Lincoln Avenue construction in heart of square impacts businesses, spurs conversation for more pedestrian-only areas
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Construction closes a dense block of Lincoln Avenue.

For some, it’s been good for business, but it’s also presented challenges for others.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Deliveries are getting in, but it took some adjustments.

The construction project along Lincoln Avenue has closed the street at the heart of the neighborhood’s business corridor.

Some people on foot now appreciate the open space.

“Overwhelmingly, it’s been amazing; I’ve been spending almost every single day out here working, reading. I’ve met more of my neighbors in the past seven days than in the five years I’ve lived in Chicago,” said Rony Islam, with the Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association.

For the businesses, the closure is having mixed results.

The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce did a survey, and about half of the businesses responded.

It found sales during the street closure, for 13 business, were down. For eight, sales were up. And, for three, it was unchanged.

“It’s definitely mixed; you are seeing restaurants that benefited much more than retailers,” said Rudy Flores, president and CEO of the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. “Retailers definitely saw a decrease. Even with an increase in sales on the weekend, two or three businesses saw a 50% decrease in their sales.”

The owner of Timeless Toys said sales have been down 15%.

“We did have a busy weekend, but the weekdays were dead. It was rainy. And even though there is a lot of parking nearby, people aren’t walking over in the rain,” Scott Friedland said.

Restaurants like Jerry’s Sandwiches were slammed over the weekend, especially with the nice weather.

The staff is preparing for another busy weekend.

“We’ll have our running shoes ready. We’ve already added extra bodies to make sure we are set up for success, but I think it’s going to be another busy weekend,” floor manager Bonnie Rae Manierre said.

The Chamber will collect more data to see how more pedestrian space could work for businesses and people living in the neighborhood.

The closure is expected to be in place for at least another week.

But the discussion about options for more pedestrian-only spaces for Lincoln Square is ongoing.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
2026 World Cup draw will be held at Washington's Kennedy Center, Trump says

Trump Announces 2026 World Cup Draw to Take Place at Washington’s Kennedy Center

President Donald Trump said Friday that the draw for the 2026 World…
Feds nab suspected MS-13 gangster, top 700 arrests in DC crackdown

Federal Agents Apprehend Suspected MS-13 Gang Member, Surpass 700 Arrests in DC Operation

Thursday’s arrests in Washington, D.C. amid the Trump administration’s federal crime crackdown…
Photo of a large stealth flying-wing aircraft over China.

China’s Massive Stealth Drone Takes to the Skies After Being Seen at a Hidden Base in Satellite Images

A TERRIFYING Chinese stealth drone has been spotted on a major test…
Chicago shooting: 4 shot, 3 fatally, in 2 East Garfield Park shootings on Maplewood, Gladys Avenues, police say

Chicago Incident: 4 Shot, 3 Killed in East Garfield Park Shootings, Police Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police reported that two separate shootings in the…
Nearly 20 decomposing bodies found stashed in hidden room of funeral home run by county coroner

Almost 20 Decomposed Bodies Discovered in Secret Room of Funeral Home Operated by County Coroner

State inspectors have uncovered nearly 20 decomposing bodies hidden inside a Colorado…
Aerial view of a dairy farm in Keenesburg, Colorado.

Heartbreaking News: Six Fatalities Confirmed in Mysterious ‘Dairy Accident,’ Including a High School Student

NEW details have emerged about a supposed accident at a dairy ranch…
Max Fried snaps out of funk to look like ace Yankees need

Max Fried Recovers Strongly, Showing the Yankees What an Ace Looks Like

This was the Max Fried of April, May and June. The ace…
Black and white photo of Donald McPherson, America's last living ace pilot from World War II, in the cockpit of his plane.

America’s Final Surviving Ace Pilot from WWII, Who Downed Five Enemy Aircraft, Passes Away at 103

AMERICA’S last living fighter ace from World War II has died at…
Israel's Data Reveals 83% Civilian Kill Rate in Gaza Genocide

Israel’s Data Indicates 83% Civilian Casualty Rate in Gaza Conflict

The Netanyahu regime’s own classified data exposes a horrifying truth: five out…

RFK Jr Explains Logical Reason for Wearing Jeans During Workouts Amid Criticism

AMERICANS have been left wondering why Health and Human Services Secretary Robert…
How the AP did its analysis of partisan advantage in US House districts

Understanding the AP’s Analysis of Partisan Advantage in US House Districts

The Associated Press used an “efficiency gap” analysis to examine congressional elections…
Florida puts rainbow crosswalks in the crosshairs, as cities face deadlines to remove them

Florida Targets Rainbow Crosswalks with Removal Deadlines for Cities

Several cities in Florida are now confronted with impending deadlines after being…