City In Review: Chicago

Kenwood · Then vs Now

Kenwood: 2024-07 vs 2025-07

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

2024-07 2025-07 Change
Building permits 20 18 -10%
Construction value ($) $6,869,997 $14,177,072 +106%
New business licenses 3 6 +100%
Business closings (proxy) 0 0
311 service requests 432 352 -19%
Reported crimes 170 212 +25%
Violent crimes 47 60 +28%
Failed food inspections 1 2 +100%

2024-07

Kenwood permit value jumps to $6.9 million

Permit value in Kenwood shot up 228% in July, hitting $6.9 million on 20 permits—three fewer than June. Most were express permits (14), followed by two renovations and two new construction jobs. Tree emergencies led 311 requests with 146 calls, part of a 23% jump in total service requests to 432. Crime dropped 15% to 170 incidents, with violent offenses down 24% to 47. One food inspection failed. No new businesses opened or closed.

2025-07

Kenwood permits jump to $14.2M on renovation work

Permit values in Kenwood shot up 1,567% in July, hitting $14.2 million compared to $851k the month before. The neighborhood issued 18 permits, up from 13, with express permits leading the count at 14 and four renovation projects trailing behind. Crime rose 25% to 212 incidents, though violent offenses held nearly flat at 60. Service requests ticked up 4% to 352, led by tree debris cleanup and information-only calls. No new businesses opened or closed. Two food establishments failed inspections, double the previous month's single fail.

New businesses — 2024-07

  • BRONZEVILLE FOOD MART (Tobacco)
  • Vbody Power Fitness LLC (Regulated Business License)
  • LAVISH HAIR STUDIO (Limited Business License)

New businesses — 2025-07

  • JPK TRAVELS (Regulated Business License)
  • WEST SIDE KICKS (Regulated Business License)
  • ROSS DRESS FOR LESS (Limited Business License)
  • MR. CAPTAIN HOOK FISH AND CHICKEN AND GRILL (Retail Food Establishment)
  • GRANTS AND GRIT (Regulated Business License)
  • LEWIS MELVIN PAULK (Peddler License)