History

The 63rd Street Growth Commission was formed in 1984 when Greater Southwest Development Corporation, the Chicago Lawn Chamber of Commerce, and the Marquette Manor Chamber of Commerce joined forces to ensure that businesses located in the district received the proper support and promotion.

The newly-formed partnership achieved impressive results. The 63rd Street Growth Commission is credited with forming one of Chicago’s first Special Service Areas – SSA #3. Known as the Southwest Business Area, commercial businesses located in the SSA benefit from enhanced services that are supported by a small local tax.

Throughout its 26-year history, the 63rd Street Growth Commission has assisted hundreds of potential and existing business owners through special marketing initiatives, technical assistance, streetscape beautification projects, and financial incentives.

While the Growth Commission prides itself on offering programs that keep pace with the changing dynamics of the local retail economy, the year 2009 marked the beginning of one of our most exciting projects this decade. The Southwest Business District is expanding to include businesses located in the adjoining West Lawn commercial district, an expansion that will bring the total number of businesses in the district to over 600. Click here for updates about the business district expansion.