for pedestrian activity, shopping, services, transportation, public spaces and quality-of life amenities for local residents. In South Chicago, the priority corridor is Commercial Avenue from 85th to 92nd streets, as well as adjacent blocks on 92nd.
Community Engagement
South Chicago stakeholders participated in the INVEST South/West kick-off celebration in January 2020 at the Gary Comer Youth Center. The family-friendly event was one of four held this winter to launch the initiative with in-depth activities that helped participants identify priorities, goals, and key community assets.
More than 600 attendees listened to presentations about the goals and objectives of INVEST South/West, then interfaced with dozens of public agencies about opportunities to improve the community. A summary of the event, including an overview of South Chicago comments and feedback, is available at right.
Neighborhood Roundtable
In spring 2020, the City formed the South Chicago Neighborhood Roundtable. Consisting of representatives from city agencies, aldermanic offices neighborhood organizations, small businesses and resident groups, the roundtable seeks to advance local goals through a broad, cross-disciplinary approach that leverages the insights, wisdom, creativity and resources of local stakeholders.
The goal of the roundtables is transparency: to ensure the neighborhood voices are heard and integrated into the priorities of public and private investments, to obtain feedback on INVEST South/West projects as they advance, and to put planners at the table with neighborhood stakeholders. The roundtable will be led and facilitated by local representation, a corridor project manager, once identified.
Questions on the roundtable can be directed to DPD@cityofchicago.org.
Winning Development Project
8840-56 S. Commercial Ave.
Galleria 89
Galleria 89 is a $36.4 million project from 548 Development planned for approximately .6 acres of underutilized property on the 8800 block of South Commercial Avenue. The project includes construction of a 76-foot-tall building with 46 affordable apartments and two ground-floor commercial units. Plans also include rehabilitation of an existing three-story building to include 12 residences and two ground-floor commercial units.
Adopted Planned Development
May 24, 2023
Plan Commission presentation
April 20, 2023
Meet the Developer Events
Monday, Sept. 13, 2021
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021
Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
79th and Exchange
79th/Exchange RFP
The two-part, 1.7-acre site includes vintage, low-rise buildings and vacant land adjacent to the Cheltenham station on Metra’s Electric Main Line. RFP goals include the construction and rehabilitation of transit-oriented housing and ancillary uses.
Due Aug. 31, 2021
Appendix | Q&A
South Shore RFP Community Presentation
Sept. 22, 2021
Video | Response Summaries | Developer Pitch Videos
Community Scorecard | Q&A