Chicago City Wire

Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson visited the Lakeview neighborhood as part of the 44th Ward Day in the Ward event alongside Alderman Bennett Lawson. The initiative is designed for city leaders to meet with local community members and small business owners to better understand neighborhood needs.

“This was another great ‘Day in the Ward’ event, exploring Lakeview, visiting neighborhood gems and businesses, and meeting with residents,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I am grateful to all the community spaces and leaders who welcomed my administration today in productive conversations, helping us to ensure we meet the needs of Lakeview with our continued investments in Chicago.”

The event included stops at Steingold’s Deli, a tour of the historic Music Box Theatre, a visit to AIDS Garden Chicago, meetings with local business owners at Diversey Driving Range, and attendance at a ribbon cutting for the Lakeview Landing affordable housing development.

The Johnson administration reports that it has allocated $30.3 million toward infrastructure projects in the 44th ward. In 2025 alone, $4.5 million has been provided to support local businesses in Lakeview. The city also supported 111 youth jobs for 44th ward residents this summer through One Summer Chicago.

“Through our Build Better Together initiative, we are making strategic investments that create housing opportunities, jobs and strengthens the vibrancy of our neighborhoods across our city” said Kenya Merritt, Deputy Mayor of Business, Economic and Neighborhood Development. “Today’s visits showcases the momentum we’ve built and the future opportunities that are ahead.”

As part of these efforts, the Music Box Theatre received a $1.2 million Community Development Grant from the administration to expand its facilities by adding a third auditorium in two adjacent vacant storefronts. The theater regularly hosts filmmakers and film festivals but needed more space for larger events. Department of Planning and Development grant funding will allow it to host marquee events and continue its focus on international and independent films.

Other local businesses have also received support from DPD grants: Yu & Associates Collaborative received $144,513 for office renovations at 3121 N. Halstead St., while Luckycat was awarded $214,875 for restaurant renovations at 2806 N. Clark St.