Plan to improve access to transit, commercial investment in Auburn Gresham underway

In April 2025, the Chicago Plan Commission officially adopted the 79th Street Corridor Plan, a bold vision of the Auburn Gresham community that began in 2022, facilitated by the RTA and City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development to strengthen land use and transit connectivity along West 79th Street in the Auburn Gresham community. Hundreds of resident voices helped to shape the plan through extensive public engagement meetings led by the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation.

The community-driven initiative was designed with 11 community goals in mind, including identifying areas for new transit-oriented developments, repurposing vacant lots so they’re once again actively used by residents, and improving pedestrian safety. The plan builds on momentum from recent and upcoming investments like the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub which provides healthy food, healthcare, social services, banking, WiFi access, and more all in one place, two mixed-use housing projects, a Save a Lot grocery store, and the new Auburn Metra station currently under construction on the Rock Island line, among other improvements.

With a focus to boost commercial vitality, support housing growth, and create new “neighborhood centers” from South 77th Street to South 83rd Street, the City and the RTA are hopeful the corridor will attract more people and development to the historically disinvested area.

"This project is transformative and will add to the development that is currently going on throughout the 79th Street Corridor,” said Chicago’s 17th Ward Alderman David Moore. In addition to Metra’s 79th Street station on the Rock Island line currently under construction, Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development has already listed some land for sale in hopes of attracting a developer, and the Chicago Department of Transportation is advancing their streetscape plan along 79th Street, covering the majority of the 79th Street Corridor Plan’s study area.

The 79th Street Corridor Plan outlines how thoughtful development can create lasting impact for residents and businesses alike. Read the full adopted plan here.