SPECIAL SERVICE AREA #61 HYDE PARK
Hyde Park Farmers Market
CLICK HERE for more info on the Hyde Park Farmers Market
The Hyde Park Farmers Market opens 9 am - 1pm every Sunday (except July 4, 2021) for organic foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, honey, jams and more.2021 SEASON OPENER: NEWS RELEASE
Shared Ride
Uber and Lyft services are easily accessible to and from the business corridor. Divvy bikes are available at several locations. Click Here for Divvy stations.
By Car
Downtown Hyde Park is accessible both by Lake Shore Drive, US-41 and the Dan Ryan Expressway, I-90/94.
Parking
Harper Court Private Drive - There are a limited number of metered quick parking spots located on the private drive at the west end of the drive by Harper Avenue.
Harper Court Garage - The entry ramp is located on Lake Park Avenue just south of 52nd Street.
Harper Avenue Surface Lot - Located just north of the Harper Theater and Kilwin’s between 52nd and 53rd Streets.
Parking is available via ParkMobile and SpotHero.
Lake Shore Drive
From Lake Shore Drive, you can get to Downtown Hyde Park using the Hyde Park Boulevard, 53rd Street, or 57th Street Exits.
Dan Ryan Expressway
From the Dan Ryan Expressway, use exit 57B to head east on Garfield Boulevard. Continue on Garfield Boulevard until you reach Lake Park Avenue, and you will have arrived.
By Train
The Metra Electric District line of Chicago’s Metra commuter rail serves downtown Hyde Park. Hyde Park stations include the 51st/53rd Street Station, the 55th-56th-57th Street Station, and the 59th Street, University of Chicago Station. View tickets and schedules at the Metra Website.
By Bus
Downtown Hyde Park is served by the following CTA Bus Lines:
A Postcard from the Field: Chicago’s Valois Cafeteria
Dateline NBC's Lester Holt sat down to interview President Barack Obama January 2017. They went to the perfect place… a spot Obama has been frequenting for decades. Valois Cafeteria in Downtown Hyde Park.
NBC5: Small Business Saturday 11-26-2016
Small Business Saturday, started by American Express, is intended to support small businesses the day after Black Friday--which favors big box stores. NBC 5's LeeAnn Trotter reports and features comments from Wendy Walker Williams, SECC Executive Director and Eric Williams, owner of the Silver Room on 53rd Street (Downtown Hyde Park). #ShopLocalChicago
ABC7: Small Business Saturday 11-26-2016
After Black Friday comes Small Business Saturday, when locally owned businesses make a push for your holiday shopping dollars. This year, Small Business Saturday kicked off its celebration of all things local with everything from live music on the sidewalk on the streets of Hyde Park to a DJ and aerial dancers in River North.
WTTW: CHECK PLEASE! Nov 2016
WTTW's Check Please! featured one of Downtown Hyde Park's most recognized restaurants, Valois (1518 East 53rd Street). “An untouched, classic cafeteria with excellent food, great prices, and unbeatable atmosphere.” Valois is now one of the most recognizable spots to eat even before endorsements from President Obama.
WTTW: CHECK PLEASE! Nov 2015
WTTW's Check Please! featured one of Downtown Hyde Park's favorite spots in Harper Court for Season 15. Ja' Grill (1510 East Harper Ct) is the place to go in Chicago for perfectly prepared Jamaican cuisine. You’ll discover incredibly vibrant flavors with the jerk and curry dishes, as well as classics like plantains, rice & beans, oxtail and goat dishes. The vibe is cool and lively.
2022 Meeting Schedule
Meeting locations are date-specific and scheduled for Tuesdays. Due to COVID-19, commissioner meetings will be hosted by video conference until further notice. To participate in virtual by conference phone or in person meetings please review the agenda contact the SECC Office 773-324-6926. 2022 Recorded meetings are available for replay on YouTube.
2021 Meeting Schedule
ARCHIVES
2021 Recorded meetings are available for replay on YouTube.Request for Proposals - RFPs
Special Service Area #61 - Downtown Hyde Park Chicago periodically releases a request for proposal (RFP) for services to be procured from 3rd party suppliers. Below you will find recent RFP opportunities.
Thank you to all of the responders.
53rd Street Hyde Park SBIF 2021
53rd Street TIF District - up to $150,000 SBIF Grant for Commercial Properties The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) is now open for applications for the 53rd Street TIF District. Applications will be accepted now through July 30th, 2021! The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own. Please note that residential projects are not eligible for the SBIF program, and residential developers should not apply.
Special Service Area #61 Sanitation Rebate Program
CHICAGO, IL – The Special Service Area #61/Downtown Hyde Park Chicago released $27,000 in reallocated budget funds to support business owners in the SSA’s geographic footprint. The funds were made available through the Reopen, Rebate, Reboot: Special Service Area #61 Sanitation Rebate Program. Eligible expenses for the rebate program included personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies and ancillary sanitation supplies. Each eligible business received a one-time rebate of up to $300 dollars for eligible expenses.
Silver Room Block Party
The Silver Room Block Party has seemingly been discontinued indefinitely. While post-pandemic events and festivals are returning, some pre-pandemic experiences will be forever memories. It seems as if the beloved Silver Room Block Party falls into that category. On July 20, 2019, the 16th Annual Silver Room Sound System Block Party was held in Downtown Hyde Park for the fourth consecutive year. Nearly 46,000 people attended the all day event that incorporated three stages, 150+ artists/performers, 90+ vendors, 8+ satellite locations and 1,000 roller skaters on a 10,000 square foot skating rink. To read more, click here to download the report.
About SSA #61
Downtown Hyde Park is the creation of Chicago Special Service Area #61, which is comprised of the 53rd and 55th Street corridors connected by Lake Park Avenue. Special Service Areas, known as Business Improvement Districts or BIDs in other cities, are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas. The enhanced services and programs are in addition to those currently provided through the City.
SSA-funded projects typically include but are not limited to: public way maintenance and beautification; district marketing and advertising; business retention/attraction, special events and promotional activities; auto and bike transit; security; facade improvements; and other commercial and economic development initiatives.
The City contracts with local non-profits, called Service Providers, to manage SSAs. Mayorally-appointed SSA Commissioners for each SSA district oversee and recommend the annual services, budget and Service Provider Agency to the City. For additional information, visit the City of Chicago's SSA Program online.
Current SSA Projects
2022 Meeting Schedule
Meeting locations are date-specific and scheduled for Tuesdays. Due to COVID-19, commissioner meetings will be hosted by video conference until further notice.
2020 Annual Report
In January 2013, a group of Hyde Park business leaders began discussing various ways to improve and promote the commercial business corridors along 53rd and 55th Streets. In 2014, Special Service Area #61 was established with the strategic mission to enhance and maintain a vibrant, pedestrian friendly, neighborhood commercial district that reflects the culture of Hyde Park, serving local stakeholders and attracting visitors.
In 2015 the SSA was successful on several fronts which are described in more details on the following pages. The most visible was promoting the district as Downtown Hyde Park. More than just a brand, the Downtown Hyde Park concept created a real and virtual destination to attract residents, visitors, and new businesses.
2020 was an incredibly challenging year for the entire nation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the direction and guidance of the Commissioners, the South East Chicago Commission, the Service Provider for SSA#61, remained a thoughtful steward of this awesome responsibility ensuring the quality and success of projects such as public way maintenance and beautification; district marketing and advertising; business retention/attraction, special events and promotional activities and other commercial and economic development initiatives benefit increase the vitality of the business corridor.
Click here for 2020 Annual Report.
SSA Service Provider
The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) led the initiative and efforts to establish the Hyde Park Special Service Area (SSA) #61 by working collaboratively with local stakeholders. The result of these efforts was the creation of the SSA, which was officially approved in January of 2014.
The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) works to enhance the quality of life in five south side communities: Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park, and Woodlawn. Located just a few miles from downtown Chicago with easy access to the magnificent lake Michigan shoreline, our communities offer a wealth of opportunities to businesses and residents alike.
The commission is dedicated to its mission to achieve its work and goals.
The mission of the SECC is to (1) facilitate and support economic development within the Southeast lakefront communities of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park and Woodlawn and (2) foster collaboration and coordination among businesses, organizations and institutions to promote the creation of jobs, community investment and economic vitality.
Downtown Hyde Park Chicago (SSA #61) is the epicenter of dining, shopping, entertainment, and culture in Hyde Park, one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods. Visitors, neighbors and residents are all invited to see what's happening in Hyde Park Chicago.
May 28 | International Point Day on Point! Join in the celebration at the Point from 9 AM-5 PM. The Promontory Point Conservancy will host the first annual International Point Day celebration, featuring art, musical and cultural performances, educational walking tours, family-friendly games and activities, free kites, yoyos, tshirts, and firewood for barbecuing at the fire pits, and more.
Jun 2 | Harper Court Summer Music Series The standing room only (BYOC) outdoor concert series returns on the first Thursday of each month in Harper Court. Join us for a great night of music from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.
Jun 3 | Jazz in the Court 2022 Jazz in the Court(yard) has moved from the 55th Street Shopping Center over to 53rd and Harper Court. Join us from 12-2:30 p.m. on the first Fridays of June, July, August, and September as we celebrate summer and Hyde Park's shared love of jazz!
Jun 4-5 | 57th Street Art Fair
The 57th Street Art Fair provides a wonderful venue for creators of quality fine art and fine craft to meet with the art-buying public. Whether you are looking for glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, digital arts, wood, ceramics or fiber — you are sure to find something special at this one-of-a-kind event.
June 5 | Hyde Park Farmers Market. Special Service Area #61, in partnership with its service provider, South East Chicago Commission (SECC), will host the 2022 farmers market in the Hyde Park Bank parking lot. The Season Opener will be held on the June 5, 2022 at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Jul 4 | 4th on 53rd Street Parade & Picnic
Jul 7 | Harper Court Music Series Sponsored by the University of Chicago in conjunction with The Silver Room, the free outdoor concerts take place the first Thursday evenings of June, July, and August from 6-9 p.m. at Harper Court, 5235 S. Harper Court, Hyde Park. Eat at local restaurants, bring a chair, plan to dance the night away with your friends and family! We love summer in Hyde Park!
Jul 10 | 2022 George Franklin Memorial Summer Sunday Concert Series. The concert series runs July 10 - August 21, presented by the Nichols Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District. FREE musical performances at Nichols Park 1355 E 53rd Street each Sunday 4:00 - 6:00 pm
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Aug 4 | Harper Court Music Series Sponsored by the University of Chicago in conjunction with The Silver Room, the free outdoor concerts take place the first Thursday evenings of June, July, and August from 6-9 p.m. at Harper Court, 5235 S. Harper Court, Hyde Park. Eat at local restaurants, bring a chair, plan to dance the night away with your friends and family! We love summer in Hyde Park!
South Side Small Business Grant
UChicago will offer short-term bridge funds to provide immediate interim relief and help these impacted small businesses sustain themselves and support their employees.
Grant funds are limited and will be awarded in amounts up to $7,500. Funds are available for the following uses: general operating expenses (payroll, rent or mortgage payment, supply chain management etc.).
There are nine (9) neighborhoods eligible: Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, South Shore, Washington Park, and Woodlawn
Silver Room Block Party
On July 20, 2019, the 16th Annual Silver Room Sound System Block Party was held in Downtown Hyde Park for the fourth consecutive year. Nearly 46,000 people attended the all day event that incorporated three stages, 150+ artists/performers, 90+ vendors, 8+ satellite locations and 1,000 roller skaters on a 10,000 square foot skating rink. To read more, click here to download the report.
On July 21, 2018, the 15th Annual Silver Room Sound System Block Party was held in Downtown Hyde Park for the third consecutive year. Nearly 40,000 people attended the all day event that incorporated three stages, 140+ artists/performers, 75+ vendors and 12+ satellite locations. To read more, click here to download the report.
On July 15, 2017, the 14th Annual Silver Room Sound System Block Party was held in Downtown Hyde Park for the second consecutive year. Nearly 30,000 people attended the all day event that incorporated four stages, 130+ artists/performers, 75+ vendors and multiple satellite locations. To read more, click here to download the report.
GROUPON PRESENTS: Discover Downtown Hyde Park
Join Downtown Hyde Park Chicago, South East Chicago Commission, and Groupon for an informative session on Wednesday August 28, 2019 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, hosted by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation located at 1452 E 53rd St Chicago, IL 60615
Learn how your business can join the Discover Downtown program for Hyde Park and increase you business sales! REGISTER ONLINE
Hyde Park Retailer Forum
You are cordially invited to the Hyde Park Vitality Committee's upcoming 2019 Event Calendar Meeting on Tuesday, April 16 from 2-3:30 p.m. at Harper Court, 5235 S. Harper Court in Conference Room #1121. Light refreshments will be served. EVENT ENDED
Bike Racks
The Special Service Area recently installed sixty new bike racks throughout the SSA footprint. The additional bike parking includes the Chicago Hoop racks (like the existing racks) and Downtown Hyde Park branded racks. To read more, click here to download the press release.
New Trees
The South East Chicago Commission in conjunction with the SSA replaced sixteen trees that were removed due to the ash borer beetle. These trees were replaced along 53rd street. This removes the trip fall hazard caused by tree stumps. The SSA will replace additional trees in 2016.
Beautification Projects
The SSA contracts with a private company to compliment the city in keeping the business footprint clean. We remediate litter three times a week within the foot print. One of the other things we do is hang colorful banners and provide for eighty six flower basket ornamentation year round.
Facade Program
The SSA is developing a Façade program to assist brick and mortar businesses with an upgrade of their current facades. We will perform a pilot façade that we envision to be completed by the end of 2015.
For more information visit: www.secc-chicago.org
Chicago Reader: Hyde Park Events
Launch Calendar: Click Here
Hyde Park Village
Launch Calendar: Click Here
Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference
Launch Calendar: Click Here
Promontory Chicago | Music
Launch Calendar: Click Here
The Silver Room
Launch Calendar: Click Here
Affordable Housing Coalition for Equitable Community Development
1525 E 53rd St
Suite 907
773-288-8343
Center for Population Economics
1311 E 57th St
773-753-0888
5467 S University Ave
773-643-0452
5500 S Woodlawn Ave
1525 E 53rd St
Suite 720
773-363-8282
1709 E 53rd St
773-624-6148
1715 East 55th Street
773-288-0124
Hyde Park Jewish Community Center (JCC)
5200 S Hyde Park Blvd
773-753-3080
Hyde Park Kenwood Community Conference
1525 E 53rd St
Suite 907
773-288-8343
1525 E 53rd St
Suite 716
773-363-4000
Office of Democratic Committeewoman Toni Preckwinkle - 4th Ward
1516 E 53rd Street
773-288-0000
Office of State Representative Barbara Flynn Currie - 25th District
1303 E 53rd St
773-667-0550
Office of State Senator Kwame Raoul - 13th District
1509 E 53rd St
Suite 2A
773-363-1996
1525 E 53rd St
Suite 416
773-947-8147
5202 S Ingleside Ave
1-S
773-255-5937
Shawn Knight Holland Scholarship Foundation
5400 S Hyde Park Blvd
Unit B-3
South East Chicago Commission (SECC)
1511E 53rd St
2nd Floor
773-324-6926
1525 E 55th St
Suite 300-A
773-701-4246
5655 S University Ave 646-285-8263
University of Chicago - Enrico Fermi Institute
933 E 56th St
Traveling By Car
Downtown Hyde Park is accessible both by Lake Shore Drive, US-41 and the Dan Ryan Expressway, I-90/94. Consider using Uber or Lyft for car service.Lake Shore Drive
From Lake Shore Drive, you can get to Downtown Hyde Park using the Hyde Park Boulevard, 53rd Street, or 57th Street Exits.Dan Ryan Expressway
From the Dan Ryan Expressway, use exit 57B to head east on Garfield Boulevard. Continue on Garfield Boulevard until you reach Lake Park Avenue, and you will have arrived.By Train
The Metra Electric District line of Chicago’s Metra commuter rail serves downtown Hyde Park. Hyde Park stations include the 51st/53rd Street Station, the 55th-56th-57th Street Station, and the 59th Street, University of Chicago Station. View tickets and schedules at the Metra Website.By Bus
Downtown Hyde Park is served by the following CTA Bus Lines:Divvy
Hyde Park is also serviced by the City of Chicago’s Divvy bikesharing program for $3.00 for 30mins or $15 for 3-hours.Hyde Park Divvy Stations:
