City In Review: Chicago

Lincoln Square · Then vs Now

Lincoln Square: 2024-06 vs 2025-06

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

2024-06 2025-06 Change
Building permits 34 52 +53%
Construction value ($) $4,591,459 $7,504,411 +63%
New business licenses 30 31 +3%
Business closings (proxy) 0 0
311 service requests 1,138 1,181 +4%
Reported crimes 159 181 +14%
Violent crimes 39 33 -15%
Failed food inspections 8 7 -12%

2024-06

Lincoln Square pulled 20 express permits in June

Lincoln Square ran 34 permits in June, down four from May, but their total value edged up to $4.6 million. Twenty of those permits came through the express program—likely minor residential fixes or quick commercial tweaks. Ten more covered renovations or alterations. The rest: two sign permits, two new construction. No new businesses opened or closed during the month.

2025-06

Lincoln Square permit activity jumps 44%, led by express filings

Permit volume in Lincoln Square shot up 44% in June, with 52 filings totaling $7.5 million. Nearly half were express permits—the city's fast-track program for straightforward work. Thirteen renovation projects and nine sign permits rounded out the activity. Total dollar value climbed a more modest 13%, suggesting most of the new filings covered smaller jobs. No new business licenses or closures showed up in the data this month.

New businesses — 2024-06

  • EMPOWERFIT (Regulated Business License)
  • CAROL'S EVENT STAFFING , INC (Regulated Business License)
  • MOTHERLAND CAFE (Retail Food Establishment)
  • Kanlaya 8 (Retail Food Establishment)
  • CLARKE2112 LLC SERIES 4436-38 N WESTERN (Limited Business License)
  • Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club (Retail Food Establishment)
  • JANE ADDAMS RESOURCE CORP (Limited Business License)
  • KAJTEZ FASHION STUDIO, INC. (Limited Business License)
  • MANIFOLD CHICAGO (Manufacturing Establishments)
  • BEST BUY FOOD & LIQUOR (Tobacco)

New businesses — 2025-06

  • FRANK R SJODIN (Peddler License)
  • THE OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC (Pop-Up Retail User)
  • Urban Athlete (Regulated Business License)
  • CERAMICS BY LEO (Limited Business License)
  • GROUNDSWELL LLC (Retail Food Establishment)
  • NWAR SKIN (Limited Business License)
  • URBAN POOCH TRAINING AND FITNESS CENTER (Animal Care License)
  • FOSTER WORKS (Manufacturing Establishments)
  • Urban Pooch Training and Fitness Center (Animal Care License)
  • DOLLAR TREE #3359 (Retail Food Establishment)