Lincoln Avenue Streetscape & Ainslie Arts Plaza
Advancing complete streets and placemaking in Lincoln Square’s emerging arts district
Following community outreach and adoption of the Lincoln Square Master Plan (2019), the Chamber and Ward quickly built support and secured funding for a pop-up plaza and long-term infrastructure improvements at Ainslie Arts Plaza and along the Lincoln Avenue Streetscape. The enhancements respond to public requests for a more walkable and bikeable Lincoln Avenue and a public plaza that supports the emerging arts district.
Teska facilitated discussions with McDonald's to reorganize its traffic operations and establish community space within the public way. Coordination with the Chicago Department of Transportation's Make Way for People program brought a pop-up plaza that supported local markets and fests. Continued outreach and final design plans shaped the permanent plaza, including tree protection, decorative paving, site furnishings, string lighting, plantings, and landscape restoration.
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Built on the Lincoln Square Master Plan (2019)
New community space within the public way
Traffic operations reorganized in partnership with McDonald's
Pop-up plaza through CDOT's Make Way for People program
Space for local markets and fests
Public plaza supporting the emerging arts district
Tree protection, decorative paving, string lighting, and plantings
“The Ainslie Arts Plaza is what this city needs more of: a free public space where neighbors can gather, express themselves through the arts, organize for what they believe in, and be in community. It’s an example of what can happen when we dream big and invest in our communities.”
- Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward Alderman
SERVICES
Landscape Architecture
Engagement
Urban Design
CLIENT
Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)
PARTNERS
Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.
Photo credit: Chicago Department of Transportation