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Why
South Shore?

South Shore

Making
Waves!

Untapped Potential
Unprecedented OPPORTUNITY

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Why Chicago?

Chicago’s global economy is thriving as over 350 major corporations have established offices here and we continue to lead U.S. cities in direct foreign investments. A skilled labor force, the availability of prime locations, excellent transportation options and a host of innovative financing and other resources combine to make Chicago an excellent destination for new and expanding businesses. Special incentives designed to bolster economic development in underserved areas have resulted in millions of dollars being invested in these communities and made Chicago a leader in inner city business development.Your Legacy Awaits..!



Why South Shore?

Nestled along Chicago’s lakefront, the South Shore community is perfectly situated for the renewal currently underway. Excellent transportation, solid housing stock, proximity to downtown and the coming Obama Presidential Center make this community a central player in the revitalizing Southeast region. Its dynamic human capital is equally as significant as its physical assets with residents ranging from global leaders, renown artists and educators to engaged residents and veteran and emerging community developers - South Shore is Making Waves!

  • 9% GROWTH

    in financial, home, and household operation purchases in the next 5 years

  • SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION

    industries have higher concentrations of workers here than the rest of Chicago

  • 48k SQ. FT.

    of turn key ready commercial space available

  • $2.1 BILLION

    in consumer spend and it will continue to grow

Why South Shore?


It's An Attractive Market for Investment

Community Snapshot


South Shore Community Asset Map

PARKS, CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS & AMENITIES

Nestled along the southern tip of Lake Michigan, South Shore is replete with beautiful parks and recreational outlets, among them 2 golf courses, 2 yacht clubs, and the iconic South Shore Cultural Center. Transportation options abound with easy access to main highways, multiple Metra stops and excellent public transportation. Its proximity to the Obama Presidential Center is also stimulating tourism and economic development in the area.

· 12 Schools
· 1 Library
· 3 Public Art Pieces
· 6 Metra Stations
· 43 Park Facilities

Investment Commitments

Just to Show You We Mean Business...

The city of Chicago has assembled a suite of initiatives designed to provide capital and other supports to businesses who locate in select opportunity communities -
Revitalization of commercial corridors in 10 high profile opportunity neighborhoods.
Build out of vacant city-owned lots. Six awarded developments will soon transform the neighborhoods.

Projects In Development

Opportunity Knocked, And They Answered


New investment dollars are coming into South Shore that are sure to catalyze even more transformational projects. Recent additions include:

ICE theaters
Inner City Entertainment plans to build an entertainment center to replace the old Urban Partnership Bank building at 7054 S. Jeffery Blvd. Inner City Entertainment has developed theaters in Chatham and Lawndale. But the South Shore project will be the company’s smallest, densest project yet. The development is “rightsized for the community and to be able to pack in all this excitement, fun and great food is amazing.
Regal Studios
The estimated $60 million project could be a major economic driver for the South Shore area. It would create 250 construction jobs plus 34 permanent positions and roughly 300 production-related jobs during filming. The studio could also give a much-needed boost to struggling local businesses—and perhaps even kick-start the restoration of the landmark Avalon Regal Theater, which has sat vacant for more than a decade.
The entire project would cover more than seven acres along South Stony Island Avenue, between East 77th Street and South Chicago Avenue. The first phase would include six soundstages encompassing over 200,000 square feet.
THRIVE
The $47.3 million development will produce a mixed-use project, creating 39 residential units on the south side of E. 79th Street in a new building. The historic Ringer Building will be converted into commercial space, including potential retail and restaurant uses as well as a community health center. The second new structure will rise to the north of the Ringer Building, holding 24 for-sale condominium units.

And Thats Not All!

Additional Incentives

Whether you need an incubator, a storefront, a large retail outlet in a mall or a sprawling manufacturing site, South Shore’s Got It! This robust network of organizations and initiatives provide customized services to assist developing businesses:

South Shore Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Development Center
SSA
Two TIF Districts
Nine Opportunity Zones
Special Service Areas #42 and #50
One Enterprise Zone
Six Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Eligible Corridors
Three priority corridors

Existing Businesses
Putting Your Business In the Street - WORKS!

Business Success Stories -

You'll Be In Good Company

PROSPERING IN SOUTH SHORE
Businesses that have elected to invest in South Shore have become a part of the fabric of the community and have much to share with prospective entrepreneurs who are exploring this lucrative market.
South Shore business owners are reveling in the success they have experienced in this rapidly revitalizing community.

Contact Us

LaForce Baker | V.P. of Community Impact
lbaker@worldbusinesschicago.com
(773) 837-7003

World Business Chicago
177 N State St #500 | Chicago, IL 60601
www.worldbusinesschicago.com
(312) 553-0500

For your commitment to the South Shore community and this effort,

Thank You

  • Dr. Carol Adam | Resident & Urban Prescriptives

  • Devon Granger, | Granger Property Services

  • Eva Jakubowski | Local Market Foods

  • Yvette Moyo | Resident, The Quarry & Real Men Charities

  • Eddie Roque | Local Market Foods

  • Tonya Trice | South Shore Chamber of Commerce

We are grateful for your time and generosity, and hope you will take great pride in the important difference that you make in the South Shore community, and the lives of the people who live here.