Our Vision
The west side of Chicago, and specifically the Austin neighborhood, faces a number of challenges relating to economic development, education, housing, public safety, and youth empowerment. This is well documented in the Austin Quality of Life Plan created in 2018 by a wide range of community members and organizations.
One of the key challenges is the high number of vacant commercial spaces along the North Avenue commercial corridor. These vacant commercial spaces lead to a variety of problems, including less customer traffic for existing businesses, less employment opportunities, more public safety issues, less property tax revenue, and less amenities for community residents. We often find that both business owners and property owners do not have the funds to renovate a vacant space, much less make improvements to the outdated plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
In 2021, we came together to brainstorm what we could do to help and collected input from a variety of community members, community organizations, and elected officials. We decided to develop a hub for professional and amateur artists that contributes to Chicago’s creative economy called the North Austin Arts District. It is located on the North Avenue commercial corridor between the blocks of Central Ave and Luna Ave at 5534-5558 W North.
Third City Gallery (opened October 2025) and Third City Cafe (opening early 2026) will be anchor businesses that attracts additional arts-related services and businesses to come.
The creation of the North Austin Arts District will meet the following development goals:
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Provide artists studio and exhibition space
Provide arts programming and education
Connect local artists to other artists and institutions
Connect local artists to experienced business professionals
Partner with local schools
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Provide full and part time employment
Support artists to generate income
Provide a meeting place
Create a unique destination
Drive traffic to other businesses
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Provide more affordable housing
Provide arts-based amenities for local residents and visitors
Provide event space for local residents
Provide beautification for local residents and visitors
Leadership
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Executive Director
Sid is a business owner, director, and manager with 15 years of experience in operations management, marketing, communication and financial planning, serving multinational corporations across a range of industries including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, product design, and international supply chains.
Originally from the Chicago metro area, he is also a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, and a practicing artist in Chicago where he has lived since 2014.
Sid joined Third City Studio as its executive director in July of 2025, with the intent of building a new space on the West Side to benefit its artists and residents.
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Founding Board Director & Community Developer
Jon is a Managing Partner at Third City Properties and has been investing in and managing real estate since 2005. Jon is an Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker, founder of the Northwest Side Building Coalition (NSBC), member of the Neighborhood Building Owner Alliance (NBOA) Board and an active member of the Rogers Park Builders Group and Edgewater Uptown Builders Association.
Jon currently manages assets in Chicago, Houston, and Amsterdam and is focused on identifying high value opportunities in the North and West Sides of Chicago. He takes a pro-active, hands-on approach to managing assets to ensure optimal performance of each asset.
Jon is also the co-owner of Third City Cafe and Third City Studio located in the North Austin Arts District at North Ave and Central in the Austin Community.
Jon brings 20 years of consulting experience leading projects across North America, Europe, and the Middle East for PricewaterhouseCoopers and JPMorganChase to help improve the operations of Fortune 500 companies. The common thread throughout his career has been to form lasting relationships and bring people from diverse backgrounds and skillsets to work towards a common goal, and having some fun along the way.
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Emily is the Director of Housing and Community Development at the Metropolitan Planning Council, working to ensure fair and equitable housing policies for all Chicagoans.
Beginning her career as a street outreach worker in Boston, her early perspectives were shaped by firsthand witness to how social, racial, and economic disparities affect safe housing and basic quality of life. She has since spent over a decade conducting research, analysis, advocacy and direct organization to secure affordable and equitable housing rights.
Third City’s newest member, her interest in the arts, fine craft and community education led her to join the Studio’s board.
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Board Director
Simi is a Managing Partner of Third City Properties and is responsible for business administration and infrastructure.
A business and HR professional with strategy and execution experience in the US, Europe, India and the Middle East, Simi has held Chief of Staff, business administration and HR roles for multiple organizations. She has extensive knowledge of business operations management, service quality and global human resources, and has experience working in financial services, consulting, shared services, higher education and technology.
Simi brings a unique and integrated viewpoint to the design and implementation of organizational transformation and strategic initiatives. She is passionate about technology, data and analytics and taking a progressive approach to talent management.
Simi also serves on the Board of the Lawyers for the Creative Arts and is a certified Global Professional in HR (GPHR).
