Many businesses and property owners are making the switch to commercial LED lighting Chicago, IL. Whether lighting a storefront on a busy street to maintaining a city sidewalk, the right lighting makes a big difference.
That’s why so many businesses are choosing to upgrade to commercial LED lighting. Compared to older lighting systems, LED lights are brighter, more energy-efficient, longer lasting, and better suited for harsh weather. For a city like Chicago, with its long winters and bustling commercial spaces, LED lighting is a truly smart investment.
At Mel Northey Co. Inc., we provide high-quality, decorative, and functional commercial LED lighting fixtures that are perfect for businesses and municipalities throughout Chicago and beyond.
Commercial LED Lighting Chicago, IL: Perfectly Suited for Outdoor Use

Create a welcoming atmosphere with high-quality commercial LED lighting Chicago, IL.
Chicago is a city that sees every type of weather, from icy winters to rainy springs and hot, humid summers. Your lighting fixtures need to be able to handle all of it. One of the biggest benefits of LED lighting is that it performs well in cold temperatures, unlike some older bulbs that struggle to operate or take a long time to warm up.
Beyond reliability, LED lighting offers incredible energy savings. In many cases, businesses that switch to commercial LED lighting can cut their lighting energy costs by 50% or more. That means more money stays in your budget, month after month. LEDs also last far longer—up to 50,000 hours or more—so you spend less time replacing bulbs and more time focusing on your customers.
For storefronts, retail centers, and office buildings, lighting also affects the way your business looks. LED lights offer clear, clean illumination that shows off your property in the best way. They make sidewalks safer, entrances more welcoming, and signs easier to read. In a competitive city like Chicago, first impressions matter, and good lighting helps you stand out.
Another major advantage of modern LED lighting is environmental responsibility. Chicago is a city that values sustainability, and LEDs help businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Many of our fixtures at Mel Northey Co. Inc. are Dark Sky compliant, meaning they shine light downward where it’s needed and reduce unnecessary glare or skyglow. That’s good for the environment and your neighbors.
Places Where LED Lighting Can Make a Difference
In a city like Chicago, LED lighting can improve a wide variety of commercial and municipal spaces. Here are just a few examples where LEDs can make a real impact.
- Parking Lots and Garages: LEDs provide bright, even lighting that helps people feel safer when walking to or from their cars. They improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians and can even help reduce crime in poorly lit areas. Plus, their long lifespan means fewer disruptions and lower maintenance costs.
- Storefronts and Sidewalks: Well-lit sidewalks and entrances are not only inviting—they also help prevent accidents and improve security. Bright, attractive lighting can draw attention to window displays and make it easier for people to find their way in after dark.
- Municipal Streets and Corridors: City streets and public walkways benefit from even, downward-facing lighting that improves visibility without causing glare. Our Capitol Lamps and Posts and Area and Streetlights are perfect for creating safer, more walkable urban spaces.
- Office and Residential Complexes: For property managers, switching to commercial LED lighting can improve tenant satisfaction while also cutting long-term costs. Well-lit outdoor areas promote safety, and the decorative appeal of LED-compatible fixtures adds to the property’s overall appearance.
How to Choose the Right Commercial LED Lighting

Our commercial LED lighting fixtures come in various classy designs.
Choosing the right lighting starts with understanding your space and your needs. Are you lighting a parking area that needs strong coverage? A storefront that should be well-lit but still welcoming? Or maybe you manage a property where both form and function are equally important?
Here are a few key things to consider when selecting commercial LED lighting in Chicago.
- Weather Durability: Choose fixtures made from rust-resistant materials like aluminum, which is especially important for Chicago’s wet and snowy seasons.
- Dark Sky Compliance: Opt for shielded fixtures that direct light downward to help reduce light pollution and glare.
- Design Style: Match your lighting to the aesthetic of your building or neighborhood. Whether you’re going for a traditional or modern look, Mel Northey Co. Inc. has styles to match.
- Brightness and Color Temperature: Select LED bulbs with the right brightness and a warm color tone (typically 3000K or lower) for safer and more comfortable night lighting.
Still unsure? Our team at Mel Northey Co. Inc. is happy to help you find the right solution, whether you’re upgrading a few fixtures or planning a complete lighting overhaul. We offer a variety of lighting options to meet various needs:
- The Grands Lamps and Posts: Elegant and bold, ideal for upscale commercial areas.
- Capitol Lamps and Posts: Classic styling that fits right in with Chicago’s historic charm.
- Cambridge Lamps and Posts: Sleek and simple for more modern developments.
- Area and Streetlights: Functional, energy-efficient options for larger spaces.
- Sconces and Pier Mounts: Great for storefronts, walkways, and smaller outdoor areas.
All of these fixtures are compatible with LED technology and designed for durability, efficiency, and visual appeal.
Get Started with Mel Northey Co. Inc. Today
LED lighting is one of the smartest upgrades a business or property manager can make, and there’s no better time to start than now. Whether you’re concerned about energy costs, safety, maintenance, or appearance, commercial LED lighting offers clear advantages across the board.

Call us now to learn more about our commercial LED lighting solutions.
At Mel Northey Co. Inc., we’ve been providing durable, decorative, and energy-efficient lighting solutions since the 1980s. Although we’re based in Houston, we take pride in extending our services to businesses nationwide.
Are there city-specific lighting codes in Chicago that I should know about? Yes. Chicago has municipal lighting standards that regulate brightness levels, fixture types, and energy usage, especially for public-facing or outdoor commercial lighting. It’s important to select code-compliant fixtures, and many of Mel Northey Co. Inc.’s products are designed to meet or exceed these requirements.
Can I add motion sensors or timers to LED commercial lights? Yes! LED systems are highly compatible with motion sensors, photocells, and programmable timers, allowing you to create an energy-smart lighting system that adjusts based on real-time usage or daylight levels.
Get started today by browsing our collection online, requesting a free quote, or giving us a call. We’re here to help you brighten your business the smart way—with clean, clear, and cost-effective commercial LED lighting.
Fun Facts About Chicago, IL:
- The world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was built in Chicago in 1885.
- In one of the most impressive engineering feats ever, Chicago reversed the flow of the Chicago River in 1900 to improve sanitation.
- Every year since the 1960s, the city dyes a portion of the Chicago River bright green for St. Patrick’s Day.