South Chicago · Then vs Now
South Chicago: 2025-02 vs 2026-02
A side-by-side look at how South Chicago shifted between two periods.
| 2025-02 | 2026-02 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building permits | 21 | 20 | -5% |
| Construction value ($) | $977,152 | $388,723 | -60% |
| New business licenses | 8 | 4 | -50% |
| Business closings (proxy) | 0 | 0 | — |
| 311 service requests | 776 | 737 | -5% |
| Reported crimes | 238 | 239 | +0% |
| Violent crimes | 82 | 99 | +21% |
| Failed food inspections | 1 | 1 | 0% |
2025-02
South Chicago permit value drops to $977k
South Chicago pulled 21 permits in February, down from 27 the month before. Total value fell 22% to just under $1 million. Seventeen of those permits came through the city's express program, which handles smaller routine jobs. Two demolition permits were also issued. No new business licenses or closures showed up in the data this month.
2026-02
Violent crime nearly doubles as 311 requests jump 32%
South Chicago's violent crime count shot up 90% in February—99 incidents compared to 52 the month before—while overall crime climbed from 164 to 239 reports. Residents also flooded 311 with complaints, up 32% to 737 requests. Abandoned vehicles topped the list at 96 calls, followed by 83 pothole reports. On the business front, four new licenses appeared: Stacked & Saucy joined a shared kitchen, Kobes Kids Academy opened a children's facility, and Shawar's Food Inc. launched a retail food operation. Permit activity stayed flat at 20, but dollar value cratered 95% to $389k after last month's $7M. Fifteen of those permits went through the express program.
New businesses — 2025-02
- FEOM EXPRESSIONS (Limited Business License)
- 2804 E. 87th Street, LLC (Limited Business License)
- VERONICA MIRELES MAGIICAL TREASURES (Limited Business License)
- SANDABEAUTYSUITES LLC (Limited Business License)
- Ultimate Furniture & Mattress (Limited Business License)
- TRIPLE B AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING STUDIO (Limited Business License)
- LITTLE LEADERS LEARNING ACADEMY, INC. (Children's Services Facility License)
- Rubio's (Retail Food Establishment)
New businesses — 2026-02
- STACKED & SAUCY (Shared Kitchen User (Short Term))
- KOBES KIDS ACADEMY (Children's Services Facility License)
- DA UMBRELLA INC. (Limited Business License)
- SHAWAR'S FOOD INC. (Retail Food Establishment)