DEEP ROOTS. NEW VIBE. EMBRACE THE UNCOMMON.
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.
12:PM – Lunch
Start your Hyde Park Chicago experience by visiting Chant restaurant at 1509 East 53rd Street (773-324-1999) for a scrumptious lunch inspired by global cuisine. Chant’s offerings are not to just to feed the body; but the mind and soul as well.
1:30 PM – Shopping
Walk across the street to Harper Court to shop the local shops such as Villa the premier lifestyle fashion retailer, or Ulta Beauty for your beauty products. After leaving Ulta dip into Starbucks for that afternoon Latte you have been craving.
2:30 PM – Movie
An afternoon matinee in Hyde Park is a great stop for family and friends. Harper Theater shows the latest popular movies without the inflated ticket prices. The expanded concessions also make it a great stop for an adult beverage or cocktail.
4:00 PM – Treat Yourself
If you did not fill up on popcorn and candies at Harper Theater, stop by Kilwins next door for the finest quality traditional down-home confections and Ice Cream. How could you resist? We all scream for Ice Crème?
Hyde Park Farmers Market
EXPECTED VENDORS LIST
The 2018 list of vendors includes:
LIVE MUSIC AND ZUMBA BASH
Every week the Hyde Park Farmers Market features fantastic live acoustic performances that you must see. The 2019 season has a phenomenal musical lineup with interactive children's music to entertain and educate the little ones every month.
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 or download this presentation.
Current SSA Projects
SSA Special Events Funding Program
To nurture and build public awareness of the neighborhood’s unique history and culture through the sponsorship of public programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life within the Hyde Park community, SSA #61 sponsors public events that demonstrate a measurable benefit to the community and foster community growth and development, with a focus on Downtown Hyde Park's continued growth as a destination for residents, visitors and tourists.Click here for 2019 Special Events Funding program details.
2019 Meeting Schedule
Meeting locations are date-specific and scheduled for Tuesdays. Meetings are held at the Polsky Center for Innovation (Jackson Park Conference Room) unless otherwise announced.
Click here for a list of current SSA commissioners.
2016 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 creating a single contact point to attract visitors, new businesses and provides the opportunity for a consistent look throughout the neighborhood.
2016 was an incredibly successful year for Downtown Hyde Park SSA #61. We should all take great pride in the success of the various programs, initiatives, and accomplishments highlighted in the Annual Report. As the Service Provider for the SSA, the SECC has been 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 Downtown Hyde Park business corridor.
2019 Meeting Schedule
Meeting locations are date-specific and scheduled for Tuesdays. Meetings are held at the Polsky Center for Innovation (Jackson Park Conference Room) unless otherwise announced.
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.
Economic Impact Award: Silver Room
CHICAGO, October 1, 2018 -- Downtown Hyde Park Chicago recently announced the first annual Economic Impact Award will be presented to The Silver Room. The success of the Silver Room Block Party is noteworthy, building from 15,000 attendees the first year in Hyde Park to 30,000 in 2017 and 40,000 attendees in 2018, resulting in an estimated $3,640,750 in economic impact for the Southside of Chicago. Businesses realized 20%-55% increases in store revenues compared to same day/date sales the previous year. Downtown Hyde Park will present the award on October 9, 2018 at 10am (Connect Gallery).
Report: Silver Room Block Party 2018
CHICAGO, September 12, 2018 / Hyde Park / -- Downtown Hyde Park Chicago recently supported the 15th Annual Silver Room Sound System Block Party held on Saturday, July 21, 2018. As the presenting sponsor for the third consecutive year, Downtown Hyde Park is pleased to announce that the event was a phenomenal success hosting a record breaking crowd without incident.
Website Server Maintenance
November 21, 2017 -- The Downtown Hyde Park Chicago website servers will be serviced Tuesday evening 10pm - 11pm. While we do not expect any disruption in services, we greatly appreciate your patience during this process.
City of Chicago: Water Main Replacement in Hyde Park
October 5, 2017 / Chicago / -- The City of Chicago has notified all residents of upcoming water main construction in Hyde Park. Traffic in the areas of construction will be impacted. Parking restrictions will apply from 7am - 4pm during construction hours.
Report: Silver Room Block Party 2017
CHICAGO, August 15, 2017 / Hyde Park / -- Downtown Hyde Park Chicago recently supported the 14th Annual Silver Room Sound System Block Party held on Saturday, July 15, 2017. As the presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year, Downtown Hyde Park is pleased to announce that the event was a phenomenal success without incident.
CIRCLE PROGRAM: Entrepreneurial Assistance Training and Financing
The South East Chicago Commission and Downtown Hyde Park are proud to introduce the CIRCLE Program, a collaborative partnership with The PrivateBank providing small business owners access to capital and entrepreneurial assistance training.
New and established business owners are invited to participate. Apply online at secc-chicago.org. To read more, click here to download the invitation.
Announcement: STA100 Award
CHICAGO, September 16, 2016 / Hyde Park / -- Downtown Hyde Park Chicago has recently been recognized for award-winning design the Society of Typographic Arts (STA). For residents and visitors alike, Downtown Hyde Park Chicago embraces and supports a rich blend of shopping, dining, cultural attractions and business services. This new identity has come to life through a vibrant visual identity, great taglines, street banners, a new website, and window signage for local businesses.
In collaboration with Otherwise Inc, the SECC was able to create a brand platform that serves as a single source of engagement for Hyde Park visitors, residents and tourists, helping to promote the neighborhood and its businesses.
Press Release: Brand New Bike Racks
CHICAGO, April 28, 2016 / Hyde Park / -- Downtown Hyde Park Chicago recently commissioned the installation of 60 new bike racks within the Special Service Area Hyde Park footprint. The new additions will complement the 103 existing black hoop parking rails that were installed by the Chicago Department of Transportation more than two decades ago.
The SSA Hyde Park Commissioners recognize bicycling has grown tremendously, outpacing the supply of convenient bike parking. Based on mapping and comprehensive study data, the Commissioners unanimously supported a 2016 budget line item of $23,000 to fill in the gaps where secure bicycle parking was not easily accessible.
Downtown Hyde Park in the News
Hyde Park, the scene of President Obama’s visit April 7, 2016, has changed since the commander-in-chief was a law professor at the University of Chicago
CBS 2’s Vince Gerasole looks at some of those transformations.
Snow Removal Ordinance
Chicagoans of all ages and abilities need to use the sidewalks to get where they’re going every day of the year. Many children, older adults, and people with disabilities face serious mobility challenges in winter time. Clear sidewalks are a shared community responsibility, and this new ordinance clarifies the requirements for snow and ice removal.
The new sidewalk snow regulations affect all home, business and property owners in Chicago. Business owners that rent space adjacent to sidewalks are responsible for shoveling snow under the ordinance. Some landlords for residential and commercial property hold tenants responsible for snow clearance as a part of their lease agreements, others don't. Renters who aren't certain of their shoveling responsibilities should check their rental agreements or ask their landlords for clarification.
The new regulations take effect November 28, 2015.
You must shovel snow as soon as possible after it falls. You must shovel 7 days a week. You must clear a path at least 5 feet wide on all of 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.
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.
Silver Room Block Party
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 four 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.
CIRCLE PROGRAM: Entrepreneurial Assistance Training and Financing
The South East Chicago Commission and Downtown Hyde Park are proud to introduce the CIRCLE Program, a collaborative partnership with The PrivateBank providing small business owners access to capital and entrepreneurial assistance training.
New and established business owners are invited to participate.
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:
