Near South Side · Then vs Now
Near South Side: 2025-01 vs 2026-01
A side-by-side look at how Near South Side shifted between two periods.
| 2025-01 | 2026-01 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building permits | 15 | 23 | +53% |
| Construction value ($) | $1,625,560 | $2,470,266 | +52% |
| New business licenses | 22 | 22 | 0% |
| Business closings (proxy) | 0 | 0 | — |
| 311 service requests | 320 | 338 | +6% |
| Reported crimes | 199 | 179 | -10% |
| Violent crimes | 63 | 51 | -19% |
| Failed food inspections | 7 | 0 | -100% |
2025-01
Near South Side permit value jumps to $1.6M
Permit value in Near South Side shot up 252% to $1.6 million in January, even as the number of permits dropped from 24 to 15. Most were routine express permits, but the dollar spike suggests one or two bigger jobs. Crime fell 15% overall and violent incidents dropped 16%. Food inspection failures jumped from one to seven, and 311 got 72 requests for tree trimming—a service the city no longer accepts. Graffiti removal requests came in second with 35 calls.
2026-01
Permit value crashes 94% despite 21 new licenses
Permit value fell from $40.8 million to $2.5 million in January, a 94% drop, even as 21 businesses secured licenses—including Sakana Japanese Restaurant, Bar 22, and Minghin Cuisine. The 23 permits issued were mostly small-scale: 12 express permits and five renovations. Violent crime rose 24%, from 41 to 51 incidents. Residents filed 54 pothole complaints and 26 graffiti requests as 311 calls dropped 17% overall.
New businesses — 2025-01
- ROJAS TAX PREP (Regulated Business License)
- AFA HOSPITALITY SOLUTIONS LLC (Regulated Business License)
- CASA TULUM (Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity)
- CASA TULUM (Retail Food Establishment)
- OLD ST. MARY'S CHURCH (Raffles)
- BriaFit Dance and Wellness LLC (Regulated Business License)
- FEDEX OFFICE #5020 (Limited Business License)
- Lisa Predko Ltd (Limited Business License)
- FEDEX OFFICE #5020 (Limited Business License)
- Issues Barber and Beauty Salon (Limited Business License)
New businesses — 2026-01
- BLAZERJONES (Regulated Business License)
- SAKANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT (Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity)
- CHICAGO VALET, INC. (Valet Parking Operator)
- FORWARD MOMENTUM CHICAGO (Raffles)
- THE STALEY (Caterer's Liquor License)
- AsYouSeeFit Chi (Regulated Business License)
- MINGHIN CUISINE (Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity)
- BAR 22 (Tavern)
- BAR 22 (Public Place of Amusement)
- Signature Steak (Food - Shared Kitchen - Supplemental)