Near South Side · Then vs Now
Near South Side: 2024-10 vs 2025-10
A side-by-side look at how Near South Side shifted between two periods.
| 2024-10 | 2025-10 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building permits | 22 | 53 | +141% |
| Construction value ($) | $10,610,635 | $10,507,454 | -1% |
| New business licenses | 60 | 34 | -43% |
| Business closings (proxy) | 0 | 0 | — |
| 311 service requests | 365 | 374 | +2% |
| Reported crimes | 274 | 202 | -26% |
| Violent crimes | 69 | 57 | -17% |
| Failed food inspections | 6 | 7 | +17% |
2024-10
Near South Side permit value jumps to $10.6 million
Though the Near South Side issued 31% fewer permits in October—down to 22 from 32—total value soared 428% to $10.6 million. Most permits were express filings, suggesting smaller routine work, but the top-line figure points to at least one big-ticket project. Graffiti removal requests led 311 calls at 85. Violent crime climbed 13%, from 61 incidents to 69. Food inspection failures tripled from two to six, though the small base means one or two problem spots could account for the swing.
2025-10
Near South Side permit value hits $10.5 million
Permit filings doubled in October—53 versus 26 the month prior—and their combined value shot up 338 percent to $10.5 million. Most of that activity came through the Express Permit Program, which logged 34 applications. Eleven renovation filings and seven new construction permits rounded out the list. Crime dropped 13 percent to 202 incidents. Violent offenses fell from 63 to 57. Service requests dipped 8 percent, with graffiti removal leading the board at 59 calls. Food inspection failures climbed from one to seven, though the base numbers are small.
New businesses — 2024-10
- LAZ PARKING (Commercial Garage)
- THE STALEY (Retail Food Establishment)
- UNITED SECURITY SERVICES, INC. (Limited Business License)
- UNITED MAINTENANCE COMPANY, INC. (Limited Business License)
- GOLD STAR SECURITY (Limited Business License)
- SMG (Limited Business License)
- CFT (Limited Business License)
- FIELD MUSEUM (Outdoor Patio)
- BAR METHOD SOUTH LOOP (Children's Services Facility License)
- BELLA MIA LLC (Limited Business License)
New businesses — 2025-10
- MERIT & MORE (Limited Business License)
- COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO (Public Place of Amusement (PAV))
- CUBESMART #869 (Limited Business License)
- RSTR (Regulated Business License)
- WEINI & CHANG'S PIANO STUDIO (Limited Business License)
- Bellagio 223 (Public Place of Amusement)
- Bellagio 223 (Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity)
- FIELD MUSEUM (Raffles)
- STEEPER'S ONLY LLC (Shared Kitchen User (Long Term))
- THE CHICAGO FIREHOUSE RESTAURANT (Public Place of Amusement)