Ciere Boatright commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) | City of Chicago Website
Ciere Boatright commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) | City of Chicago Website
The Congress Theater in Logan Square is set for a major redevelopment, with the introduction of a Cook County Class L property tax incentive aimed at supporting its rehabilitation. Mayor Brandon Johnson presented the proposal to City Council, highlighting its potential impact on the $87.8 million project.
This tax incentive would reduce taxes by $6.2 million over 12 years for the 99-year-old facility, which has been closed since 2013 due to building code violations. The planned rehabilitation by Baum Revision will cover various aspects of the complex, including its 2,900-seat auditorium, commercial space totaling 36,000 square feet, and 16 mixed-income apartments.
The Class L incentive is designed to promote the preservation and adaptive reuse of landmark properties. The Congress complex was constructed in 1926 and gained its Chicago landmark status in July 2002.
In addition to this new incentive, City Council had earlier approved up to $27.25 million in Tax Increment Financing funding for the project. The reopening of the Congress Theater is anticipated in early 2027.
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