47th & Ashland Streetscape
Reactivating streets and plazas in Back of the Yards with vibrant, people-oriented places
Back of the Yards' commercial corridors have long served as public focal points for pedestrian activity, shopping, services, transportation, and quality-of-life amenities for local residents. Supporting the City's initiative to reactivate Chicago's southwest neighborhoods, Teska led community outreach and streetscape design for 47th Street (Loomis Boulevard to Hoyne Avenue) and Ashland Avenue (43rd Street to 49th Street), with a focus on safe, walkable, and attractive streets that foster community and economic growth.
The design includes decorative streetscapes, gathering plazas, and open spaces. Four permanent street closure plazas provide community gathering and green space, and custom cantilevered shade shelters and gateway identity pylons mark the corridors. Working with local artist Robert Valadez, Teska developed custom metal panels that interpret the neighborhood's industrial history.
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Streetscape design for 47th Street and Ashland Avenue
Community outreach led by Teska
Four permanent street closure plazas
Custom metal panels with local artist Robert Valadez
Design features interpreting Back of the Yards' industrial history
Custom cantilevered shade shelters and gateway identity pylons
Construction documents for streetscapes and plazas
“There is nothing like this here! I would drive out of the neighborhood to use a space like this.”
- Resident at third public meeting
SERVICES
Landscape Architecture
Engagement
CLIENT
Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)
PARTNERS
Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.