City In Review: Chicago

Grand Boulevard · Then vs Now

Grand Boulevard: 2025-02 vs 2026-02

A side-by-side look at how Grand Boulevard shifted between two periods.

2025-02 2026-02 Change
Building permits 31 33 +6%
Construction value ($) $16,867,629 $2,710,034 -84%
New business licenses 11 7 -36%
Business closings (proxy) 0 0
311 service requests 429 675 +57%
Reported crimes 206 249 +21%
Violent crimes 78 80 +3%
Failed food inspections 1 3 +200%

2025-02

Grand Boulevard permits jump to $16.9 million

Permit filings in Grand Boulevard spiked 55% in February, with total project value hitting $16.9 million—more than double January's $6.6 million. Ten of the 31 permits were for new construction. The neighborhood also saw crime drop 29%, from 291 incidents to 206, including a 10% decline in violent offenses. Service requests edged down 3%. Street lights out, graffiti removal, and abandoned vehicles topped the 311 list, each drawing at least 34 calls. No new businesses opened or closed during the month.

2026-02

Grand Boulevard violent crime doubles to 80 incidents

Violent crime in Grand Boulevard more than doubled in February, jumping from 37 to 80 incidents. Overall crime rose 68 percent to 249 cases. Permits more than doubled to 33, though their combined value dropped 67 percent to $2.7 million—most were express permits, not major construction. Seven businesses opened, including ADOM AFRICAN MARKET, KK WINGS, and OCEAN CITY AQUARIUMS, an animal care shop. Service requests edged up 3 percent to 675, with 284 tree trim requests leading the list. Three food establishments failed inspections.

New businesses — 2025-02

  • Laury Bride (Limited Business License)
  • INZ & OUTZ (Limited Business License)
  • AFRICA HAIR BRAIDING (Limited Business License)
  • AJAMU Y LAWRENCE (Peddler License)
  • SIP & SAVOR 47TH, INC. (Retail Food Establishment)
  • CLEO'S SOUTHERN CUISINE (Retail Food Establishment)
  • MB LUXURY NAIL LOUNGE LLC (Limited Business License)
  • The TLC Fine Jewelry Co (Regulated Business License)
  • SIMPLY SOUPS SALADS & SANDWICHES (Retail Food Establishment)
  • DSGNRZ LLC (Limited Business License)

New businesses — 2026-02

  • ADOM AFRICAN MARKET (Retail Food Establishment)
  • KK WINGS (Retail Food Establishment)
  • Desiree Leach (Shared Housing Unit Operator)
  • SUPREME SCRUBS INC. (Regulated Business License)
  • OCEAN CITY AQUARIUMS (Animal Care License)
  • THE L3 AGENCY (Limited Business License)
  • ELEMENT HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES (Regulated Business License)