City In Review: Chicago

South Lawndale · Then vs Now

South Lawndale: 2025-03 vs 2026-03

A side-by-side look at how South Lawndale shifted between two periods.

2025-03 2026-03 Change
Building permits 27 28 +4%
Construction value ($) $23,750,021 $4,428,300 -81%
New business licenses 29 24 -17%
Business closings (proxy) 0 0
311 service requests 1,678 2,000 +19%
Reported crimes 337 310 -8%
Violent crimes 110 122 +11%
Failed food inspections 2 6 +200%

2025-03

South Lawndale permit value rockets to $23.7 million

Permit value in South Lawndale jumped from $1.3 million to $23.7 million in March — an 1,800% spike — while the count barely moved (27 permits, up from 26). Twenty of those were express-program permits. On the streets, 311 requests climbed 38%, led by 377 graffiti removal calls and 216 tree-trim requests. Crime rose 26%, with 337 incidents including 110 violent offenses. Two food establishments failed inspections, double the previous month's count.

2026-03

Permit value jumps 157% on renovation work

South Lawndale's permit value shot up to $4.4 million in March, more than double February's $1.7 million. Twelve renovation permits led the pack, alongside ten express permits. New businesses included Aimee's Flowers Gifts & Bridal Boutique, La Villita Barber Shop, and Wash Smart Laundry. Service requests climbed 35% to 2,000, with graffiti removal topping the list at 579 calls. Crime rose 13% overall, with violent incidents up 21% to 122. Food inspection failures dropped slightly to six.

New businesses — 2025-03

  • L & W SUPPLY CORPORATION (Limited Business License)
  • AVM Travel (Limited Business License)
  • BURGER KING #17392 (Retail Food Establishment)
  • MUFFLERS & BRAKES AUTO SERVICES, INC. (Motor Vehicle Services License)
  • I&S FRAGRANCE (Limited Business License)
  • CREMERIA LA ORDENA #3 LLC (Retail Food Establishment)
  • Paleteria Juarez (Wholesale Food Establishment)
  • BURGER KING #5986 (Retail Food Establishment)
  • UNITED STATES MECHANICS, INC. (Motor Vehicle Services License)
  • PULASKI GAS & MINI MART INC. (Tobacco)

New businesses — 2026-03

  • AIMEE'S FLOWERS GIFTS & BRIDAL BOUTIQUE (Limited Business License)
  • OK CORRAL VIP (Limited Business License)
  • LA VILLITA BARBER SHOP (Limited Business License)
  • WASH SMART LAUNDRY (Regulated Business License)
  • JON BOOTH (Limited Business License)
  • RIGO'S GROCERY, INC. (Retail Food Establishment)
  • CRICKET WIRELESS (Limited Business License)
  • H & R BLOCK TAX SERVICES, INC. (Limited Business License)
  • FIESTA TAPATIA (Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity)
  • FIESTA TAPATIA (Retail Food Establishment)