As the designers work, I need to figure out a sound financial foundation for the Kitchen. Small projects are more difficult to fund, since they have fees to professionals– lawyers, architects, engineers, accountants– that are the same whether your building is big or small.

The Kitchen address is 2333 N. Milwaukee, located in the Fullerton/Milwaukee TIF district. These are areas the City of Chicago has targeted for money set aside to revitalize commercial areas of neighborhoods. This week I complete a TIF application, which is a lot of brain damage if you ask me. I don’t think it should be easy to get assistance, but I’m already feeling this process favors the big projects with lawyers on retainer. When you’re one person with a dream, it gets a bit harder.

But I have a meeting with the Dept. of Planning folks to review my project and application, so I’m working late to prepare and look forward to some meaningful financial assistance. I spoke to my Alderman before we purchased this building and I’m optimistic we’ll get the help we need.