3rd Ward Virtual Town Hall Meeting on "The 78"

Alderman Dowell is hosting a special virtual Town Hall meeting to discuss potential development plans for "The 78." The meeting will be held on Monday, June 16th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and will feature Kurt Bailey, President of Related Midwest. To register click here.

At the meeting, residents will be able to participate in a Q&A and hear from the development team of "The 78" on potential plans for the site. This is an initial community information session to gather feedback and comment from residents. Questions can be directed to Alderman Dowell's Public Service Office at 773-373-9273 or at Ward03@cityofchicago.org.

Alderman Dowell to Host June 25th Virtual Town Hall Meeting

Alderman Dowell will be hosting a separate virtual Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, June 25th at 6:00 pm. Register for the meeting here.

At the meeting, the invited presenters will discuss their group's plans for proposed residential and/or commercial developments located throughout the Bronzeville neighborhood. Following each group's presentation, Alderman Dowell will take questions and answers from attendees. If you have any questions about the town hall meeting, please contact the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273 or at Ward03@cityofchicago.org.

BMU Free Community Giveaway with Alderman Pat Dowell

Black Men United and Alderman Dowell are partnering with World Vision and Acclivus to host a free community giveaway. This event is a heartfelt celebration of unity and resilience, and an opportunity to stand together to serve our neighbors. For more information on the giveaway, please call 773-373-9273

Where: Fuller Park (331 W. 45th St.)

When: Saturday, June 7th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Resource Fair a Smashing Success

Thank you to all the partners who made the 3rd Ward Resource Fair on May 7th a huge success! At the event, residents were able to access free document shredding, electronic recycling, drug takeback, unclaimed property searches, Illinois Tollway services, and a host of other services provided by State, County and City partners.

Kudos to 3rd Ward Public Service Office staff Allyson, George, Lucy, and Yvonne for coordinating the event. And thank you to the offices of Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Senator Mattie Hunter, Cook County Commissioners Michael Scott Jr. and Bill Lowry, State Representatives Kim Du Buclet and Kam Buckner, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos, MWRD Commissioner Patricia Theresa Flynn, Midway Moving and Storage, Quad Communities Development Corporation, ComEd, Peoples Gas, the Illinois Tollway and the Department of Housing for participating.

May 8th Town Hall Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who participated in the May 8, 2025 Town Hall meeting. This was a very informative meeting covering impactful initiatives within the 3rd Ward, including:

• Meet and greet with the new 2nd District Police Commander
• CDOT Complete Streets design for Indiana Ave. from 31st St. to 55th St.
• Update on the grocery store for Pershing Rd. and State St.
• Bronzeville Artists Residences on 47th St.

For a video recap of the meeting, please click here.

3rd, 4th and 5th Ward Unite for Blood Drive

Residents of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Wards came together to donate life-saving blood at Insight Hospital on May 15th. Thank you to The Community Blood Center for conducting this important event, and to Yvonne from the 3rd Ward Office for representing Alderman Dowell's staff at the event.

If you missed this event and would like an opportunity to donate blood, please visit www.communityblood.org for donation times and locations near you.

Alderman Dowell Honors Harlem Globetrotters with Street Sign

On May 6th, Alderman Dowell brought the community together to celebrate a piece of authentic Chicago history with an honorary street sign at 39th and Giles for the Harlem Globetrotters, who were founded in Chicago at Wendell Phillips High School in 1926. Contrary to popular belief, Harlem New York cannot claim this honor. Thank you to Bronzeville’s own David Ali who led this campaign over the past year securing 100% support from the City Council for the honorary street naming. Alderman Dowell was proud to support this effort and thank you to Alderman David Moore (17th) for joining in the festivities. Also at the event were former Globetrotters, the granddaughter of founder and coach Abe Saperstein, former NBA players Antonio Davis and LaRue Martin, Justice P. Scott Neville Jr., Phillips Principal Rashad Talley, Phillips alumni, and current Phillips students. Stop by and see the newly dedicated Harlem Globetrotters Way!

Alderman Dowell Honored with 2025 Remarkable Award

Presented by A Step Beyond, Alderman Dowell is honored to receive a 2025 Remarkable Award for her work promoting real estate development and small business innovation in the 3rd Ward. A Step Beyond is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that has helped hundreds of families complete essential home repairs, achieve homeownership, and pursue small business success. The 2025 Remarkable Awards event helps A Step Beyond raise the funds needed to reach even more deserving families. Thank you to Nicole Wheatley, Founder and CEO of A Step Beyond for recognizing Alderman Dowell's contributions to the community, and for throwing such a fantastic and fun event!

City Celebrates Far South Crossing Guard Winner from the 3rd Ward

Congratulations to Tammy Anderson, crossing guard at Beasley Elementary School (5255 S. State St.) in the 3rd Ward for being awarded Far South Crossing Guard of the Year! And thank you to George from the 3rd Ward staff for his eloquent speech at the event honoring Tammy.

Tammy patrols the difficult school crossing at 53rd and State St. outside Beasley, rain or shine, with a warm smile and unmatched dedication to community safety. Thank you for all you do for our neighborhood families! If you see Tammy before the school year ends, be sure to congratulate her on this well-deserved award.

3rd Ward Resident Donnell Spencer Wins CABCF Scholarship

Congratulations to 3rd Ward resident Donnell Spencer who received a $10,000 scholarship from the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus (CABC) Foundation to help with college tuition at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Donnell, who graduates this year from Walter Payton College Prep, wants to study Data Science and Economics. The CABC has raised and awarded almost $1 million in student scholarships in recent years. Thank you CABC Chairman Stephanie D. Coleman and Committee on the Budget and Government Operations Chairman Jason C Ervin for their leadership in this uplifting effort.

3rd Ward NOF Small and Community Development Medium Grant Winners

Chef Erika Webb and Developer Karry Young have won a Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Small Program grant and a Community Development Medium Program grant for projects they are leading in the 3rd Ward. Both projects will be located in Washington Park at 51st and Calumet/Prairie.

Erika was awarded $300,000 to open Preserve Breakfast Bar and Luncheonette, and Karry will receive $4.3 million to build a mixed-income apartment building with a commercial space for a new restaurant adjacent to the CTA Green Line Station. Alderman Dowell was proud to advocate for these community initiatives, and a huge thank you to Mayor Brandon Johnson and Planning Commissioner Ciere Boatright for supporting projects that bring new amenities to the ward. These projects are scheduled to open in 2026.

Legends South A-3 Moves Forward Towards Construction

The redevelopment of the former Robert Taylor Homes complex continues with the Legends South A-3 development. Legends South A-3 will be a newly constructed, mixed-income, mixed-use development generally located at 4520 S State St. The property consists of six parcels that are site controlled by CHA. Legends South A-3 is the sixth phase in the redevelopment of the former Robert Taylor Homes and the third on-site phase that will be constructed within the Robert Taylor Homes footprint. 

The project includes 2 buildings with a total of 52 units consisting of 19 one-bedroom units, 27 two-bedroom units, and 6 three-bedroom units. One building will be a 3-story walk up that houses twelve 12 two-bedroom units. The other building will be a 4-story corridor elevator building with 40 units that includes ~3,600 square feet of leasable space along State St. The project will consist of 10 market rate units, 39 units restricted at 60% AMI, and 3 units restricted at 50% AMI. The Chicago Housing Authority will provide a subsidy for 21 units.

The City of Chicago will be providing Donation Tax Credits which generate $949,000 of equity, $2,983,269 in HOME funds, $10,000,000 in TIF, and $1.5 million is 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $13,885,311 of tax credit equity for the project.

This project is being developed by Brinshore Development and The Michaels Organization who are serving as a joint venture under BMT-I, LLC.

Resurfacing of Indiana from 31st St. to 55th St.

Alderman Dowell and the Chicago Department of Transportation would like to inform you of a resurfacing project on S. Indiana Ave from E. 31st St. to E. 55th St. This street is part of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Arterial Street Resurfacing Project – Term South Area, in the 3rd and 4th Wards.

Construction on this project began on Monday May 26th, 2025. MAT Construction is the general contractor for this project with Ardmore Roderick providing Resident Engineering services for the Chicago Department of Transportation.

The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, new bike lane, bike medians, new bus pads, pedestrian medians, milling the existing asphalt pavement, asphalt paving, landscaping and striping.

During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. All work on this corridor is scheduled to be completed by August 29th, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Alderman Dowell's office at 773-373-9273 or at ward03@cityofchicago.org.

MWRD Conduit Rehabilitation - Pershing Rd. and State St.

Michels Trenchless has been contracted by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for the 39th Street Conduit Rehabilitation Phase 2 project. Work includes the bypassing and rehabilitation of the Pershing Rd. conduit sewer that runs parallel to Pershing Rd.  Work is scheduled to begin in June 2025 and run through November of 2026. Michels is currently in the process of receiving both CDOT and IDOT permits for this work. All work will be performed out of manholes and existing structures. Traffic control setups within the 3rd Ward will consist of one lane/sidewalk closures and two detours. 

As more information about this project is provided, Alderman Dowell's office will alert the community immediately. Questions can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Night Out in the Parks 3rd Ward List

Night Out in the Parks brings over 1,000 cultural events to neighborhood parks each year. Chicagoans and visitors alike enjoy world-class events in every one of the city's 77 community areas. From traditional performances and concerts, to community workshops, nature-based programs, dance performances, festivals, and more, there is something for everyone happening in the parks this year! 

NASCAR Visits 3rd Ward's Drake Elementary School

NASCAR Chicago’s 2023 inaugural race winner Shane Van Gisenbergen, better known as SVG, was in the 3rd Ward on May 14th to visit the students at Drake Elementary School (2710 S. Dearborn St.). He visited the 1st and 2nd grade classrooms, distributed books and read the first chapter of Layla and the Bots. Kudos to Drake Principal Christopher Robbins and Julie Giese, President of NASCAR Chicago for making this event happen!

Alderman Dowell Joins 2025 African Summit and Resource Fair

On May 10th, Alderman Dowell attended the 2025 African Summit and Resource Fair - Roots and Routes: Threads of the Past, Paths to the Future, sponsored by the United African Organization (6042 S. Indiana Ave.). The Fair was dedicated to exploring the lived experiences, challenges, and opportunities of the African diaspora.

The United African Organization (UAO) does amazing work supporting the community. To that end, they are hosting a City Key event at their office in conjunction with the Chicago Clerk on Wednesday, June 4th by appointment only. To register for this event, please click here. For more information, or to get involved with the UAO, visit their website at uniteafricans.org.

Alderman Dowell Visits St. Matthew Baptist Church Ribbon Cutting

St. Matthew Baptist Church at 4511 South State Street is on the move! On May 10th, Alderman Dowell joined Pastor Ernest Brown and First Lady Pearly Brown to dedicate and cut the ribbon on their newly constructed Fellowship Hall and kitchen. These new amenities will help the church fulfill its mission to provide "a supportive environment for individuals to grow in their faith and encourage each other on their spiritual journey."

Alderman Dowell Honors James Montgomery, C.I.T.Y. Club Gymnastics, and Jewish American Heritage Month in City Council

In addition to taking care of the business of the 3rd Ward during the May City Council meeting, Alderman Dowell had the honor of acknowledging the immense contributions of civil rights attorney James D. Montgomery, Chicago’s first African American Corporation Counsel, appointed by Mayor Harold Washington. Alderman Dowell has appreciated Mr. Montgomery's wise counsel from time to time in her role as Alderman.

Also at the May City Council meeting, Alderman Dowell recognized C.I.T.Y. Club Gymnastics Academy founder and world champion Natalia Sklyarova, and her gymnasts, for their first state competition win at the highest level of gymnastic achievement. Some of the C.I.T.Y. Club's young ladies are National bound and they train at XSTennis located at 5336 S. State St. in the 3rd Ward. Finally, Alderman Dowell stood alongside her colleagues to celebrate May as Jewish American Heritage Month.

South Loop Event Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events. Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.

For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.soldierfield.com/events/all. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place. 

Kendrick Lamar and SZA

Friday, June 6th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Stars vs. Seattle Reign

Saturday, June 14th at 4:00 pm

Chicago Fire vs. Nashville SC

Saturday, June 14th at 7:30 pm

Meltin' Margs Music Festival

Friday, June 20th and Saturday, June 21st at 3:00 pm

Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union

Wednesday, June 25th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. Charlotte FC

Saturday, June 28th at 7:30 pm

Vehicle and Commercial Debt Relief Program Ends June 30th!

Chicago residents and businesses—don’t miss your LAST CHANCE! The City’s Vehicle & Commercial Debt Relief Programs end June 30, 2025. Pay the base fine on eligible tickets and have all fees, interest, and penalties waived. Visit chicago.gov/VDR to see if you have eligible tickets and pay online.

Chicago Park District Ramps Up for Summer

For more than 91 years, the Chicago Park District has provided families with safe places to gather, play, learn, and grow. Today, that commitment is stronger than ever. Through a wide range of programs and partnerships, we are offering recreation, and so importantly, we are creating real opportunities for youth development, mentorship, and community connection.

Each summer, the Park District significantly scales up their teen and family-focused programs. Departments—including Community Recreation, Cultural and Natural Resources, and Revenue—work together to meet the needs of young people across the city. Whether it’s a basketball tournament on the West Side, a music fest at Northerly Island, or a first job at a neighborhood park, the Park District is proud to be part of teens’ lives and their futures.

Youth Hiring: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/jobs

Summer Activities: 2025 Summer Season

Camps: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programs-memberships/programs-overview/day-camp

Events: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events

Permits and Rentals: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/permits-rentals

Calling South Side Creative Teens

Do you know a creative teenager ready to dive into the arts? Arts + Public Life is offering exciting year-round arts education for South Side youth, and this summer, from June 23 to August 1, we have four dynamic programs: Backstage Production Program, Design Apprenticeship Program, Teen Arts Council, and Choreographic Arts Program.

We're especially highlighting our Backstage Production Program (BSP): This is a fantastic opportunity for South Side youth to get an introduction to the world of theater production, gaining practical skills in audio and lighting design, sound engineering, and stage management. Plus, participants receive compensation for their time and hard work! Register for programming here.

Chicago CityKey Event

Get your Chicago CityKey BY APPOINTMENT ONLY as an event hosted by the United African Organization. To schedule an appointment, click here.

Where: United African Organization (6042 S. Indiana Ave.)

When: Wednesday, June 4th

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is an eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions. Registration is required.

Where: 639 E. 87th St.

When: Saturdays June 7th at 14th at 9:00 am

St. James Community Farm Kick Off

Join St. James to kick off the harvest season and celebrate the first farm stand of the year. Enjoy farm tours, farm fresh food tastings, seedlings giveaway, and other family-friendly activities. This is a free event with a suggested donation to support healthy food access programming. Register here.

Where: Saint James Community Farm (2936 S. Wabash Ave.)

When: Saturday, June 7th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Workforce Solutions Grant Webinar

Register for the Workforce Solutions Grant webinar to see if your business qualifies for up to $250,000 reimbursement grants for current and new hire job training. Learn more and register to attend at Chicago.gov/WorkforceSolutions.

When: Friday, June 10th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

QCDC Spring Bronzeville Business Connect

Attend our Spring Bronzeville Business Connect for a chance to meet other local business owners, exchange ideas, and pick up tips to help your business grow. It’s all about making connections, learning something new, and finding the resources you need to level up. Don’t miss out!

Register today and be part of a thriving business community! You don't want to miss the guest speaker who will be joining us!

Where: Two Fish Crab Shack (641 E. 47th St.)

When: Thursday, June 12th from 6:00 pm to 8:0 pm

Vends + Vibes Arts Marketplace

Get ready for the return of Vends + Vibes, Arts + Public Life's annual summer arts marketplace celebrating the incredible creative entrepreneurs of the South Side! Join us on the Arts Lawn for an afternoon where artists, makers, and neighbors connect, shop, and share the lively energy in Washington Park. More information can be found here.

Where: Arts Lawn (337 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Saturday, June 14th at 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

NHS Financial Literacy Webinar

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score.

When: Tuesday, June 17th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Saturday Summer Stories and Craft

Celebrate Summer Reading at Chicago Public Library with stories about nature! Then make your own nature-themed crafts to take home. Recommended for children 2 to 8 with their caregivers.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, June 21st from 11:00 am to noon

2025 Chicago Standdown

Illinois National Guard Northwest Armory presents the 2025 Chicago Standdown. Food, services and giveaways for veterans who are homeless, housing insecure, or in-need. Bring your Veteran ID or DD-214 for registration. For questions, please call 312-569-5750 or 312-569-8288.

Where: Illinois National Guard Northwest Armory (1551 N. Kedzie Ave)

When: Friday, June 27th from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Veterans Job Club

Veterans Job Club is available to Veterans with job-related goals and are seeking short-term assistance. Staff from the JBVAMC's VHA-VR program will be at the Chicago Vet Center monthly to assist with the following: Resume assistance, improving job search skills, navigating the USAJOBS website, and performance-based interviewing. Questions? Call 773-962-3740.

Where: Chicago Vet Center (8658 S. Sacramento Blvd.)

When: Friday, June 27th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Chicago's Early Learning Careers and Pathways Expo

Reserve your table today to connect with enthusiastic job seekers and highlight your organization's career and education opportunities. This expo will also welcome early childhood professionals seeking to advance their careers through additional credentials, certifications, or continuing education programs. Find your next great hire! Register here.

Where: Malcom X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.)

When: Saturday, June 28th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

WTTW Chicago Stories Documentary Screening: The Race to Reverse the River

Join King Branch for a screening and discussion of the WTTW Chicago Stories documentary The Race to Reverse the River. This documentary discusses how the Chicago River was reversed in order prevent sewage from polluting Lake Michigan. © WTTW - NR - 60 min Shown in collaboration with: @ https://www.pbs.org/pov/.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, June 28th from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit www.chicagopolice.org to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.

1st District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 132

Date: June 8th at 3:00 pm - Virtual

Location: For Zoom information, please email Caps.001District@chicagopolice.org or call312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: June 24th at 6:00 pm 

Location: Rosenwald Senior Apartments (4642 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: June 17th at 6:00 pm

Location: Liberty Baptist Church (4849 S. King Dr.)