Thorndale Commercial Corridor Updates
In this post:
Public Safety
Economic Development Initiatives
Development & Infrastructure
Art & Placemaking
Thorndale is a well-traveled, small business corridor in the 48th ward anchored by the Thorndale Red Line Station. Over the last few years, however, the Thorndale commercial corridor has been struggling: In 2023, when businesses were just starting to recover from the pandemic, a fire displaced an entire block at 1100 W Thorndale including Rewired Pizza, Invictus Theatre, Thorndale Mart, Wave of Lake Salon, and others. In 2024, on the 6000 block of N Kenmore, just around the corner from the fire, six people were the victims of gun violence in five different incidents, including the devastating fatality of a 13-year-old child.
Since taking office, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth has prioritized the revival of this corridor, bringing in resources from city departments and local community organizations to make the area safer, fill vacant storefronts, and strengthen the corridor’s future. We are starting to see the results of this hard work and see a bright future for the Thorndale corridor. Read below about the work going on along Thorndale and how you can get involved.
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Public Safety is our office’s number one priority, and in 2024 and 2025, the 6000 block of N Kenmore, adjacent to the Thorndale commercial corridor, posed one of the biggest public safety challenges we have faced. We are proud to say that crime is down in the 48th ward and on the 6000 block of N Kenmore specifically.
A few key public safety initiatives that contributed to improvements in this area include:
Regularly convened and collaborated with stakeholders including the 24th District Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, CP4P, CPS, CTA, CDOT, building owners, property managers, neighbors, and more.
Collaborated with CPD, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and building owners to make several key arrests of individuals with alleged connections to illegal activity on the block.
Collaborated with the Sheriff’s Office and building owner on evictions of individuals with alleged connections to illegal activity on the block.
Secured the Safe Passage Program at Swift Elementary and Choose to Change Program at Senn High School.
Added POD cameras on the street and alley.
Enrolled buildings in the Private Sector Camera Program, which links private camera systems to the OEMC system.
Canvassed the area, with detectives, speaking to neighbors.
Hosted positive loitering events.
Brought in violence interrupters to de-escalate conflicts between groups, and provide support to families when violence occurs.
Worked with the 20th and 24th Police Districts to establish an increased police presence in the area. Secured a second security guard at the Broadway Armory.
And more. Read more about the 6000 block of N Kenmore on our blog.
In addition to our focus on the 6000 block of N Kenmore, other notable public safety initiatives in the area include:
Regular clean-ups of the pigeon droppings under the Thorndale Red Line Station.
New speed camera on Broadway near Thorndale to slow down vehicles and increase safety near our schools and park facilities.
Efficient graffiti removal.
CPD presence at the Thorndale Red Line Station during school commuting times.
Repairs and other improvements at Interfaith Park including helping neighbors found a Park Advisory Council for long-term sustainability of park infrastructure.
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We are collaborating with property owners and the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce to fill vacant storefronts on Thorndale including those impacted by the fire.
Andy’s Art, Antiques, and Oddities moved to 1138 W Thorndale in February 2026, bringing a beloved Edgewater institution to the corridor.
Zenwich is opening at 1124 W Thorndale very soon! The popular sandwich shop is filling a vacant storefront.
1100-1112 W Thorndale has been rebuilt after the fire, and we are actively looking to fill the vacancies. See the listing sheet here.
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth launched a Door-to-Door Business Tour where she has visited over 100 businesses in the 48th ward to share resources including the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF). The SBIF program is one tool that we use to invest in the 48th ward small businesses, offering grant opportunities up to $150,000 for commercial properties. Past SBIF grant recipients in the 48th ward have included Mella Café (5418 N Broadway) and Jenny's Tofu (5426 N Broadway). Click the links to see these 48th Ward business owners talk about the impact that SBIF grants has had on their business.
We promoted the Edgewater SSA’s rebate programs, providing almost $30,000 in rebates annually to businesses within the SSA for:
Patio Permits
Vandalism (graffiti, smashed glass, acid etching)
Security Improvements (exterior cameras/lighting)
Façade Improvements (new windows, doors, frames, restoration)
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Broadway Land Use Framework Approved by Chicago Plan Commission
In February 2025, after an extensive community engagement process, the Chicago Plan Commission voted to pass the Broadway Land Use Framework, which includes the Thorndale corridor. The framework takes us one step closer to realizing our community’s vision for a pedestrian-friendly corridor with diverse housing stock that supports our small businesses. Read more here:
Raised Crosswalk at Thorndale/Winthrop
The 2026 Participatory Budget ballot offers the opportunity to vote on bringing a raised crosswalk at Thorndale and Winthrop. Raised crosswalks encourage drivers to slow down before the crosswalk, enable people walking to easily cross the street at sidewalk level, and make people crossing more visible to drivers.
Decorative Crosswalks
Installed decorative crosswalks at five intersections along Sheridan Road including Sheridan and Thorndale, improving pedestrian visibility and safety.
Bike Signage & Paint
Installed new directional signs to point cyclists towards the bike path including new signage at Thorndale and Sheridan. Refreshed bike path paint along Kenmore and Winthrop.
Benches
Added benches at bus stops at Broadway and Thorndale.
Senior Sign
Added a Senior Citizens sign at 1020 W Thorndale to bring visibility to the senior community in the area.
Infrastructure Repairs
Through Participatory Budgeting and the Aldermanic Menu fund, we have fixed sidewalks, alleys, tree grates, and more along Thorndale and throughout the ward.
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We secured $50,000 for Public Art throughout the ward through Participatory Budgeting.
Our office continues to support and highlight the work of the Edgewater Chamber and SSA, particularly the unique holiday decor installed annually on the faux historic light poles, “Cooler Near the Lake” street banners, seating along Broadway, and landscaping in planters on the sidewalks.
What’s Next
The work continues and it takes a village. A big thank you to all of our community partners. Please continue to engage with us to revitalize the Thorndale corridor through these channels.
