Studio North unveils six finalists in City of North Chicago rebrand; council will vote after local review

Studio North presented a public process and six finalist logo/tagline concepts to the council’s Committee of the Whole and asked aldermen to review designs with constituents before a planned vote later this month. Presenters from Studio North described a multi‑phase process — stakeholder interviews, a documentary, surveys and community days — that produced a four‑part brand promise and a short list of six finalists. Studio North said the top three vote getters during the community process emphasized the clock tower, rooted history and a community anchor; other finalists referenced a rising sun and a stylized anchor tied to the city’s naval history. The mayor and city staff said they will distribute the presentation deck to aldermen, collect feedback and return with a recommended choice and a formal vote at a subsequent meeting (the presenters asked aldermen to consider a vote to finalize the brand at the September 16 session so the city can publicly debut the identity at a documentary screening scheduled for Sept. 26 at North Chicago Community High School). Council members and staff discussed swapping taglines among designs, adjusting color options and ensuring the chosen mark is flexible for long‑term use. No final selection or expenditure was made at this meeting; Studio North will continue community engagement and return with a proposal for formal adoption.