A Century in the Making: Congress Theater Renovation Finally Breaks Ground This March — and a Trader Joe's Is Moving In Too

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Logan Square · March 1, 2026

Logan Square is kicking off March with not one but two major neighborhood wins that have been years — and in one case, a full century — in the making.

After sitting dark for over a decade, the iconic Congress Theater is officially getting its long-awaited overhaul. The city recently secured a $25 million loan to fund the project, and Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) confirmed construction is set to begin this month. Once complete, the revamped venue will not only restore one of Chicago's most storied concert halls, but will also feature 16 units of affordable housing and 13,000 square feet of commercial space earmarked for local entrepreneurs, arts groups, and nonprofits. The theater, which first opened its doors in 1926, is celebrating its centennial year with what may be its most exciting chapter yet — with a completion target set for December 2027.

And if that weren't enough good news for the block, Logan Square neighbors are also celebrating the confirmed arrival of a Trader Joe's at 2053 N. Milwaukee Ave., taking over the former CVS storefront. A fully executed lease is in place, and the new location will include more than 130 parking spots — a rare amenity along Milwaukee Avenue. "With that Cortland Bridge closed, if we couldn't get you to Trader Joe's, we decided to bring the Trader Joe's to you," La Spata said. Stop by the Milwaukee Avenue corridor and watch the neighborhood transformation unfold in real time — Logan Square's best days are clearly ahead.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/25/congress-theater-overhaul-full-speed-ahead-with-construction-to-start-in-march-ald-says/
2. https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/chicago/news/trader-joes-open-location-chicago-logan-square-neighborhood/
3. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/24/trader-joes-opening-new-store-in-logan-square/