71st Street Market & Land Use Assessment
We are supporting the revitalization of Chicago's 71st Street corridor in South Shore, identifying market opportunities to reactivate the local business district and boost community ownership of real estate.
Community Desk Chicago & South Shore Community Development Corporation
Market Analysis, Technical Assistance
Chicago, IL
Beginning in 2023, SB Friedman assisted the South Shore Community Development Corporation (SSCDC) through Community Desk Chicago's Neighborhood Developers Initiative, helping formulate a preliminary redevelopment strategy to stabilize the 71st Street commercial corridor. Building on that foundation, in 2025, we conducted a detailed analysis of existing conditions and real estate market opportunities to inform a broader corridor plan, developed through Community Desk Chicago's CorridorLive! Program.
Work Completed
Analyzed demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the South Shore neighborhood
Worked with Community Desk Chicago and SSCDC to identify target properties for commercial re-tenanting and redevelopment
Evaluated community dynamics including land use, recent investment, and access to transportation
Assessed the local real estate market and identified opportunities for multifamily residential, hospitality and commercial development
Outlined strategic recommendations for where to focus specific development typologies
Results
The market and land use assessment was completed in March 2025. Our findings were reflected in the 71st Street Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Plan, which was led by Perkins + Will and completed in March 2026.
