West Town Pop Up Project

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The West Town Pop Up Project offers short-term, affordable retail space to small businesses interested in testing their concepts in a physical storefront. Through the program, makers, artists, brands, and entrepreneurs can connect with customers, build their business, gain valuable retail experience, and explore the potential of a permanent brick-and-mortar location—all while receiving business support, technical assistance, and marketing benefits from the West Town Chamber of Commerce.

Created in 2021 as a commercial development initiative, the Pop Up Project helps encourage retail growth and activate commercial corridors throughout West Town. Since its launch, the program has hosted 29 businesses, eight of which have gone on to establish permanent locations in West Town and the surrounding area.

Locations

1821 W Chicago Avenue
1947 W Chicago Avenue

Become a Tenant

The Pop Up Project is designed for businesses ready to bring their concept into a physical retail environment. The spaces can accommodate retail merchandise, gallery, and nonperishable food and beverages that are commercially packaged in a properly licensed establishment.

Before You Apply

Please review the following requirements before submitting an application:

Business EIN: Applicants must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Business Insurance: Proof of business insurance is required before occupying a Pop Up storefront.
Alcohol: The sale of alcoholic beverages is not permitted due to licensing and regulatory requirements.
THC/Cannabis: The sale of THC or cannabis products is not permitted due to licensing and regulatory requirements.
Program Fit: Proposed uses must be appropriate for a temporary retail storefront and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and program requirements.

Applications are reviewed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce based on eligibility, proposed use of the space, availability, and overall fit with the Pop Up Project. Chicago-based businesses without an already existing physical storefront will be prioritized.

Ready to bring your business to West Town?

Apply to become a Pop Up Project tenant

Frankly Apparel

"The West Town Pop-Up Project was such an amazing opportunity to test out brick and mortar retail for the first time. The Chamber of Commerce eliminated so many of the barriers to entry for a physical location. The pop-up project allowed us to learn what is and is not important about running a store. While our original goal was just to cover our rent, we ended up making much more than we expected, and now opening a permanent storefront is a priority for our brand. I wish every neighborhood offered an initiative like this!"

Become a Tenant

Applications for Round Five of the Pop Up Project are currently open!

Learn More

View Tenants

Since 2021 we've hosted 26 Pop-Up Shops!

Learn More

The Spaces

The West Town Pop Up Project's include storefront space with high visibility on Chicago Avenue in West Town Chicago.

1821 W Chicago Ave. Space and Amenities Offered:

Retail Space: 550 square feet (19’ x 21’5” main area )
ADA restroom
Small partially enclosed storeroom, dressing room, or office area
Amenities: overhead lighting, electricity, heat, AC, water, security alarm, wifi

The Space

Photographs by @Motorkast

1947 W Chicago Ave. Space and Amenities Offered:

Retail Space: 1,125 square feet
Restroom
Storage Space
A cash stand and changing rooms
Amenities: electricity, heat, AC, water, security alarm, wifi

The Corridor

Our storefronts are located on the City's namesake corridor Chicago Avenue. Please explore the business and community directory for more information on the neighborhood and on the Chicago Avenue commercial corridor.