Wilson El Renovation

We're thrilled that the long-awaited renovation of the Wilson El Station has been funded by the CTA, and are committed to ensuring that the station and attendant retail is a centerpiece of the revitalized Broadway commercial corridor.  Strong public transit is key to our development as an entertainment destination, and we are looking forward to closely integrating the station renovation with entertainment district planning.  The historic Gerber building also provides a unique opportunity for creative transit-oriented development, including a public market that would serve and celebrate Uptown's rich diversity as well as providing a key outlet for local producers. 

Uptown Entertainment District

Uptown has a rich history as an entertainment destination, with its many clubs and theaters hosting the stars of the silent film industry, movie places of the 1950’s and legendary rock shows in recent decades.  Today, key destination venues like the Aragon Ballroom and Riviera Theatre draw popular music fans from across the region, while the Green Mill remains one of the nation’s premier jazz clubs.  A growing number of bars and restaurants serve concert and theater goers, while the Asia on Argyle Chinese & Vietnamese enclave offers authentic dining options a few blocks away. Through the leadership of Mayor Emanuel, Alderman Cappleman and Alderman Osterman, we are working to build on these strengths to support the re-opening of the Uptown Theater, develop a stronger district identity and support the growth of smaller theaters and venues, particularly in our historic structures. In autumn 2012, Uptown United released a Entertainment District Preliminary Planning report.
 

Business Attraction and Support

Uptown United provides technical assistance to developers and small business owners, including access to Small Business Improvement Funds, references to local lenders, assistance with city licensing and permitting and site selection services. We maintain a current database of available properties in the neighborhood, as well as close contact with landlords and brokers to provide valuable direction and advice. Find our new neighborhood brochure with great information on locating a business in Uptown here, or contact us for hard copies. 

Affordable Housing Preservation

We are committed to ensuring that our economic development efforts support the entire Uptown community.  In partnership with ONE and Ezra Multi-Service Center, we are exploring the best tools to preserve, maintain and upgrade our affordable housing stock by leveraging private investment and not-for-profit partners. 

Council Meetings

Developers of new neighborhood projects or businesses seeking zoning changes are urged to present their project to our Development Partners Council early in the development process for assistance in designing a project that will best meet the community's needs.  Our decisions on supporting a project are guided by our Community Development Guidelines and informed by the experience of our members in diverse real estate fields.  In addition, the Council's decision informs our vote on the 46th Ward Planning and Zoning Committee.

Model Redevelopment Project

To encourage improvement of commercial properties on the 4600 block of North Broadway,  we purchased a three story mixed use building at 4619 North Broadway in July 1998.  After improving the property, we lease the ground floor to MDT Architects as a commercial tenant  while we maintain the two large apartments on the second and third floors as affordable, family housing.