South Shore
South Shore 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 Shore, the priority corridor is 79th Street from Stony Island on the west to the Metra tracks on the east.
Community Engagement
South Shore 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 Shore comments and feedback, is available at right.
Neighborhood Roundtable
In spring 2020, the City formed the South Shore 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
2908-26 E. 79th St./7901-33 S. Exchange Ave.
Thrive Exchange
Thrive Exchange is a $47.3 million proposal planned for multiple sites adjacent to the Cheltenham station on Metra Electric’s Main Line near 79th Street and Exchange Avenue. The mixed-use project will create 39 residential units on the south side of 79th Street and rehabilitate the historic Ringer Building for commercial uses and 24 adjacent condominiums.
The project is a joint venture of DL3 Realty, Revere Properties and Claretian.