CHICAGO — A new initiative is aiming to reshape the 71st Street corridor in South Shore by putting development power directly into the hands of local residents.
Called CorridorLive, the plan is spearheaded by the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, its community development arm, and Special Service Area No. 42. It seeks to create a future for the area that is resident-owned, locally branded, and built to serve those who live there.
A Vision for Local Ownership
CorridorLive will roll out a detailed development blueprint later this summer, with the full unveiling set for August 24 at the South Shore Summer Fest.
Highlights of the plan include:
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Land use strategy focused on acquiring key properties
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A new branding identity and corridor name
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Architectural renderings of six redevelopment “catalyst” sites
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Public input to shape storefront upgrades, layout, and neighborhood appeal
“We can’t control what our neighborhood looks like if we don’t own it,” said Jonathan Scott, director of real estate development at the chamber’s CDC.
Top Priority Sites Identified
The development map targets three primary areas:
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Jeffery Boulevard area, home to a stalled entertainment center proposal and the now-closed Walgreens
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Paxton Avenue to Yates Boulevard
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Stony Island to Constance Avenues
The former Walgreens location is under contract, but the chain will continue leasing it until 2031, chamber officials said.
Resident Engagement in Full Swing
At a recent open house, around 40 South Shore residents offered input on the plan, including what should be prioritized for redevelopment.
Longtime residents like Marcia Wade Talbert praised the direction of the project but emphasized the importance of communication across ward boundaries:
“South Shore has been split into so many different wards — it’s hard to move plans forward consistently,” she said.
Not the First Plan — But Maybe the Most Grounded
South Shore has seen several revitalization roadmaps over the years — including its 2022 Quality of Life Plan and a city-backed corridor study in 2020. What sets CorridorLive apart, leaders say, is its focus on local capital and partnerships.
The South Shore Chamber is also developing a $15 million community investment vehicle to help residents purchase and redevelop vacant or blighted buildings — like the one at 1735 E. 71st St., which is now under contract for full resident control.
“This is about giving local entrepreneurs a shot,” said Ja’Net DeFell of Community Desk Chicago, a nonprofit helping fund the effort.
“Many can’t do it alone — this project gives them a way in.”
A Pathway Away from the Underground Economy
Community leaders also stressed the need to engage everyone — even those loitering at troubled corners like 71st and Jeffery — in a meaningful way.
Royce Strahan, a local resident, said the plan could activate more job opportunities:
“People need something to do. Give them a stake in this, and we’ll bring pride back to the neighborhood.”
Tewodros Josef Crawford, of Black Culture Wellness, echoed that sentiment:
“Let’s show folks they can be more than bystanders. Let’s train them to be owners and bosses.”
Do you live near 71st Street or have ideas for improving the South Shore corridor? Share your vision for the neighborhood in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
