Led by Renaissance Row and the Business and Economic Revitalization Association (BERA), a collaboration of over 100 businesses, churches, and elected officials located on 75th Street from State Street to Cottage Grove are making plans to reduce the potential harm to their businesses and operations. The City government is installing a new sewer this summer and fall in the heart of a south side business district.

This “necessary but inconvenient” improvement blocks easy access to the business district for walking, auto and CTA traffic. In April, the City of Chicago began a long delayed but very much needed infrastructure improvement project in the Greater Grand Crossing community to replace sewer pipes, some of which date back to 1916. The project, stretching from Indiana to Eberhart on 75th Street, is designed to benefit the entire community by improving the drainage and reducing the risk of flooding according to Tom La Port, Assistant Commissioner, Chicago Department of Water Management.

While applauding the community’s good fortune, area business owner Theodore Boone of Exxxtreme Big, Tall, & Smooth Men’s Wear, expressed great concern about the potential financial harm the project could cause him and his fellow 75th Street business owners because of the prolonged lack of access by customers. “Small businesses are the backbone of the community and must be protected,” said BERA executive director, Alicia Spears.

This is also the supporting sentiments of many community and civic leaders who vowed to help the businesses. Many of the businesses like Mars Barber Shop, Tiffany Beauty Salon, The Woodshop Art Gallery, Fletcher’s One Stop Records, Ms. Frances Cocktail Lounge or the famous Army and Lou’s Restaurant have been located on the street for 30 to 40 years and command a special place in the lives and hearts of the neighborhood residents and the community.

“Seventy-Fifth Street has a history and a legacy of business” said Ms. Spears. “We will tell and remind the community and raise its pride.” Upbeat and tough, the 75th Street businesses have decided to develop strategies to individually and collectively promote and market themselves, tell their stories, and persuade the shoppers to make special efforts to buy with them during what one person called “this necessary, but challenging time”.

Exciting plans are being made to sponsor a Walking Business Seminar on Friday September 18 and a ‘surprise shopping delight’ on Saturday September 19. Both days promise to provide education, fun and wonderful shopping opportunities. Read more about the 75th Street Story in days to come.