Southport Corridor Is Leveling Up: A New Screen at Music Box, Fresh Retail & Healthy Eats Are Transforming Lake View's Beloved Strip

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Lake View · June 26, 2026

Lake View's Southport Corridor is having a major moment, and this summer it's impossible to ignore the wave of exciting new arrivals reshaping one of Chicago's most beloved neighborhood strips.

First, cinephiles rejoice: the iconic Music Box Theatre is getting a long-awaited upgrade with the debut of a brand-new third screen — a landmark expansion for one of Chicago's most storied independent movie houses. Meanwhile, the corridor's retail scene is getting a stylish boost from Reformation, the sustainable fashion brand that has officially opened a new location at 3452 N. Southport Ave., taking over the former Dr. Martens storefront right in the heart of the neighborhood. And if you're looking to fuel up before or after your shopping, keep an eye out for Rush Bowls, a healthy dining concept headed to North Southport Avenue — yet another sign that the strip is attracting bold, community-minded businesses. On the fitness front, Australian-born boutique brand STRONG Pilates opened its first Lake View studio in the Southport Corridor on June 6, adding to the neighborhood's already thriving wellness scene.

With construction permits also now cleared for Dinkel's Lofts at 3329 N. Lincoln Avenue — a residential redevelopment tied to one of Lakeview's most iconic names — the entire corridor feels energized and on the rise. Head down to Southport this weekend and see it all for yourself!

Sources:
1. https://southportcorridorchicago.com/
2. https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/