Northalsted Area Merchants Association (NAMA)

Much has changed since the inception of the Northalsted Area Merchants Association (NAMA) in 1980, when a small group of retailers in the four-block area of Halsted Street between Buckingham and Cornelia joined forces to promote the street and improve business conditions. NAMA has grown to become a major force in our business community, representing 80 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor from Barry Street to West Irving Park Road. The Association is recognized as a leader with the City of Chicago, the Lakeview business and residential community, and the media. Yet while much has changed, one thing hasn’t: NAMA’s dedication to making the area the best it can be. NAMA works diligently to maintain the North Halsted business community as a friendly, exciting and diverse shopping and entertainment area. Our annual street festival, Market Days, has become one of the city’s most popular events. The Association also sponsors many other activities throughout the year including Halsted Tastes Better, Pride Fest, the Halloween parade and costume contest, and the Holiday Walk. Through Special Service Area #18, NAMA established a street beautification program that includes regular street and sidewalk cleaning, as well as landscaping to ensure that the planters on our streets are professionally maintained and kept beautiful throughout the entire year. Our Facade Incentive Program even assists our businesses with their own maintenance, helping them renovate outdated or worn store fronts with revitalized new ones that add to the beauty of the street. But our civic commitment doesn’t stop there. NAMA has come to the aid of worthy organizations and causes working to make a difference in the neighborhood. NAMA has proudly supported The Center on Halsted since its inception, and was one of its first major contributors. A focal point for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community of Chicago, The Center on Halsted serves the community’s diverse social, recreational, cultural, and social service needs.