Movie studio pitched for South Shore, mayor's plan to honor DuSable + more news

Producer of The Chi files zoning application big film studio near South Shore's historic Avalon Regal Theater: "A producer of The Chi television series and longtime associate of the rapper Common is pushing ahead with plans for a big film studio in South Shore, an operation that could employ several hundred people and give the South Side neighborhood an economic jolt. A venture led by Derek Dudley filed a zoning application with the City Council this week for Regal Mile Studios, a proposed film production campus just around the corner from the historic Avalon Regal Theater." (Crain's Chicago Business)

Mayor Lori Lightfoot reveals alternate plan to honor Jean Baptiste Point DuSable after ordinace to rename Lake Shore Drive stalls: "Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday released an alternative plan to honor Jean Baptiste Point DuSable in an attempt to fend off a competing proposal to rename Lake Shore Drive for the Haitian explorer. The mayor's plan calls for $40 million toward developing DuSable Park on the Near North Side, renaming the Riverwalk downtown for DuSable and creating an annual festival in his honor. Lightfoot unveiled her expanded proposal a day after two aldermen deferred a vote on whether to rename outer Lake Shore Drive in honor of DuSable, who's credited as the area’s first nonnative settler for establishing a trading post along the river in 1779." (Chicago Tribune)

As-of-right development next to Berwyn Red Line stop includes 77 apartments: "MCZ Development unveiled plans Wednesday to redevelop the property at 1101-1115 W. Berwyn Avenue, which houses a mostly one-story retail strip with a second floor at the corner of Berwyn and Winthrop avenues. Replacing the existing building would be a five-story, 77-unit apartment complex with a small retail space, a rooftop deck, 36 parking spots and bicycle parking, the development team said at a community meeting." (Block Club Chicago)

Plan to landmark former home of blues musician Muddy Waters shifting into high gear: "The North Kenwood two-flat where blues giant Muddy Waters lived for two decades may become the next official landmark of Black life in Chicago. City officials, landmarks groups and the Muddy Waters descendant who owns the building are launching an effort to get it in front of the city's landmarks officials for consideration later this year. If it gets landmark status, the boarded-up house on Lake Park Avenue will be the second home of a Black historical figure to attain that status this year. In January the city landmarked the former West Woodlawn home of Emmett Till, the Chicago teenager whose murder by white racists in Mississippi helped spark the civil rights movement." (Crain's Chicago Business)

Humboldt Park alderman backs affordable apartment development despite cries from NIMBYs: "A plan for a nine-story affordable housing building in Humboldt Park is moving forward over the protests of neighbors who say the alderman has blocked the public from giving input on a development that will have a huge impact in the neighborhood. Hispanic Housing Development Corp. wants to build 64 apartments on a vacant lot at 1201-09 N. California Avenue. The developer recently received $1.5 million in state tax credits toward the project, and construction is expected to begin within the next few months, Ald. Roberto Maldonado said this week." (Block Club Chicago)

Armed with $2.3 million in grants, Chicago pushes outdoor dining to more areas: "Chicago's expanded outdoor dining program, coordinated between the city and various neighborhood organization proved successful and led the city to develop a second initiative, Chicago Alfresco, that builds upon last year's pilot, this time with a focus on equity. Street dining was a hit in North Side neighborhoods, but the city was unable to close down roads in places like Pilsen and Chatham. Last week, Choose Chicago, the city's tourism arm, announced $2.3 million in grants to 15 community groups including Little Village Community Foundation, Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council, and the Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce. The grants, which range in amount and top out at $250,000, will pay 'to open streets and create places for dining, public life, community, arts, culture, walking, and biking.'" (Eater Chicago)

City to offer $80 million in assistance to struggling renters: "With the state poised to lift an eviction ban that has protected renters during the pandemic, Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday earmarked $80 million in federal relief funds for a third round of rental assistance. To qualify for up to 15 months of rental assistance and help paying utility bills, tenants must: live in Chicago; have suffered 'hardship due to COVID-19, such as job loss, reduced hours or illness within their household'; be at risk of housing instability; have earned less than the maximum household income during 2020 at the time they apply. Applications can be made at chicago.gov/renthelp and must be filed by 11:59 p.m. on June 8. Renters can get help filing their applications in multiple languages by calling 312-698—0202." (Chicago Sun-Times)

Congress Theater redevelopment is back on track with a new developer: "After a years-long effort to revitalize Congress Theater stalled and fizzled last year, another developer has stepped forward to take over the beloved Logan Square venue, which has sat empty for nearly a decade. Baum Revision, a Chicago-based developer with a reputation for restoring historical buildings including the Green Exchange and Margies Candies buildings, is “seriously exploring” reviving the Congress, Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) told Block Club. The Baum team is working with a court-appointed receiver who took over the property at 2135 N. Milwaukee Avenue after the previous developer, Michael Moyer, defaulted on his loans. Baum is seeking to assume control of the building, and overhaul the historic theater as well as the surrounding apartments and retail space." (Block Chicago Chicago)

With lake levels dropping, some Lake Michigan beaches are making a comeback—just in time for summer: "[Water] levels have lowered from record highs as part of an overall Great Lakes downswing. The receding water has been welcomed by some beach towns and lakefront parks that weathered destruction in recent years. A group of Great Lakes officials estimated at least $500 million of damage in cities last year. The shift doesn't mean shoreline communities are in the clear. Many are still working to preserve what's left of disappearing bluffs, repair crumbling paths or get ahead of the next rise." (Chicago Tribune)