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The South Shore Community Development Corporation is a 501c3 committed to assessing the redevelopment potential of vacant lots and underutilized properties, whether publicly or privately owned, thereby increasing economic opportunities for local entrepreneurship, reducing the commercial vacancy rate and creating wealth building strategies for existing residents.
The South Shore (CDC) is a sister-organization to the South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Chamber). Although they are two separate legal entities, the day-to-day work goes hand-in-hand.
While the Chamber (a 501c6 membership organization) focuses on strengthening and supporting local small businesses, the CDC (a 501c3 nonprofit) aims to facilitate community input into all forms of local economic development.. Together, these two enterprises take a holistic approach to economic development that creates an atmosphere where local entrepreneurs, leaders, residents, and developers can achieve a shared goal and vision for the revitalization and renewal of South Shore. The South Shore CDC addresses broader economic issues that impact the quality of life for all South Shorens.
The CDC priorities include:
- Lead the commercial revitalization strategy with an initial focus on 71st Street corridor
- Undertake direct development to reactive vacant/blighted properties and provide spaces for small businesses
- Provide technical assistance and support to other development projects in the corridor
- Undertake fundraising activities to support redevelopment along the corridor
- Provide grants/development match to support small businesses launching on the corridor that meet community goals
- Pursue and coordinate community wealth-building opportunities (e.g., Community Investment Vehicles)
Developing a Vibrant and Thriving Community
One of the South Shore CDC’s main priorities is to enhance the quality of life for all residents in South Shore by creating a vibrant, thriving, walkable community. Leveraging partnerships and available resources, our goal is to focus on our strongest assets as a foundation for growth. To do so, we are taking a two-tiered approach.
- Existing commercial properties will be our initial priority to decrease storefront vacancies and improve the current housing stock.
- Development of underutilized land will follow to modernize the corridors with new housing options and expanded commercial spaces.
This work is about creating a positive experience for South Shore residents on our corridors. Other work includes facade enhancements, and streetscape and beautification projects. By doing so, we will create a sustainable economy to attract new businesses and foster population growth.
While economic development is our primary focus, we also understand the importance of creating a culturally rich experience that’s unique to South Shore. There is a desire for more arts and entertainment for residents to enjoy and to attract visitors from across Chicago. We intend to position South Shore as a destination community for arts, culture, entertainment and thriving commercial districts.
2024 Main Street Grant Awards Powered by South Shore Community Development Corporation
Coordinate efforts to acquire existing properties for rehabilitation and commercial reactivation
Activate wealth-building opportunities through community investment vehicles and other collective ownership opportunities
Recruit quality developers for larger sites and create a path for community equity and contribution
Pursue in-fill new construction opportunities
Aggregate capital and secure resources
Organize community partners and stakeholders
