CHICAGO— Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright joined community leaders and South Chicago residents to cut the ribbon on expeRHEEnce candle bar, a new make-your-own-candle business at 1917 E. 79th St. The City-backed project transformed a previously vacant two-story building into a new neighborhood business, creating a destination for residents and visitors while adding momentum to continued investment along the 79th Street corridor.
“Small businesses like expeRHEEnce bring new energy and opportunity to our neighborhood commercial corridors, while creating places where residents and visitors can gather, connect, and enjoy a unique experience,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.“This investment is helping bring a formerly vacant property back to life and strengthening the 79th Street corridor.
We will continue working with local entrepreneurs and community partners to create new opportunities and support thriving neighborhood business districts across Chicago.”
The $315,000 project by owner and local resident Syreeta Talbert completely rehabilitated the two-story building at 1917 E. 79th St., creating a 1,200-square-foot first-floor retail space where patrons can create their own candles in a relaxing, wellness-oriented environment, along with a second-floor office.
Improvements included new walls, windows and doors, building systems, and a rear porch.
“The candle bar is a destination-oriented experience that’s going to be a major step forward for 79th Street’s ongoing revitalization,” saidDPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright.
The retail space was previously occupied by a beauty salon, followed by several years of vacancy.
The project was supported by $236,000 in grant assistance through DPD’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund.
The retail space was previously occupied by a beauty salon before sitting vacant for several years.
Talbert, a local resident and entrepreneur, is now bringing a new retail and experiential business to the corridor, offering customers an opportunity to create their own candles in a wellness-oriented setting.
NOF grants use downtown construction fees to support commercial corridor investments on the South, Southwest, and West sides.
Since Mayor Johnson took office, 75 NOF-supported projects valued at $35 million have been completed or are underway, helping transform commercial properties and support local businesses.
More information about the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund is available atChicago.gov/NOF.