Special Service Area #31 is administered by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and managed by the SSA Commission. SSA #31 provides special programs for areas of Clark Street, Damen Avenue, Lawrence Avenue, Montrose Avenue, Wilson Avenue, and the Ravenswood Corridor.
In response to an increase in commercial burglaries and break-ins, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) and SSA #31 have established the Ravenswood Security Camera Rebate Program. The goal of this new program is to help deter crime, assist authorities in identifying criminals, and increase pedestrian safety.
This funding incentivizes business owners to install new or upgraded security cameras while aiding those who would not otherwise be able make such improvements. By improving security in our commercial corridors, the program strengthens Ravenswood’s standing as a destination for entrepreneurs and shoppers from across Chicago.
Program Details
Eligibility
Businesses interested in the Security Camera Rebate Program must be within theboundaries of Special Service Area 31. Eligible projects can receive a one-time rebate of 100% of the total costs, with a maximum rebate of $1,000.
Application Process & Requirements
To apply for the Security Camera Rebate Program, you must complete and submit the application form. Then, GRCC will review the application. If your application is approved, you will be notified with an approval letter from GRCC. You must submit an application and receive an approval letter before installation begins. Rebates will not be awarded retroactively or without an approval letter.
Once an approved project is complete, applicants must schedule an inspection with GRCC within 5 business days. Once GRCC verifies that all project requirements have been met, a rebate will be issued.
Program Requirements
Applications for the program are considered in the order they are received until all available funds have been distributed for that fiscal year.
The application must be submitted and approved BEFORE installation begins. Rebates are not awarded retroactively nor without an application.
For Vendor Installation: provide a detailed quote for equipment and installation fees.
For Self-Installation: provide pricing and description for the equipment you want to install.
At least one of the security cameras MUST oversee the sidewalk for greater public safety.
The business must hold an active business license with the City of Chicago.
If the business owner is not the property owner, the property owner or landlord must give written authorization to the business tenant by signing the application. The property owner must not be delinquent on property taxes or have a lien on their property.
Cameras must have a resolution of 1080p HD quality or higher.
Equipment must remain on or in the building for at least 3 years. If equipment is removed within 3 years of installation, the applicant cannot apply for SSA rebate programs in the future.
No property owner or business can receive more than 1 Security Camera Rebate in 3 calendar years from disbursement of the original grant.
Rebates are given only after all work has been approved, completed and paid for, and all documentation has been received by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.
In late 2020, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce issued a Request for Proposals for the design and construction of a series of new “People Spaces” around Ravenswood. Using funds allocated by Special Service Area #31 for placemaking and neighborhood improvements, GRCC led a year’s-long project that will see the creation of four new People Spaces. Construction on the first three finished in late 2022, with the fourth set to be completed in spring of 2024.
Lawrence & Hermitage
Design Elements
Multi-level seating offers place to dine, rest, and play
String lighting adds warms and whimsy
“Peace Wall” provides buffer to Lawrence without disconnecting the space from the community
Plants
Calamintha nespeta ssp. Nespeta
Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’
Allium ‘Summer Beauty’
Schizacharyium scoparium
Wilson & Ravenswood
Design Elements
Includes interactive art and play space for kids
Repurposed stone slab seating mimics other seating areas along the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor
Home to a Little Free Children’s Library crafted by local youth at Ravenswood ArtWalk
Plants
Calamagrostis x acutaflora ‘Karl Foerster’
Sesleria Atutmnalis
Montrose & Winchester
Design Elements
Curved plant beds and linear bench seating
Painted concrete matches angled metal fencing
Provides outdoor dining space for adjacent restaurants and cafes
Woodchip walking path conforming to existing pedestrian use
Native flowers planted by community members
Coming soon: bench seating for relaxation
Plants
Wild Petunia
Prairie alumroot
Black-eyed Susan
Thundercloud Sedum
Sesleria Atutmnalis
Daffodils
Tulips
Echinacea Pallida
Blue Grama Grass
Butterfly Weed
Coming Soon: Damen & Leland
Breaking ground summer 2024!
Design Elements
Multi-level seating offers place to rest and play
Shaded seating for maximum comfort
Provides outdoor dining space for adjacent restaurants and cafes
Damen & Leland Concept Rendering
Ravenswood People Spaces: Project Overview
Placemaking design initiatives, such as people spaces, can help connect neighborhoods and commercial streets into socially cohesive places by creating new, vibrant community hubs. The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) and Special Service Area (SSA) #31 have initiated a design process to create a series of permanent people spaces in Ravenswood.
GRCC has commissioned The Lakota Group, a Chicago-based urban design and landscape architecture firm, to design and implement a series of “Ravenswood People Spaces.” Working with the Lakota Group design team, we are exploring Ravenswood’s many assets and placemaking needs to identify locations and develop several community-gathering spaces along many of the neighborhood’s key commercial streets.
Well-designed People Spaces facilitate community interaction, support economic development and local businesses, visually enhance our urban environment, narrate a neighborhood’s history, and invite residents and visitors to explore and enjoy a community. When completed, these spaces will create a cultural network that strengthens the connection between people and the Ravenswood neighborhood.
Examples of People Spaces can include, but are not limited to:
Informal Seating Areas
Outdoor Dining Areas
Small Plazas
Pockets of Green Space
Parklets
Questions about the project?Please contact our office. Amy, our project manager, looks forward to your input and feedback.
The People Spaces design project aims to implement gathering spaces by the end of 2021. This process focuses on three main phases:
Phase 1:
Program Development
February – May
GRCC and the planning team will analyze existing conditions, explore project scope, and engage with stakeholders to establish a strong foundation.
Phase 2:
Design Development
May – August
Based on the analysis conducted, GRCC and the design team will explore People Space design options to enhance the district.
Phase 3:
Implement
September – December
In the final phase, GRCC will implement People Spaces with the planning teams guidance. Completion is expected by the end of December 2021.
Documents and Resources
Our team will post documents as they are ready. Stay tuned!
Public Feedback and Engagement
Community engagement was a key component of our design process. This helped to ensure that the People Spaces cater to the needs of the Ravenswood neighborhood, including residents, business owners, property owners, and visitors.
As part of this initiative, GRCC, SSA #31 and our design team undertook a meaningful and inclusive public participation process to get valuable input and feedback on the locations and design ideas. Over the following months, the design team facilitated a series of engagement activities to help shape each location.
Want to be among the first to know about project updates and new People Spaces?
During the winter, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and SSA #31 provide supplemental snow plowing service for the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Our crews clear the street and parking spaces of snow to ensure access for businesses and neighbors.
Our contract for snow plowing runs from Nov. 20, 2022 to March 31, 2023. When snowfall is greater than 4 inches, you can expect to see additional plows out in the neighborhood!
Snowplowing Services for Ravenswood Corridor
GRCC and SSA#31 provide overnight snow removal for parking spaces in the Ravenswood Corridor (Irving Park to Lawrence) to ensure that employees and customers can access parking the following morning. This service is provided between midnight and 4 a.m. when snowfall is greater than 4 inches.
Accordingly, we advise residents and workers not to park overnight in that section of the corridor when snow is anticipated. This ensures that crews can provide the best service possible while also making sure no one gets plowed in.
Not sure if your business is in the SSA boundaries? You can view the SSA boundaries map to determine if your property will receive this service.
Be aware of “No Parking” signs and other suggested restrictions during snow removal season.
You may have noticed vinyl NO PARKING signs posted throughout the corridor. Please note that these are notenforceable. You will not be ticketed or towed if you park overnight. However, these signs are intended to discourage overnight parking so that our crews can access the parking spaces to plow and so that no one gets plowed in.
If you have any questions about snow removal, please contact Megan Bunimovich at 773-975-2088 or megan@ravenswoodchicago.org.
Please note: our snow removal service does not relieve property owners of their legal responsibility to clear the sidewalks in front of their property.
You must shovel snow as soon as possible after it falls seven days a week. Snow that falls between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. must be removed no later than 10 p.m. Snow that falls between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. must be removed by 10 a.m.
You must clear a path at least 5 feet wide on all the sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any crosswalk ramps. Do not shovel the snow into the right-of-way, which includes: transit stops and bus pads, parking spaces, bike lanes, bike racks, Divvy stations, and any other space where snow impedes traffic of any kind.
If you are responsible for a corner lot, you must remove snow and ice from sidewalks on all sides of your building and from corner sidewalk ramps. This applies to residential property and business owners.
SSA 31 provides and maintains a variety of landscaping elements along our streets. We also takes care of litter removal and holiday decorations during the winter. Additionally, the SSA administers special beautification projects like our public art and mural program and our storefront improvement programs for businesses.
Landscaping
Each year, the SSA commission contracts a landscaping service beautify approximately 90,000 square feet of corridors throughout Ravenswood. The landscapers take care of over 300 tree beds, more than 30 planters, and the Lawrence Ave medians and bioswales. In 2016, the SSA analyzed curb areas in the Ravenswood corridor that could be landscaped to accommodate picnic tables at which local employees could eat.
Holiday Decorations
During the holiday season, the SSA helps make things festive by decorating our commercial corridors. We add seasonal decorations to our light poles, planter boxes, and other municipal structures. We also add festive plants and landscaping in our planter boxes.
By decorating our commercial corridors, we make our streets more pleasant to walk, our businesses more fun to shop, and our community more enjoyable to explore.
Litter Removal & Sidewalk Sweeping
In response to feedback from local businesses, SSA 31 provides sidewalk sweeping and litter removal services to our area. This includes additional service to public trash cans that compliments standard City of Chicago service.
Cleanslate
To help us with neighborhood beautification, the SSA contracts Cleanslate. As a social enterprise of Cara Collective, Cleanslate transforms communities by helping motivated job seekers find work creating cleaner, safer streets. As part of this mission, hundreds of their workers can be found in Chicago neighborhoods each year, unlocking their power and purpose. SSA 31 is extremely proud to have them as part of the Ravenswood community.
Current Reports
Past Reports
Previous years reports have been collected into publicly accessible Google Drive folders below. Please click on any year to access reports. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Together, the Ravenswood Community Council, Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, and SSA #31 have brought a variety of permanent and temporary works of public art to to our neighborhood. Projects funded, organized, or supported by our organizations include murals, sculptures, textile installations, community landmarks, mosaics, and other creative works.
Ravenswood Sculpture Garden
Established in 2021 by the Ravenswood Community Council, Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, and Special Service Area #31, the Ravenswood Sculpture Garden celebrates our community’s rich history of arts and industry.
Chicago’s newest public art destination is now home to more than ten sculptures, including a few “guerilla” contributions. This magical attraction pays homage to Ravenswood’s creative spirit, delights its residents, and draws visitors to local small businesses. All of the sculptures are located along Ravenswood Ave, between Lawrence Ave and Irving Park Rd. Click here to learn more and plan your visit.
Aside from the Ravenswood Sculpture Garden, SSA#31 encourages the creation of and care for public mural in our community. SSA-sponsored murals currently on display in Ravenswood include: A Squirrel Named Penelope by John Airo; Community by Jamie Lynn Porto, For My Neighbors, With Love by Adrianne Hawthorne; Never More by Yolanda Pilch; and We All Live Here by Rich Alapack.
On View: Public Art in Ravenswood
While not comprehensive, this is as thorough a list of public art in Ravenswood as you’ll find. If you have information about a piece not listed here, please contact gene@ravenswoodchicago.org. Note: not all of the below works were funded by SSA#31. This is a representation of the public art collection in the greater Ravenswood community.
Located at Quantum LEEP Academy, 1447 W Montrose Ave
Public Artwork Locations in Ravenswood
Request for Proposals: Artist + Property Owner Opportunities
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Ravenswood Community Council are dedicated to supporting local artists and increasing opportunities for artists in our community. If you’re considering a public art project in our neighborhood, we’re here to help! Contact GRCC Associate Director Gene Wagendorf III to talk about your project.
Subscribe to our mailing list here to receive updates on public art projects, construction updates, health and safety alerts, and invites to neighborhood events.
Promote your business and connect with the community with Neighborhood Banners.
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce’s Neighborhood Banner Program offers businesses prime visibility and connects their organizations to the community.
New banner designs are in!
All of the Ravenswood Banners feature an original design by Anne Leuck Studio, representing the diverse offerings of our neighborhood corridors. For Bowmanville, all of the banners feature another unique design.
Banner Pricing & Term
All banners are available for purchase for a 2-year period with price cuts at higher order numbers and special pricing for GRCC members. The neighborhood banners are limited in availability and priced at the following rates:
GRCC Member Pricing:
1-2 banners: $250 per banner
3-5 banners: $230 per banner
6+ banners: $210 per banner
Non-Member Pricing:
1-2 banners: $350 per banner
3-5 banners: $330 per banner
6+ banners: $310 per banner
The above prices include all maintenance and permitting fees. The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce handles all design, ordering, and installation. Your banner is guaranteed to stay up for two full years. Any wear and tear will be maintained by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce at no additional charge.
There are no annual renewal fees! If a banner is damaged within the 2-year period, it will be replaced at no cost to the business. All banners are refreshed every 2 years.
Picture it: Your business on a neighborhood banner, visible over a bustling intersection, a clear blue sky overhead.
All GRCC members are eligible for a $100 discount per banner. In order to purchase a banner, please fill out the form listed below. Please be advised that the program is closed for 2024. You may still request a banner for consideration when applications open back up.
The GRCC oversees banners for placement in Ravenswood and in Bowmanville. In Ravenswood, banners are available for purchase on Clark Street, Damen Avenue, Montrose Avenue, Wilson Avenue, Lawrence, and Ravenswood Avenue. In Bowmanville, banners are available on Foster Avenue, Damen Avenue, and Balmoral Avenue.
We cannot guarantee a specific location for your banner, but we will work to get it as close to your preferred location as possible.
Clark Street: between Montrose and Ainslie
Damen Avenue: from Argyle to Wilson
Montrose Avenue: between Damen and Clark
Ravenswood Avenue: from Irving Park to Lawrence
Lawrence Avenue: between Leavitt and Clark
Damen Avenue: between Argyle and Bryn Mawr
Foster Avenue: between Ravenswood and Western
Balmoral Avenue: between Damen and Ravenswood
Bryn Mawr Avenue: between Ravenswood and Damen
Traffic Data
Clark
#22 Bus – daily ridership
12,431
Damen
Daily vehicular traffic
12,550
#50 Bus – daily ridership
6,131
Damen Brown Line station ridership
1,705
Montrose
Daily vehicular traffic
16,633
#78 Bus – daily ridership
5,030
Montrose Brown Line station ridership
1,656
Lawrence
Daily vehicular traffic
23,700
#81 Bus – daily ridership
8,474
Ravenswood UP-N Metra station boardings
2,630
Ravenswood UP-N Metra station alightings
2,545
Foster
Daily vehicular traffic
24,650
#92 Bus – daily ridership
3,887
Data based off of 2019 reports made by the City of Chicago CDOT, CTA, and Metra.
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and SSA 31’s Ravenswood Façade Rebate Program encourages local small businesses and property owners to improve the physical appearance of their storefronts
By providing businesses and property owners financial assistance, these programs improve the appearances of the neighborhood buildings, resulting in increased attractiveness, business retention and marketability.
Before and After
Program Details
The Ravenswood Façade Rebate Program assists local small businesses and property owners who seek to improve the physical appearance of their storefronts. In doing so, the program strengthens Ravenswood’s standing as a commercial destination for shoppers from across the city. This funding incentives business owners looking to upgrade, preserve, or restore their storefronts while also aiding those who would not otherwise be able to complete aesthetically beneficial projects.
Eligibility
Businesses interested in the Facade Rebate Program must be within the boundaries of Special Service Area 31. Eligible projects can receive a rebate of up to 50% of the total cost, with a maximum rebate of $5,000.
Application Process & Requirements
To apply for the Façade Rebate Program, you must complete the application form. Once completed, the application is reviewed by the SSA Commission. If the application has been approved, you will be notified with an approval letter. Construction should be complete within 180 days of the issuance of the permit. After the project is complete, you must notify the SSA of its completion. We will then issue you the rebate!
Please Note:
Applications for the program are considered in the order they are received until all available funds have been distributed for that fiscal year.
Prior to beginning construction, you must receive an approval letter from the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. If you begin work on the project without written approval, you will not be eligible for the program.
Rebates are given only after all work has been approved, completed and paid for, and all documentation has been received by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.
All proposed improvements must meet the design guidelines set forth in facade rebate program document and are subject to review and approval by the SSA #31’s commission.
A completed application form, including the Summary of Costs Estimates and signed statement of understanding
$50 non-refundable application fee (credit card, check, or money order)
Photographs of the existing building and the proposed project area
Detailed plans and specifications for the proposed project
Detailed cost estimates from at least three contractors for each improvement task
Owner’s deed and tenant’s lease, if applicable
Current lien report policy showing the property is free of liens (except mortgage liens)
Certificate of Good Standings from the state of Illinois
Any applicable permits form the city
Written consent from and contact information for the property owner, if the applicant is not the owner.
Ravenswood Façade Rebate Program In Action
Past Façade Rebates Issued
2024: $15,300+ awarded
Club Pilates Ravenswood 1900 W Lawrence Ave
Feast Fitness + Nutrition 4510 N Ravenswood Ave
Fin Sushi Bar 1742 W WIlson Ave
The Royal Veterinary Center 1767 W WIlson Ave
2023: $5,900+ awarded
Bold Ventures 1448 W Montrose Ave
Haitian American Museum of Chicago 4410 N Clark St
2021: $5,300+ awarded
KOVAL Distillery 4241 N Ravenswood Ave
O’Shaughnessy’s Public House 4557 N Ravenswood Ave
Pick Me Up Cafe 4882 N Clark St
2020: $4,000+ awarded
Beyond Design 4515 N Ravenswood Ave
2019: $5,000 awarded
Dollop Coffee Co. 1636 W Montrose Ave
2018: $15,000+ awarded
Foremost Cleaners/Hayes Properties 4701 N Damen Ave
Ravensgoods/Hayes Properties 4703 N Damen Ave
Ravenswood Nail Party 1716 W Lawrence Ave
T Salon/Hayes Properties 4705 N Damen Ave
2017: $6,600+ awarded
Spoken Cafe 1812 W Montrose Ave
Suvarna Chiropractic 1827 W Montrose Ave
2016: $5,900+ awarded
Anna’s Asian Grill & Sushi 1804 W Irving Park Rd
Empirical Brewery 1801 W Foster Ave
Kinetic Lofts 4846 N Clark St
2015: $9,600+ awarded
Band of Bohemia 4710 N Ravenswood Ave
Japanese American Service Committee 4427 N Clark St
Property Owner 4534-36 N Ravenswood Ave
Salon Elan Vital 4737 N Damen Ave
2014: $6,000+ awarded
Brew Camp 4639 N Damen Ave
Dolce Casa Cafe 4947 N Damen Ave
Noktivo 4831 N Damen Ave
Tuan B/Naturally Yours Events 1946 W Montrose Ave
Connecting business and community.
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is committed to building a Ravenswood that connects business and community, one member at a time. Won’t you join us?
