Another Change on Southport: Fifth Third Bank to Close This Summer

The Southport Corridor is about to see another significant change. Fifth Third Bank has announced that it will permanently close its Southport branch at 3604 N Southport Avenue on July 10, 2025. The move comes as part of a broader trend of downsizing in-person banking services, with customers redirected to the nearby Wrigleyville branch at 3601 N Broadway.

But this isn’t just another retail closure. Southport Avenue has become one of Chicago’s tightest commercial corridors, with virtually no storefront vacancies. When space does open up, it rarely stays empty for long—and this address is particularly prime, sitting steps from the Southport CTA Brown Line station.

So what’s next?

While no official plans have been announced, it’s reasonable to expect a mixed-use, transit-oriented development (TOD) to take its place. These projects have become increasingly common near CTA stations and often include residential units above ground-floor retail—bringing both density and vibrancy to neighborhoods like Lakeview. With Southport’s near-zero vacancy rate, developers and retailers alike are watching closely.

The closure also highlights the broader contrast in Chicago’s retail landscape. While the Magnificent Mile and parts of downtown continue to struggle with post-pandemic vacancy and shifting foot traffic, neighborhoods like Southport, Armitage, and Bucktown are thriving. Brands like Abercrombie have opened in both Southport and Bucktown in recent years, underscoring the demand for street-level retail in walkable, transit-rich neighborhoods.

For now, we’ll keep an eye on 3604 N Southport—and it probably won’t be long before we know what is coming.