Special Service Area (SSA) #69

SSA#69 Commissioner Meetings
Dates: 2-13-26; 3-18-26; 6-10-26; 11-18-26

Location: Call for Zoom link
Time: 8:30 am to 10:00 am

21st Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival
Date: 9-12-26
Location: 79th & Racine
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Festival Planning Meetings
Date(s): 6-30-26, 7-21-26, 8-25-26
Location: AG Healthy Lifestyle Hub 839 W 79th. St. Call for Zoom link
Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am

Summer Food Vendor Certification Class
Date: 7-7-26
Location: 839 W 79th St., Bears Community Room
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

SSA#69 Advisory Committee Meetings
Date: Wednesday 4-15-26
Location: Call for Zoom link
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Facade Enhancement Program
Opens: January 1, 2026
Ends: June 1, 2026

Summer Facade Enhancement Internship Program
Date: May 4, through August 21, 2026Kanderson@gagdc.org
Location: 839 W. 79th st; Chicago, IL 60620

Graduate Architecture, Planning, & Graphic Design
Students may submit resumes to: Contact: Khayeem Anderson (773) 723-6077
Kanderson@gagdc.org.

"Shop Til You Drop"

First 10 people that spend $100 on Ashland, between 80th & 95th Street, during the month of April will receive a $50 gift certificate. Gift certificate can be obtained on May 5th through May 11th at 839 W 79th St, from Mr. Anderson with proof of purchase.

The Facade Enhancement Program was created and developed by economic development consultant C Johnson and Associates. This program encourages owner investment as well as commercial development on the Ashland Avenue Business District.

The Facade Enhancement program offers architectural services to participants by providing grants up to $5,000 to eligible businesses located within the SSA #69 business district. Approved grant recipients will receive the following services:

— One-on-one architectural consultations
— Professional renderings
— Financial resources and grants related to the proposed renovation
— Visible beautification of their store as a result of upgraded facade improvements
— Enhanced curb appeal of the Ashland Avenue Business District

As part of the program's guidelines, all facade improvements must be visible to pedestrians on the main thoroughfare and must contribute to the overall beautification / improvement of the SSA #69 Business District.

Program Eligibility Guidelines:

Any business or building owner located within SSA#69 seeking to invest in the improvement of their building's facade via the Facade Enhancement program must complete an application available through the SSA #69 management office. All applications must be approved by GAGDC and SSA management prior to starting any work and/or improvements . Download application guidelines by clicking on the PDF link.

For more information regarding this program contact the SSA#69 Management office at: 773-723-6077.

• Auditor SSA #69

• Consultant SSA #69

• Landscape Services SSA #69

• Litter Abatement and Trash and Sign Removal Services SSA #69

• Security Service 2026 SSA #69

• Public way maintenance and beautification 

• District marketing and advertising 

• Business retention and attraction 

• Special events and promotional activities 

• Auto and bike transit 

• Security 

• Façade improvements

• Debris Removal

• Community Art

The Urban Green Team  is our partners for debris removal. The company provides needed services and job opportunities for area residents as well as for individuals who need a  second chance in the workforce .  They provide regularly scheduled, weekly cleaning services throughout our Special Service Area helping to ensure a clean and inviting business district for area residents and local business customers.

The Urban Green Team also provides landscaping services such as weeding, mulching, and greening services for over 30 blocks of space located within the Business District. They make sure the trees, grasses, and shrubs are maintained to ensure area beautification. 

June 17, 2025

October 3, 2025