South Shore retailer forced to close after property tax hike, as nearby Obama center set to open
Chicago Sun-Times • • business
Key Points:
- Mama Africa’s Marketplace, a community store in South Shore selling African cultural products and hosting community events, faces closure due to the landlord’s decision to sell the building amid rising property taxes.
- The landlord, John Lewis, is selling the property to Leave No Veteran Behind, a South Side nonprofit supporting veterans, which has informed store owner Lakiesha Williams that her lease will not be renewed.
- Property taxes on the building have increased sharply, from $16,463 in 2022 to a projected $58,592 by 2025, contributing to the landlord's decision to sell.
- Williams has raised some funds to buy the property but faces a $100,000 cash requirement she cannot meet; meanwhile, offered alternative spaces
