Trophy Room Cigar Café Receives City Grant for Renovations on Near West Side

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Near West Side ·

The Near West Side's Trophy Room Cigar Café at 2520 W. Madison Street is set to undergo significant renovations thanks to a

87,136 grant from the City of Chicago. The funding is part of Mayor Brandon Johnson's $20 million grant program supporting community development projects across Chicago neighborhoods.

The café is among fifteen finalists receiving Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grants, which uses fees paid by downtown construction projects to support small businesses and cultural venues on the West, Southwest, and South sides of Chicago. The Trophy Room will use the funds to renovate their cigar lounge and social networking space, creating an enhanced gathering spot for community members.

This investment comes at a crucial time for the Near West Side, which has seen significant development activity in recent years. Between January 2023 and September 2025, the 27th Ward on the Near West Side has been an epicenter of new development with 36 new projects totaling

3 billion in investment, according to Chicago Plan Commission data. Residents interested in learning more about this renovation project or other community development initiatives can attend the next Near West Side community meeting or visit the Department of Planning & Development's website for information on neighborhood improvement programs.

Sources:
1. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/ec_dev/news/2025/may/mayor-johnson-announces--20-million-in-grant-awards-for-communit.html
2. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-neighborhood-vitality/development-chicago-continues-look-lopsided