Friends of Lakeview

Friends of Lakeview is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and partner of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce and Special Service Area (SSA) 27. By leveraging individual and corporate donations, grants, and other sources of funding, it supports a resilient local economy and high quality of life for the benefit of businesses and residents in Chicago's Lakeview community by improving and enhancing public streets and spaces, creating memorable experiences, and promoting the neighborhood.

Program Areas

• Community Events: Friends of Lakeview seeks to create memorable experiences through community events in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, in order to strengthen the sense of attachment to the neighborhood, attract consumers to the local business district, and strengthen community bonds by connecting neighbors to each other.
• Public Space Enhancements: Through beautification, public art and placemaking activities, the organization seeks to develop and enhance public spaces to create and improve parks, neighborhood streetscapes, and community gathering spaces.
• Planning & Advocacy: Friends of Lakeview conducts planning and research activities to identify new strategies and programs to strengthen the local economy and improve quality of life.

Projects Supported

• Dine Out West Lakeview: Developed in response to COVID-19, Dine Out West Lakeview invites diners to enjoy food and alcoholic beverages from local restaurants in open air settings, while providing restaurants with much-needed space to expand their outdoor capacity.
• Lakeview Low-Line: The Lakeview Low-Line re-envisions the half-mile space beneath the CTA ‘L’ tracks between Southport and Lincoln avenues as an exciting Chicago art destination and a fun and dynamic path connecting Lakeview.
• Lakeview Public Art Program: Friends of Lakeview works together with local partners to fund the installation and exhibition of new works of art, including "Urbs in Horto" (2019) by Louise "Ouizi" Jones.
• Low-Line Farmers Market: The Low-Line Market is a conveniently located and carefully curated farmers market, with the goal of creating an experience where neighbors can meet and gather while having greater access to a collection of high-quality produce, proteins, flowers and artisanal foods from local farms and vendors.
• Sam Adams Lakeview Taco Fest: The glorious taco gets the spotlight at this annual food and music festival, which takes place in September along the Southport Corridor.
• Trick or Treat on Southport: The neighborhood's favorite fall tradition features family-friendly activities, local food vendors, craft beer, music, and trick-or-treating at local businesses.
• Adopt-A-Tree Program: Friends of Lakeview raises funds to plant new trees throughout the residential portions of Lakeview.