ALDERWOMAN JEANETTE B. TAYLOR
5707 S. Wentworth Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60621
Development and Zoning
Explore development and zoning resources in the 20th Ward, including community-led project processes, rezoning requests, economic incentives, and business improvement opportunities. Stay informed on ongoing projects and learn how you can help shape the future of our neighborhood.
Welcome to Development in the 20th Ward
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The 20th Ward is proud to embrace a community-led development process that prioritizes resident input, sustainable growth, and projects that truly benefit our neighborhood. Whether you're a developer, business owner, or resident, we invite you to learn about the steps to bring your vision to life here in the ward.
Shaping the Ward with Your Voice​
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Our development process ensures that residents have a say in projects that impact their neighborhoods.​
Key Highlights:
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All development proposals must go through a thorough community review process.
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Proposals are assessed based on community benefit and feasibility.
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Community votes determine aldermanic support for projects.
Development Process Timeline:
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Step 1: Proposal submission.
Step 2: Schedule a meeting with the Community Planning Team.
Step 3: Execute a 2-month community outreach plan.
Step 4: Host two public hybrid meetings.
Step 5: Conduct a community vote.
Upon approval, developers will work with ward staff to finalize necessary support letters for City Council or Zoning Commission submission.
Important Notes for Developers
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Projects are reviewed based on merit, community benefit, and developer track record.
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The 20th Ward is not a real estate broker and cannot assist with finding locations for projects.
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Liquor licenses are restricted under the current ward moratorium.
How Zoning Relates to the 20th Ward​
In the 20th Ward, zoning directly impacts:​
Neighborhood Development:
Zoning decisions influence the types of projects (e.g., housing, retail spaces, parks) that can be developed in specific areas.
Community Character:
By regulating land use, zoning helps preserve the unique culture and character of the ward while guiding sustainable growth.
Business and Economic Growth:
Zoning changes can allow new businesses to open, expand existing operations, or redevelop underutilized spaces.
Housing Opportunities:
Rezoning efforts can promote affordable housing development to meet community needs.
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Impact on Residents and Developers:
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Residents:
Zoning affects their daily lives by determining what can be built in their neighborhood. It helps ensure developments align with the community's needs and expectations.
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Developers:
Zoning defines the scope of their projects and ensures compliance with city guidelines. Developers may need to request rezoning or special permits to move forward with projects.
Current and Upcoming Projects
What's Happening in the Ward?​
Transforming 63rd & Cottage Grove
Exciting developments are underway at 63rd and Cottage Grove! The historic Washington Park National Bank Building is being reimagined into a vibrant community hub. This six-story, 70,000 square-foot mixed-use project will include office spaces, retail shops, co-working areas, and a food hall, designed to meet the needs of our neighbors and bring new opportunities to Woodlawn. Preserving the building's iconic facade honors our history while creating a future we can all be proud of.
Chicago Recovery Plan in Action
Our community is growing stronger with the support of the Chicago Recovery Plan! Here in the 20th Ward, we’re seeing 13 active programs across 22 sites focused on affordable housing, arts and culture, family support, and infrastructure improvements. Together, these initiatives aim to build a thriving, connected, and resilient ward for everyone.
Washington Park Bank Building
The 20th Ward has hosted multiple community meetings to discuss the future of the historic Washington Park Bank Building at 6300 S. Cottage Grove. Developer DL3 Realty is seeking aldermanic support to revitalize the site, with proposals including:
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$25 million in City-issued bonds and Chicago Recovery Grant funding.
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A community-driven agreement to relocate the Bessie Coleman Library (731 E. 63rd St.) into the renovated bank building.
Under the 20th Ward’s Community-Driven Development Process, only residents living within a 1-mile radius of the library can vote on whether DL3 should receive aldermanic support. Proof of address is required to vote, and the 20th Ward ensures privacy by keeping voting information accessible only to ward staff.
These meetings have provided a direct platform for residents to engage in the decision-making process and ensure that any development aligns with community needs. The discussions remain ongoing as we work toward a final outcome.
Tax Incentives and Business Resources
Supporting Growth in the 20th Ward
Tax Increment Financing (TIF):
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a tool to stimulate economic development in designated districts by reinvesting property tax revenue into local projects. Developers and businesses can use TIF funds to support infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and other community-beneficial initiatives.
Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF):
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) offers matching grants to property owners for building repairs or renovations, supporting small businesses in creating welcoming, modern spaces. These grants help local businesses grow and thrive while strengthening neighborhood economies.
Economic Incentives:
Economic incentives in the 20th Ward include property tax reductions and funding programs designed to attract new businesses and support existing ones. These incentives aim to drive job creation, boost local commerce, and foster community investment.
Learn and Apply for Grants:
Explore grant opportunities for small businesses, nonprofits, and development projects that can enhance the 20th Ward. These grants provide vital funding to support innovative ideas, community initiatives, and local growth.
Community Involvement
Your role in Development
Your role in Development
The 20th ward thrives because of its residents.
The 20th Ward's Community Planning Team (CPT) is a dedicated group of residents and leaders committed to fostering community-driven development. This collaborative team plays a pivotal role in shaping the ward's progress by:
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Shaping the 20th Ward Voting Process: Ensuring transparency and fairness in decision-making.
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Developing Voting Criteria and Ballots: Establishing clear guidelines to evaluate proposals effectively.
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Reviewing Development Proposals: Providing a first look at projects alongside Alderwoman Taylor, raising questions guided by the voting criteria.
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Supporting Outreach and Engagement: Helping to organize and promote public meetings that amplify residents' voices.
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The CPT exemplifies the ward's commitment to inclusive development and ensures that the community remains at the heart of every decision.
Only developers who have followed the community development process are eligible to request a letter of support. All requests must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date the letter is needed.
If you're interested in joining the Community Planning Team (CPT), please contact our Director of Community Planning and Economic Development, Tyra Owens, at **tyra.owens@cityofchicago.org**.
Need Help?
​For specific inquiries or to submit information, feel free to contact our Director of Community Planning & Economic Development
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Tyra Owens -
Director of Community Planning & Economic Development
Phone: (773)-966-5641/Cell (312)-981-9901
Email: tyra.owens@cityofchicago.org
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Kristen Ambrose
Assistant to Director of Community Planning & Economic Development
Cell: (872)-373-5133
Email: kristen.ambrose@cityofchicago.org​