Special Service Area (SSA) #69

Promoting economic viability and beautification in Auburn Gresham.

2026 Ren Fest

For more information about current initiatives and SSA #69, please contact (773) 723-6077.

SSA #69, established in 2015, strives to improve economic vitality, area beautification, and streetscape maintenance on both sides of Ashland Ave from 80th street through 95th street.

For more information about current initiatives and SSA #69, please contact (773) 723-6077.

With a focus on promoting a safe, clean, and viable business district, SSA #69 launched the "Build on Ashland" marketing campaign to drive commercial and economic development. The Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) serves as the Service Provider for SSA#69, entrusted with funding, reporting, and programming for neighborhood and business initiatives along the corridor.

  • SSA#69 Commissioner Meetings
    Dates: 2-28-25; 4-22-25; 6-17-25; 11-18-25
    Location: Call for Zoom link
    Time: 8:30 am to 10:00 am

    20th Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival
    Date: 9-6-25
    Location: 79th & Racine
    Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Festival Planning Meetings
    Date(s): 6-24-25, 7-22-25, 8-29-25
    Location: AG Healthy Lifestyle Hub 839 W 79th. St. Call for Zoom link
    Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

    Summer Food Vendor Certification Class
    Date: 4-16-25
    Location: Fifth Third Bank 8140 S Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60620
    Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

    SSA#69 Advisory Committee Meetings
    Date: Wednesday 4-16-25
    Location: Call for Zoom link
    Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

    Facade Enhancement Program
    Opens: January 1, 2025
    Ends: June 1, 2025

    Summer Facade Enhancement Internship Program
    Date: May 5, through August 22, 2025 Kanderson@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 area.

    The Facade Enhancement program offers architectural services to participants by providing grants up to $3,000 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.

  • Accounting Services

    Auditor of SSA#69

    Security Services

    Debris Removal

    • 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

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SSA-funded projects can include: