City In Review: Chicago

Lake View · Then vs Now

Lake View: 2025-02 vs 2026-02

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

2025-02 2026-02 Change
Building permits 79 73 -8%
Construction value ($) $15,188,792 $10,072,509 -34%
New business licenses 405 73 -82%
Business closings (proxy) 0 0
311 service requests 1,602 1,787 +12%
Reported crimes 375 428 +14%
Violent crimes 83 86 +4%
Failed food inspections 11 11 0%

2025-02

Lake View permit value doubles on $15.2M total

Lake View pulled 79 permits in February worth $15.2 million combined, nearly double January's $8.1 million despite seven fewer permits. Express permits led the way with 29, followed by 22 for signs and 14 for renovations. No new business licenses or closures showed up in the data this month.

2026-02

Lake View crime jumps to 428 as graffiti tops 311

Crime reports in Lake View hit 428 in February, up 95% from January's 219. Violent crimes rose from 48 to 86. Graffiti removal requests led 311 calls at 424, far ahead of tree trim requests at 171. New businesses included Panda Express #5089, Foss Swim School, and a shared kitchen user called Pickled Prince. Permits totaled 73 filings worth $10.1 million, with 35 express permits leading the categories. Food inspection failures went from six to eleven.

New businesses — 2025-02

  • Chicago Haircuts and Shaves (Limited Business License)
  • LOVELYCV SALON (Limited Business License)
  • Pivotal Talent Group LLC (Limited Business License)
  • AWP CONSULTING LLC (Regulated Business License)
  • TAYLORED KEEPSAKES LLC (Regulated Business License)
  • ENERGY LIFE LOVE SOUL CHAVIRA SHOP (Limited Business License)
  • The Belmont/Decibel (Public Place of Amusement)
  • ROYAL HOME ENTERTAINMENT (Limited Business License)
  • BLADE HAIR SKIN BODY LLC (Limited Business License)
  • A A A SOUTHPORT SECURITY (Limited Business License)

New businesses — 2026-02

  • ANDY'S PAWS (Animal Care License)
  • HEART OF MIDDLE EAST (Retail Food Establishment)
  • PANDA EXPRESS #5089 (Retail Food Establishment)
  • PANCAKE CAFE / AJI (Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity)
  • PICKLED PRINCE (Shared Kitchen User (Long Term))
  • Lucky Strike (Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity)
  • Lucky Strike (Retail Food Establishment)
  • Foss Swim School (Children's Services Facility License)
  • CVS/PHARMACY #5001 (Retail Food Establishment)
  • APPLE BITE PANTRY (Tobacco)