Logan Square's Historic Congress Theater Is Finally Getting Its Long-Awaited Comeback

18 million project spearheaded by developer Baum Revision — cleared its final financial hurdle in early 2026 when the Chicago City Council approved a $25 million HUD Section 108 loan. That funding milestone means construction is now fully underway, and neighbors who've waited years for this moment can finally see the finish line.

The scope of the revival is ambitious and community-minded. Beyond restoring the iconic 3,500-seat theater to its former glory, the project includes 16 affordable housing units and 13,000 square feet of retail space — with 75% of that retail required to be leased to local businesses or artists under the redevelopment agreement. It's exactly the kind of neighborhood-first development Logan Square has been pushing for.

And the Congress isn't the only major transformation underway. Construction is also moving forward on the long-awaited Hollander loft apartment project at 2418–2428 N. Milwaukee Ave. — a seven-years-in-the-making redevelopment that broke ground this spring under new owner J2 Equities. Between the Congress Theater's comeback, the Hollander project, and Milwaukee Avenue's broader transformation, summer 2026 is shaping up to be a genuinely historic chapter for the neighborhood. Which of these developments are you most excited about? Tell your neighbors on Socialhood!

Sources:
1. https://comfortmovingchicago.com/we-love-chicago/2026-logan-square-development-update.html
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/04/07/construction-begins-on-logan-squares-long-awaited-hollander-redevelopment/