As part of the City of Chicago’s $30.5 million Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation Program (CCSAP) for small businesses and property owners, the South Shore CDC is proud to serve as the lead local organization for the 71st Street corridor. South Shore has been awarded $3 million as part of this 12-community initiative led by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to activate commercial spaces, local business growth, and increase corridor vibrancy. This grant allows us to launch our CorridorLive! South Shore initiative – a comprehensive revitalization strategy designed by Community Desk Chicago and piloted in South Shore. CorridorLive! South Shore works to stabilize business corridors through;
Planning & Design
Business District Stabilization
Wealth Building & Long-term Revitalization
The Opportunity
- Exterior Improvements: New signage, storefront systems, and limited exterior repairs.
- Interior Preparation: “Vanilla box” renovations to make spaces tenant-ready.
- Community Space: Al Fresco dining and outdoor lounge spaces.
- Art & Culture: Public art installations, custom murals and beautification projects to enhance corridor vibrancy.
Am I Eligible?
Grant eligibility is focused on the 71st Street corridor, specifically serving businesses and property owners located between Ridgeland Avenue and Paxton Avenue.
Corridor Information
The eligible corridors, along with the boundaries and partner agencies, are listed below, along with an interactive map outlining the program areas.
| Neighborhood | Corridor / Boundaries | Corridor Lead |
| Bridgeport | Halsted Street (32nd to 34th Place); Morgan Street (31st to 35th) | Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community |
| Bronzeville | Cottage Grove Avenue (43rd to 50th) | It Takes a Village |
| Chatham | 79th Street (Vernon to Cottage Grove) | Greater Chatham Initiative |
| Marshall Square | Cermak Road (Rockwell to Kedzie); California Avenue (California Pink Line to 24th) | Latinos Progresando |
| Loop | State Street (Randolph to Jackson) | Chicago Loop Alliance |
| McKinley Park | 35th Street (Leavitt to Ashland); Archer Avenue (35th/Archer Orange Line to Damen) | McKinley Park Development Council |
| Pilsen | 18th Street (Ashland to Morgan) | DishRoulette Kitchen |
| Roseland | 95th Street (Halsted to King) | Endeleo Institute |
| South Chicago | 91st Street (Exchange to Houston); 92nd Street (Harbor to Exchange); Commercial Avenue (89th to 93rd) | Claretian Associates |
| South Shore | 71st Street (Ridgeland to Paxton) | South Shore Community Development Corp. |
| West Garfield Park | Madison Street (Keeler to Kenton); Kostner Avenue (Madison to Washington) | Bethel New Life |
| Woodlawn | 63rd Street (Drexel to King); Stony Island Avenue (Midway Plaisance to 67th) | Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce |