CHICAGO ~ Chicago's South Side neighborhood of South Chicago welcomed a new addition to its business district today as Mayor Brandon Johnson and Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Commissioner Ciere Boatright joined community leaders and residents to celebrate the grand opening of expeRHEEnce candle bar. The make-your-own-candle business, located at 1917 E. 79th St., is the result of a City-backed project that transformed a previously vacant two-story building into a vibrant destination for both locals and visitors.

Mayor Johnson expressed his excitement for the new business, stating that "small businesses like expeRHEEnce bring new energy and opportunity to our neighborhood commercial corridors, while creating places where residents and visitors can gather, connect, and enjoy a unique experience." He also highlighted the positive impact this investment will have on the 79th Street corridor, which has been seeing continued growth and development.

The project, led by owner Syreeta Talbert, received $315,000 in funding from DPD's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF). Talbert, a local resident herself, saw potential in the previously vacant building and completely rehabilitated it into a 1,200-square-foot retail space on the first floor where customers can create their own candles in a relaxing and wellness-oriented environment. The second floor now houses an office space.

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Commissioner Boatright praised the candle bar as "a destination-oriented experience that's going to be a major step forward for 79th Street's ongoing revitalization." The retail space was previously occupied by a beauty salon before sitting vacant for several years. With Talbert's vision and hard work, it has now been transformed into an attractive retail and experiential business that adds value to the corridor.

The NOF grants are part of DPD's efforts to support commercial corridor investments on the South, Southwest, and West sides using downtown construction fees. Since Mayor Johnson took office, 75 NOF-supported projects valued at $35 million have been completed or are underway, contributing to the transformation of commercial properties and supporting local businesses.

For more information on the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and its impact on Chicago's neighborhoods, visit Chicago.gov/NOF. The expeRHEEnce candle bar is now open for business and invites everyone to come and create their own unique candle while supporting a thriving local business.

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