5667 W Higgins Avenue

Chicago is known for its diverse neighborhoods, but it is also a city of 50 wards, each led by an alderperson with their own agenda. As 2025 begins, the city is grappling with budget issues, population growth, and rising crime perception, while aldermanic prerogative—where each alderman has veto power over development in their ward—adds another layer of hurdles to solving these challenges. We’ll examine this issue today through the lens of two major residential projects currently stuck in bureaucratic red tape, including Old Town Canvas, which was blocked by Alderman Brian Hopkins just yesterday.

An existing retail structure at 431 N Dearborn Street is currently undergoing extensive interior and exterior renovation work, with new windows having now been installed. Built in 1948, this two-story River North building owned by Friedman Companies long served as the Getschow Company’s engineering headquarters. Most recently, it housed Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, which closed the location in 2020. The Group is leading the current revamp, which will consist of two new restaurants.