MPDC Brings $2.5M City Opportunity to 35th Street Storefronts
The City of Chicago is investing $2.5 million in small businesses on the 35th Street Commercial Corridor thanks to an opportunity secured by the McKinley Park Development Council (MPDC). Funds include $1.8 million for property improvements, as well as opportunities for the corridor as a whole including beautification, marketing, entrepreneur education, and services to support small businesses.
McKinley Park is one of 12 community areas in the city selected for this opportunity through the Department of Planning and Development’s new Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation Program. Corridor Lead MPDC went through an extensive selection process to bring the program to the neighborhood.
The program aims to support small business development in alignment with the goals of the corridor and surrounding community through grants for property improvements. In McKinley Park, the program seeks to execute elements of the community-driven Neighborhood Plan and Plans for 35th Street. Nearly 1,500 neighbors contributed to these plans.
Qualified storefronts and current or prospective businesses located within the grant area are eligible for the program, which makes construction grants directly to businesses. The eligible area extends along 35th Street from Leavitt to Ashland and on Archer Avenue from the 35th/Archer L Station to Damen Avenue.
Successful grant applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75% of total eligible project costs. Eligible projects include facade improvements, mechanical upgrades like HVAC and electrical work, buildouts to support new businesses in vacant buildings, and more. Locally owned businesses catering to everyday needs are preferred. Chains and other national entities are ineligible.
The program will prioritize applications that show strong community support, clear benefit to the neighborhood, and demonstrated project readiness. Interested businesses and storefront owners can apply directly to the city for property improvement funds. MPDC is available to assist with applications and other business services covered by the grant. Chicago nonprofit Allies for Community Business will administer the grant funds for construction and development.
The Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation Program will operate in parallel with MPDC’s efforts to bring public art and a clear visual identity to 35th Street, strengthening the corridor as a vibrant neighborhood space by and for neighbors.
Please email info@mpdcchicago.com for more information or to request assistance with a grant application.
