Framework for the Public Realm

City of Chicago, IL Framework for Public Realm Improvements

City of Chicago, IL Framework for the Public Realm

December, 2021

Table of Contents PURPOSE 5 Introduction 6 Analysis Criteria and Methodology 8 Site Specific Evaluation 10

VISION / GOALS

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Chicago’s Placemaking Vision Alignment with Chicago's Citywide Plan

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DEFINITIONS / BOUNDARY CONSTRAINTS

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Placemaking 18 Best Practices 20 Precedent Profile 24 Art in the Loop 24 Urban Agriculture Garden Guide 25 Study Area Boundaries 27 Invest South/West 29 Neighborhood Opportunity Fund 31 Retail Thrive Zones Initiative 31 Tax Increment Financing 33 Enterprise Zones 35 Empowerment Zones 35 Community Needs and Connections 38

SITE TYPOLOGY

Cover Image Credits (rows left to right): El Paseo Community Garden, Image by Lamar Johnson Collaborative Humbolt Park, Image by City of Chicago The Plant, Image by City of Chicago El Paseo Community Garden, Image by Lamar Johnson Collaborative River Frames, Image by Lamar Johnson Collaborative 75th Street, Image by Site Design Group POPcourts!, Image by Lamar Johnson Collaborative

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SITE A - HUMBOLDT PARK

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SITE B - GRAND BOULEVARD

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SITE C - ROGERS PARK

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NEXT STEPS

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Defining Successful Outcomes Identifying Stakeholders

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Chapter

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Purpose

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Introduction The purpose of the creation of an analysis criteria and methodology for the City of Chicago is to ensure creation and Implementation of community supported public realm improvements. Recently, partially catalyized by existing citywide initiatives, successful best practices have begun to emerge for these types of interventions. This document proposes a process to codify, mobilize and implement similar types of spaces in diverse neighborhoods Citywide.

Ultimately, this process would culminate in the creation and administration of vibrant and well-designed public realm improvements. This process would also include creation of: 1. Definition of public realm improvements 2. Process of community and location selection 3. Capacity building for public engagement towards implementation 4. Design recommendations, principles, and guidelines including material selection and specifications 5. Construction oversight

Program Description

Intent of the Position

Purpose

In coordination with existing citywide initiatives including Invest S/W, We Will Chicago, and others, the analysis criteria and methodology ensures equitable distribution of resources to improve underutilized, generally, publicly owned properties throughout the City. Placemaking strategies in Chicago are guided by the Citywide Design Principles and Neighborhood Design Standards which emphasize design excellence and elevate the experience of our City’s neighborhoods.

Embedded in these standards is the understanding that design excellence will be equitable and will demonstrate the value of design throughout the City. Public infrastructure investment demonstrates a commitment to improving Chicagoan’s quality of life and results in attraction of private investment. This trajectory can leverage existing resources and fosters public/private partnerships in communities most in need.

The intent of this position is to create a replicable and scalable process to effectively implement PopCourts! type spaces throughout the City. Establishing a Program Manager position to ensure successful administration of a public realm improvement program will continue to demonstrate how beautification efforts and community development can have a positive economic development impact and attract investment to neighborhoods that need it most. With these goals in mind, prioritization of resources to support their achievement is the intent of the creation of the Program Manager position.

The purpose of the Program Manager position is to support the City in creating vibrant neighborhoods that have equitable access to resources and amenities. Many areas of the City currently are underserved by public spaces. The Program Manger would work with the City to complete the following tasks: Task 1: Create analysis criteria to determine priority locations for public realm improvements • Create design guidelines for public realm improvements • Document specific elements to determine eligibility for public realm improvements • Create document with specific analysis criteria and effective design strategies including precedent studies and best practices by public realm type

Public realm improvements can take on a variety of typologies, scales, and locations. Understanding the unique conditions of the City utilizing defined analysis criteria allows residents, stakeholders, community leadership and decision makers to define specific design parameters to ensure successful and implementable projects that support community goals. The analysis criteria and methodology utilized in this document includes both qualitative and quantitative data sets to determine where public realm improvements may be considered. Three specific sites are then determining using this criteria as pilots for themethodology’s wide spread use.

Task 2: Conduct site analysis to determine feasibility • Identify specific sites for analysis using TIF, NOF, and ISW boundary constraints • Apply analysis criteria to determine applicability of design guidelines and site assets • Recommend specific sites for public realm improvements in eligible areas Task 3: Coordinate existing stakeholder capacity building initiatives (OPTIONAL) • Identify roles of stakeholders in public realm improvement projects • Document opportunities for stakeholder involvement in the analysis and planning process • Codify stakeholder engagement process in coordination with on-going citywide initiatives with partner organizations and agencies in focus communities with the goal of capacity building Image from TINY WPA

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Analysis Criteria and Methodology As outlined previously, the intent of this document is to provide a framework for equitable development in underutilized public space. The intended outcome is to drive economic growth by attracting investment through public realm improvements. In developing a methodology and analysis criteria for this framework, this document draws on information gathered in various existing guidelines and programs in the City of Chicago. This establishes a pre-approved baseline from which to determine each community’s need. Three areas are evaluated in greater detail as a case study in determining specific sites and the existing connections that can facilitate greater success. Each site is then evaluated as a site typology through certain criteria that can be applied as a best practice to other similar sites.

Existing Initiatives

Current Need / Opportunity

pedestrian friendly. This further supports local businesses and strengthens the local economy.

In order to determine areas of established need, this framework works in coordination with existing initiatives such as Invest S/W, We Will Chicago, TIF, Neighborhood Opportunity Funds, and others that evaluate need for economic development. This works to align proposed public realm improvements with plans to drive economic growth.

These funding sources satisfy specific goals for equity and form the foundation on which public realm improvements are evaluated. Each of these programs is described in further detail later in this document.

The existing initiatives outlined above assess each neighborhood’s needs based on the populations present in those communities. However, there are also public space needs and opportunities to consider in determining possible sites. The needs evaluated include the prevalence of vacant / under-developed lots as well as availability of green space and parks. Additionally, commercial corridors are evaluated with the purpose of identifying how public realm improvements can attract economic investment as an important foundation to economic development.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has baseline requirements for the availability of public outdoor space. Equitable access to quality outdoor space can positively impact health equity. This leads to improved community-level health outcomes. In order to determine a need for access to green space, a 5 minute walking radius to public parks and open space is mapped to determine areas that show a need for accessible public space.

Community Facilities To measure the success of this framework, each site should demonstrate a current need for the creation in quality spaces in the public realm while determining factors that cultivate successful interventions. These factors help validate the creation of resilient public spaces that can act as economic drivers.

Vacant and under-developed lots affect everything from property values to pedestrian traffic. The density of vacant lots is linked to increased rates of crime and can deter future capital investment. Targeted and purposeful intervention in these vacant lots can act as economic drivers and support investments in local businesses. These interventions can also add activity to previously empty lots making areas more

Commercial corridors are a core focus of programs such as Invest S/W and the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. These corridors act as drivers of economic investment by supporting areas with a concentration of businesses. This aids in building resilient businesses due to a pooling of resources in a common area. The overlap of commercial corridors with areas of predetermined need creates equitable growth while focusing resources on public realm improvements that can yield a large impact.

The factors assessed in this framework mean to ensure buy-in from communities in public realm interventions. The sites are evaluated based on the availability of public vs private land to determine possible site locations. Existing adjacencies to public agencies or community stakeholders are also important in finding key populations that will invest in the continued success of these spaces. Institutions such as universities and hospitals / healthcare facilities are possible partnerships that could support these public realm improvements due to the investment in their communities.

Available civic resources are a factor in ensuring funding is available for the creation of each site as well as the continued maintenance of them in the future. Recent public realm improvements such as PopCourts! and the 75th St Corridor Boardwalk both required the involvement of local community partners Austin Coming Together and the Greater Chatham Initiative respectively.

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Site Specific Evaluation The analysis criteria create a framework to define a method for selecting areas that would benefit from interventions with the goal of creating equitable public spaces. This document tests those criteria on specific sites in 3 different neighborhoods. Each site then acts as a precedent for other locations with those same characteristics within the city.

Site Typologies A “typology” describes the categorization of components into related types based on shared characteristics. In order to present examples that show the breadth of opportunities for public realm interventions, each site is categorized as one of three typologies: public right of way, vacant lot, or a surface.

opportunities provide a scalable method for examine other public realm interventions across the city.

Precedent Study After defining each site typology, each site's This document identifies precedents as a means of showing successful examples of interventions based on typology. Each precedent offers either a guiding principle or type of intervention that is successful and could be applied to sites of the same typology.

Goals and Opportunities Each site typology is then analyzed based on its inherent characteristics for its specific goals and opportunities. These

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Vision / Goals

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Chicago’s Placemaking Vision Vision

Citywide Design Principles

The City of Chicago has grown rapidly especially in the city’s core and in neighborhoods with a higher socio-economic status. However, this growth is unequal and impairs the City’s legacy as a global city. Our vision is a more equitable City of Chicago with quality designed public spaces with an emphasis on communities that need them the most. This intentional focus on disinvested communities can show that an investment in the public realm can act as a catalyst for economic growth. Especially when this focus is paired with key capital investments in local businesses in order to

Design excellence celebrates the City of Chicago’s unique architectural and urban design legacy, while also aspiring for a higher level of design in new development. The Principles were established by the Department of Planning and Development as well as key stakeholders to define what Design excellence means for Chicago. Ten (10) guiding principles spanning five themes were developed with the intention of creating a comprehensive response to the City's built environment. The themes are: Equity, Innovation, Sense of Place, Sustainability, and Communication. These themes are incorporated into this framework to guide possible design interventions.

equitably distribute the resources of the city as a whole.

Alignment with Chicago's Citywide Plan This framework is created in coordination with We Will Chicago. We Will is a three-year citywide planning initiative that will encourage neighborhood growth and vibrancy while addressing social and economic inequities that impair Chicago’ s legacy as a global city. Initial planning work included a series of virtual workshops with other cities that have completed citywide plans, followed by virtual community conversations on a variety of topics, including jobs, the changing economy, neighborhood development, the changing climate, and other subjects. Recent planning efforts in Chicago have been largely place- or policy-focused, limiting the City’s ability to comprehensively address systemic issues that impact different neighborhoods in different ways.

Metrics & Transparency, and Sustained Interagency & Cross Collaboration.

The Seven Pillars of We Will Chicago guide community discussion and research efforts. The Pillars are Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Environment, Climate & Energy, Housing & Neighborhoods, Lifelong Learning, Public Health & Safety, and Transportation & Infrastructure The purpose for aligning this framework with the current initiatives ensures that the desired outcomes are in line with plans the city is already implementing. This creates a more streamlined approach to proposed investments and creates a multi-dimensional approach rooted in the same values.

The values of this framework are in direct alignment with the Pillars, Themes, and Principles of We Will. Identified in this plan are five themes that are the basis of creating an equitable and resilient Chicago. The Themes are as follows: Historical Reckoning & Trust Building, Systematic Evaluation of Equity Impacts, Accessible & Meaningful Community Engagement, Accountability through Shared

WHAT WE’VE LEARNED

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PRINCIPLES The north star of the plan

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THEMES

A roadmap for our process

PILLARS

Key quality of life drivers to be addressed 9

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Definitions / Boundary Constraints

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Placemaking Placemaking (verb) the process of creating quality places that people want to live, work, play, and learn in.

Placemaking is process. Placemaking results in the creation of high quality, resilient places. They evolve, change, and grow as a response to human needs. At the center of a quality place are the humans—the communities—that define it. In order to evolve with, and continue to respond to human needs, the process of placemaking needs community participation. Capitalizing on the community's involvement in the placemaking process brings into focus the

assets and potential to create spaces that are accessible to people of all backgrounds and create positive outcomes for communities. Placemaking responds to people's needs for safety, community, connection to each other and their shared history. Placemaking creates spaces for recreation, play and enjoyment; it creates spaces with variety with experiences unique to each person and unique to the community in which it is located.

Placemaking is an iterative process. Placemaking is a response to the changing needs of user groups and the desire to create adaptive options that are sustainable. The creation of places, being open to change allows spaces to grow with their communities. This leads to the creation of community stability and gives people a sense of ownership.

Quality Places can act as economic drivers and lead to capital investment. They attract people, institutions, and businesses.

This fosters meaningful social and economical relationships that benefit multiple stakeholders.

The framework is a toolkit, based on the concept of placemaking, to provide the tools for an impact in the public realm at each of the selected sites. Each location's unique characteristics lend themselves to specific types of interventions. The variety of typologies catalyzes connections based on shared values that will create a network of quality places. These quality places, led by themes for equitable development, will create sustainable outcomes for people and the neighborhoods they live in.

Some of the key elements of quality places include: • A mix of uses • Preservation of historic structures • Respect for community heritage • Arts, culture, and creativity • Recreation • Green space

Image from Project for Public Spaces

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Best Practices

Precedent Profile

In developing this Framework, best practices for city-wide plans that address the public realm were evaluated. These plans all address improvements to the public realm as citywide policy to spur economic growth. While the strategies employed are different, they offer different methods for investments in the public realm.

Art in the Loop

Current Art Reach

Continued Art Impact Expansion Annually

Purpose Working with the Art in the Loop Foundation and the Downtown Council, the Kansas City Design Center developed a strategic system that expanded the number of art sites to improve the connectivity and identity in Downtown Kansas City. The project also developed criteria for the site selection process and site documentation of all selected sites to provide a toolkit and reference for artists’ concept development.

Minneapolis 2040 Plan

By developing a strategic framework of public sites for art, we will emphasize the Greater Downtown Area Plan goals of walkability, authenticity, safety, and connectivity. These sites will generate opportunities for a variety of artists in order to create art for downtown's underseverd population. This leads to a stronger community identity that binds together visitors and citizens alike with a sense of belonging.

The Minneapolis 2040 Plan, which took effect on January 1, 2020, includes a process for meaningful public realm improvements. This two year process of engagement with residents, business owners, and other people is the basis to establishing priorities and inform the content of the plan.

A recurring theme and concern in the responses from

Image from Minneapolis2040.com

• History and Culture • Creative, Cultural, and Natural Amenities • Climate Change Resilience The topics that it addresses are as followed: • Land Use & Built Form • Transportation • Arts & Culture • Parks and Open Space

Image from Minneapolis2040.com

Minneapolis residents is equitable growth in order to address the historical inequities that have been common in the past.

The Comprehensive Plan is composed of policies, action steps, goals, and topics.

• Policies: Higher level statements which guide City decision making to achieve Comprehensive Plan Goals.

• Action Steps: a list of action items that convey the steps necessary to achieve policies.

• Goals: the desired outcomes by 2040.

• Topics: subject areas used to sort policies. They include information on the importance of each topic to achieving the city's goals.

This policy works in conjunction with existing city plans including the ‘Downtown Public Realm Framework’ and ‘Access Minneapolis’ These plans inform and coordinate the work of public and private entities that shape the public realm. This is intended to address the goals stated above in order to proactively improve the public realm to support a pedestrian friendly, high quality, and distinctive built environment. The Action Steps include strategies to encourage private investment, improve public space through streetscape interventions, and use art and placemaking strategies to enhance the pedestrian environment. The goal with these initiatives is to focus on equitable development in areas that are not targeted for transportation investments or new buildings by prioritizing public space improvements.

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Site Typology System Strategies

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A “typology” describes the categorization of discrete components into related types. In this study, typology was first used to categorize potential sites. Each typology distinguishes different sites that house different kinds of art in distinct ways. It is a tool to think about how people will view and experience art in the city.

The typology started with the basic distinction between surfaces, such as a blank wall, spaces, such as an alley or terrace, and objects, such as a transit stop or utility box. This was then broken down further into categories of impact, such as large and small impacts, according to the size or number of the sites. The third tier of the typology breaks down the sites according to visibility characteristics, such as sites facing the center of the downtown loop or those facing outward from the center.

The last layer of the typology considered includes environmental and access criteria such as the walkability, safety, and amenities of the surrounding area. This system was used to identify, describe, and ultimately prioritize the new sites analyzed in the study.

Policy 7 of the comprehensive plan addresses the Public Realm. This policy supports these goals: • High-Quality Physical Environment

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Expanding Art Impact

01. Space - 8th and Jefferson Case Park 02. Space - 8th and Grand Vacant Lot 03. Space - 9th and Wyandotte Parking Lots 04. Space - 12th and Holmes Vacant Lot 05. Surface - Truman and Main Right of Way 06. Space - 8th and Oak Open Space 07. Space - 9th and Washington Park 08. Space - 9th and May Pedestrian Alley 09. Space - 9th and Baltimore Alley and Space 10. Space - 8th and Holmes Retaining Wall Area 11. Space - 10th and Baltimore Library Garage Top 12. Space - 10th and Baltimore Library Terrace 13. Space - 12th and Main Sidewalk 14. Surface - 7th and Main Retaining Wall 15. Surface - 9th and Broadway Building Wall 16. Surface - 11th and Wyandotte Garage Wall 17. Surface - 11th and Main Garage Wall 18. Surface - 12th and Grand Building Wall 19. Surface - 13th and Oak Building Wall 20. Surface - Truman and Main Building Wall

Anchor Sites Connecting Sites Existing Art in the Loop Sites Existing Public Art Proposed Connections Impact Area for Pedestrian Activity Impact Area for Residential Locations Impact Area for Entry Connections

Typologies and Site Selection Proc

Surface Building Figures

planning Department

A “typology” describes the categorization of discrete related types. In this study, typology was first used t sites. Each typology distinguishes different sites tha of art in distinct ways. It is a tool to think about how experience art in the city.

Strategy The strategy for Art in the Loop was formed through a series of analytical maps. Existing viewsheds to current Art in the Loop sites were used to show the current art impact areas. The resulting Art in the Loop viewsheds were then combined with the viewsheds from all downtown art. The resulting map was used to determine areas which are not yet impacted by public art. Potential sites with connections to existing art impact areas were selected in order to gradually increase art impact areas by building on the success of previous years.

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The typology started with the basic distinction betw blank wall, spaces, such as an alley or terrace, and ob stop or utility box. This was then broken down furth impact, such as large and small impacts, according t of the sites. The third tier of the typology breaks do to visibility characteristics, such as sites facing the ce loop or those facing outward from the center. The la typology considered includes environmental and ac walkability, safety, and amenities of the surrounding used to identify, describe, and ultimately prioritize t in the study.

Criteria Definitions

Safe areas - that have clear vantage points, adequat of security

Hospitable areas - with seating, restaurants, and par

Adequate surface conditions - with no salt damage, non-crumbly material, proper drainage, and/or mini Visual proximity - visual connections to other sites

Nuisance Objects - current obtrusions to public righ

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» On-site User Feedback. In one of the study locations, researchers constructed a chalkboard that was placed at the site. This allowed visitors to share their thoughts on the space on their own time and without researchers being present on the site. Feedback was documented through photographs.

Precedent Profile

Online Survey

Urban Agriculture Garden Guide

PROCESS MAP

CITY OWNED LAND

Purpose

REJECTED

ACCEPTED

See page 13 for possible reasons.

INITIAL REVIEW

1.

“Growing more food in the city” was identified as one of the highest priority actions of the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City 2020 Action Plan.

DECIDE TO START AN URBAN AGRICULTURE PROJECT

The Urban Agriculture Garden Guide was developed to provide the necessary information to successfully apply for, design and construct an Urban Agriculture Project on City of Vancouver publicly owned land.

4.

REVISION REQUESTED Depending on reasons for rejection it might be possible to revise and resubmit the project.

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Check out the Victory Gardens: www. youtube.com/channel/UCg24PurfDGUkDCxtBIt1iRw

PUBLIC SUPPORT Site in Non-Park City Land

select streets. This study seeks to understand the degrees of 2020. Social distancing practices instantly changed the way Denverites socialized, dined, recreated and moved success of these changes and document the findings from around the city. To create more physical space for social these efforts in order to inform future actions regarding the distancing, the City and County of Denver temporarily use of the public right-of-way. expanded activities into the public right-of-way on select The study and assessment seek to do the following: streets. These right-of-way transformations occurred in commercial districts, residential neighborhoods and • Evaluate the approval process. For public right-of-way parks. The City’s economic and health crisis response transformations that are driven by the private sector, provided an urban laboratory within which new ways of using the public right-of-way could be tested, Public Realm Study | Programs Assessment 05.04.21 experienced and studied.

PARK BOARD REVIEW

ACCEPTED

URBAN AGRICULTURE GARDEN GUIDE

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Toxic materials, such as pressure treated wood, should not be used where they will come into contact with soils that are growing food.

Types of garden plot layouts

Conventional • easier to build • higher definition between plots

Expert • more efficient use of space and materials

92 cm

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• Temporary Outdoor Expansion (TOE) Program allowed restaurants and bars to operate in outdoor areas adjacent to them in order to provide economic relief while physical distancing.

For maximum growing potential garden plots should be a minimum of 2.2 m2 (24ft2), ideally 92 cm (3’) by 244 cm (8’), not including plot dividers. There should be a maximum reach of 46 cm (18”) from the perimeter to the middle of the plot.

Soil depth should be a minimum of 46 cm (18”) and should be made up of soil appropriate for growing a variety of food plants.

Planters should be a maximum of 61 cm (2’) high for easy reaching, however, this can differ (see page 35 and 36) based on who the planters are intended for. The path between plots can vary from 61 cm (2’) between regular plots to 152 cm (5’) between accessible plots.

• Temporary Vehicle Restrictions in Parks prohibited vehicle travel on select roads within parks in the city to allow more space for physical distancing and to alleviate traffic on smaller walkways and trails.

The Public Realm Study, of which this Assessment is a part, is intended to do the following:

» Evaluate the approval process. For public rightof-way transformations that are driven by the private sector, document the process and identify challenges and barriers to entry. » Evaluate the interventions. For all types of public right-of-way transformations, identify key factors of success.

2.2 m2 (24ft2)

ideal dimensions

Or a combination of any of these!

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The four public space typologies studied are, commercial streets, parklets, neighborhood streets, and park streets.

These interventions were made possible by three programs enacted by the city:

Purpose of the Public Realm Study

optimal area

46 cm

• Evaluate the interventions. For all types of public right-ofway transformations, identify key factors of success.

• Temporary Recreational Streets Program closed select streets to through traffic allowing more space for residents to walk, bike, and run.

244 cm

soil depth

Direct feedback collected usingchallenges an on-site document thewas process and identify and barrierschalkboard to entry. interactive element

Raised garden plots should be integrated into the overall landscape design and could be accommodated in flexible, non-rectilinear forms. When designing complex garden beds, ensure that you have the expertise to construct them on your team. Large, undivided planting areas equal in square footage to individually separated plots may be provided in cases where individual plots are not desired or suitable.

ideal length

Shared growing: Growing food together with others for a variety of educational, cultural, and other purposes.

Image from denvergov.org

• Inform future initiatives. Provide a reference document and guidance for ongoing and future public realm transformations.

From March to October of 2020, Denver’s Department of Community Planning & Development (CPD) partnered ORIENTATION TOWARD THE SUN: with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Avoid planting in areas north of tall buildings or trees, these areas will be in the shade most of the day.

(DOTI), the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Planting tip: Orient rows of planting in the N/S direction to maximize sun exposure. and the University of Colorado - Denver College of Architecture and Planning to examine these temporary HOW DO PEOPLE MOVE THROUGH THE SPACE? changes. The primary objective was to better understand Another important factor to keep in mind when designing spaces is the circulation of the space: how people move through it. Think of your circulation how as something their physical configurations, they were used and that eases movement in the project. Some paths are high traffic while others are less their used. This will influence the width of the paths and the type of material used. Public Realm relative degrees of success.

This Generally, main paths need to be accessible (152 cm: 5’), so the use of compacted crushed concrete is encouraged, secondary paths (91 cm: 3’) can use less invasive Study Programs Assessment documents the results and material such as mulch.

In your site plan make sure you differentiate between main paths, secondary paths findings from these efforts and will inform future actions and in some cases tertiary paths using a different thickness or colour. by the City and community regarding alternative uses of the public right-of-way.

RAISED GARDEN PLOTS

ideal width

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10.

ONGOING OPERATIONS

5.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

PUBLIC SUPPORT Site in Park

Permaculture projects: Planting food and plants from a natural and ecological systems perspective.

WHO DO YOU NEED TO START? Whether you are on city-owned land or not, in order to start a project you will require a group of engaged and motivated community members and volunteers, and support from the community. Think about approaching people in your community that might have experience or expertise that will come in handy.

9.

CONSTRUCTION

REVISION REQUESTED

SECONDARY REVIEW

REVISION REQUESTED

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS CAN YOU START?

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ENTER INTO A LICENSING AGREEMENT

SITE PREP.

ACCEPTED

LACK OF PUBLIC SUPPORT

The second section of the document is a designer's manual that focuses on different aspects of laying out and building a community garden. It provides a list of factors to consider, best management practices, common dimensions, recommended plants, important infrastructure considerations and additional ideas to make the garden function smoothly and efficiently.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

ACCEPTED

SUBMIT A FORMAL GARDEN APPLICATION

The first outlines the process of applying for an urban agriculture project on city owned land. It explains each step of the 10 part process and provides a checklist as well as useful resources to help residents and community groups build a successful garden.

Pollinator gardens: Providing natural habitat for pollinator bees and insects.

PURCHASE INSURANCE

1. Introduction

SUBMIT AN EXPRESSION OF INTERESTS

This guide is intended to aid the collaboration between residents and City staff. It provides an easy to follow toolkit that is set up in two sections.

Community or urban orchards: Collective management of a group of fruit or nut trees.

7.

6.

SECURE FUNDS FOR START-UP

8.

2.

Approach

Community gardens: One piece of land with multiple garden plots for individual gardening.

3.

DEVELOP AND REFINE THE CONCEPTUAL PLAN

FINAL APPROVAL

In order to achieve this, the city has taken various steps to better support and work with residents and community groups that are interested in establishing food growing spaces to promote healthy urban systems and active living and wellness.

Denver Public Realm Study

The project team developed and distributed an on-line survey to obtain Programs Assessment additional feedback from users and operators of the Commercial, Denver’s Public Realm Study is an assessment of the Neighborhood and Park Street Typologies.

Thein survey was that shared with changes the public realm occur after the local coronavirus pandemic in March other 2020. In order to adapt to organizations, RNOs, City Council members andbegan through partnerships by changing needs for physical distancing, Denver enacted the University of Colorado - Denver. Thetemporary surveychanges was open for approximately 3 to expand the types of activities The coronavirus pandemic began creating new months yielded over 500 responses. businesses could implement in the public right-of-way on challenges forand Denver’s businesses and residents in March

92 cm x 244cm (3’ x 8’)

maximum reach into plot

46 cm (18”)

soil depth

46 cm (18”)

Maximum reach 46 cm

» Inform future initiatives. Provide a reference URBAN AGRICULTURE GARDEN GUIDE 29 document and guidance for ongoing and future public realm transformations.

Image from denvergov.org

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These programs occur within the four public space typologies studied in areas of varied densities and land uses around the city and county. Expansions in the public right-of-way occur most commonly along commercial corridors in mixed use urban neighborhoods in the urban core. Expansions onto private land occur in more varied contexts from urban to auto-oriented suburban contexts.

Full street closures occur less frequently, however they were concentrated in centrally located mixed use neighborhoods with an established street wall. Parklets typically occur in urban areas and were often clustered together on the same street. Sidewalk Patios were more widespread than other interventions and occur on a variety of street scales. They were often clustered in groups in more urban areas. The TOE program was perceived as successful, although the approvals process was challenging to navigate.

The overall conclusion from the assessment of these programs is that they were successful in increasing activity and revenue for the businesses adjacent to shared public spaces. It created an opportunity for economic growth while slowing down pedestrian traffic and increasing the amount PARKLETS of space dedicated to pedestrians. This assessment and its findings can be integrated into a framework for expanding public space for pedestrian use in order to support businesses and increase economic resiliency.

Boston Tactical Public Realm Guidelines In 2015, the City of Boston began an engagement process for Go Boston 2030 to define the city’s vision for a transit network and mobility plan through the city. The guiding principles involve themes around Equity, Economic Opportunity, and Climate Responsiveness. During the engagement process, improving the public realm was identified as a top priority.

The process also highlighted a need for new short and long-term public space strategies to reclaim underutilized transportation infrastructure. The Tactical Public Realm Guidelines were born out of this need to “identify, celebrate, and leverage placemaking opportunities” in the city. The guidelines build upon the Boston Complete Streets; a set of best practices and principles for creating multi-modal shared streets.

While there are major capital projects in progress that address the public realm, there is an opportunity to implement tactical interventions that transform the public realm through lower-cost, rapid implementation. This guideline acts as a toolkit for public space development and management for the creation of Tactical Plazas, Parklets, Outdoor Cafes, and Street Murals in Boston.

Context and location Criteria Parklets are best suited for streets that have relatively narrow sidewalks and no public open space in the immediate vicinity.

They are especially well-suited to neighborhood business districts like small Main Street Districts, where there is a concentration of street activity, but retail footprints are smaller, and sidewalks often lack space for benches or outdoor seating. Parklets should be located as close as possible to existing hubs of activity, such as cafes, shops, and other popular destinations. The most successful Parklets are in the center of a business district, and are immediately adjacent to an active ground-floor use.

There are a few types of locations where siting a successful Parklet may be more difficult. Parklets are less well suited for busy arterial streets with heavy or fast-moving traffic. Also, Parklets may serve no real purpose if they are located too close to an existing public open space, such as a park.

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Tactical Plazas are public open spaces that are created out of underutilized space on city streets. They can quickly transform barren pavement into a lively place to gather, improving safety and setting the stage for the construction of a permanent plaza. These are a partnership between the City and local neighborhood groups, small businesses, organizations, and major property owners. Although they may have private partners, these are spaces that are open and accessible to the public. The city is responsible for larger maintenance needs while the private partner, usually a commercial business, is responsible for day-to-day operations and maintenance.

installations, showcasing the creativity and input of local artists and residents. Street Murals themselves activate the public realm, and the process of creating them encourages communities to work together to create vibrant art projects in their neighborhoods. Individuals and organizations can apply to serve as the Community Partner to create a street mural collaboratively with artists, residents, neighbors, and volunteers to create art pieces that transform the places in which they live.

Parklets A Parklet repurposes part of the street, typically one or two parking spaces, into a public space in which people can gather and socialize. In Main Street Districts and other areas of Boston with narrow sidewalks and limited access to parks, Parklets can offer new outdoor gathering spaces and bring new activity to the street and nearby businesses. These interventions are best suited for streets that have relatively narrow sidewalks and no public open space in the immediate vicinity especially in smaller retail districts. The success of these parklets is dependent on community partners that can provide "eyes on the street" and have a sense of ownership.

The city is responsible for the installation and storing of these parklets as well as any public infrastructural maintenance while the partner is responsible for day-to-day maintenance.

Outdoor Cafes Outdoor Cafes can take on a variety of configurations, but each must be limited in width to the frontage of the business with which it is associated. In addition to locating an Outdoor Cafe against a business façade, it is permissible to place an Outdoor Cafe on the sidewalk along the curb or on the street in a former parking space. These are privately funded and maintained, and must have a clear delineation between public and private areas. As these spaces are completely private, they must be maintained completely by the owner.

The owner is also responsible for obtaining necessary permits and paying any applicable fees for this space.

Image from abettercity.org

DRAFT General Requirements

Tactical Plazas

Image from abettercity.org

Street Murals Street Murals convert parts of streets into public art

DRAFT

25

Study Area Boundaries The study areas are determined by harnessing the research of existing initiatives around the city, These initiatives share a common goal of fostering and funding equitable investments in historically dis-invested communities. This makes them an important baseline to create a framework for public realm improvements. Improvements in the public realm coupled with capital investments in local businesses and job creation creates an ecosystem for communities to sustainably grow and thrive.

ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE

NEAR SOUTH SIDE LOWER WEST SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK OAKLAND

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

BRIGHTON PARK NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

CLEARING WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS BEVERLY

±

MOUNT GREENWOOD

± 0 0.5 1

2

26

3

2

3

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

City of Chicago 0 0.5 1

ROSELAND

Image from Google Earth Pro

RIVERDALE

4 Miles

HEGEWISCH

4 Miles

DRAFT

DRAFT

27

Invest South/West Invest South/West is an initiative by the City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to enhance the vitality of commercial corridors in 10 neighborhoods in South and West Chicago. In 2019, the DPD analyzed miles of street frontage zoned for commercial or business use. DPD looked at data from a variety of sources including business licenses, historic resources, transit service, community plans, demographics and more.

ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

ENGAGING AUSTIN LOOP

NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE

LOWER WEST SIDE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

BRIDGEPORT

MCKINLEY PARK

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

BRIGHTON PARK

±

CHICAGO LAWN

MOUNT GREENWOOD

Invest South West Corridors

± 0 0.5 1

0 0.5 1 2

28

3

2

3

OAKLAND

GRAND BOULEVARD

GAGE PARK

ASHBURN

Invest South West Community Areas

DOUGLAS

KENWOOD participated in the Jan. 18, AustinFULLER stakeholders PARK 2020, INVEST South/West kick-off celebration at the HYDE PARK Kehrein WASHINGTON Center for the Arts.

PARK

NEW CITY

CLEARING WEST LAWN

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

4 Miles

4 Miles

DRAFT

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

An initial analysis of three dozen possible commercial corridors was narrowed by DPD to 10 community areas by using two chief criteria: the existence of at least one welldeveloped community plan with a commercial component, and the existence of at least one active commercial area at a specific node or intersection. The 10 selected neighborhoods were: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Greater Englewood, New City, North Lawndale, Humboldt Park, Greater Roseland, South Chicago, and South Shore.

Since the initiative was launched, the City has led neighborhood engagement through a series of kickoff events and neighborhood roundtable groups on each key corridor.

These conversations have helped guide decision-making on concentration and alignment of public investments, as well as efforts to catalyze additional private investment for the 10 target neighborhoods.

With a focus on 12 key commercial corridors in the 10 communities – the “front doors” to the neighborhoods – INVEST South/West collectively supports infrastructure development, improved programming for residents and businesses, and policies that impact each of the community areas surrounding these corridors to create lasting impact.

Focusing on these 10 neighborhoods allows the City to quickly take action in under-invested neighborhoods using available resources and existing plans. This builds on more than $500 million in planned programming and infrastructure improvements that will provide enhancements that bolster the vitality of the corridors and surrounding blocks – enhancements that are aligned with the neighborhoods’ Quality of Life priorities. After the City is able to measure the success of the initiative, the INVEST South/West initiative could be further expanded to additional neighborhoods across Chicago.

The family-friendly meeting, one of four held GREATER SOUTH SHORE this winter to launch the INVEST South/West GRAND CROSSING initiative, included a broad overview of the initiative, AUBURN SOUTH CHICAGO performances

by AVALON local artists, and an open house GRESHAM PARK CHATHAM with youth activities CALUMET and food from local chefs. More HEIGHTS BURNSIDE than 600 attendees listened to presentations about WASHINGTON theHEIGHTS goals and objectives of INVEST South/West, PULLMAN BEVERLY ROSELAND EAST SIDE then interfaced with dozens of public agencies about opportunities to improve the community.

MORGAN PARK

Image from chicago.gov

COMMUNITY CONTEXT

SOUTH DEERING

Attendees participated in workshops, reviewed WEST PULLMAN community area maps; identified personal goals RIVERDALE for local streets; highlighted opportunity sites; and HEGEWISCH reviewed existing community plans like “Austin: Forward. Together” for a portion of Chicago Avenue.

The information was also made available online at

Image from chicago.gov

DRAFT

29

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund In 2016, the City of Chicago revised the Zoning Code to leverage funds generated by new development in and around the Loop to catalyze investment in Chicago’s West, Southwest and South Sides. The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) uses these funds to support commercial corridors in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods. Business and property owners may apply for grant funding to pay for the construction or rehabilitation of real estate and projects that support new or expanding businesses or cultural assets.

ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE

The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) awards grants to projects that have a catalytic impact on the neighborhood and lead to the construction or rehabilitation of new and existing, publicly accessible, commercial spaces (e.g. grocery stores, retail establishments, or restaurants) or cultural establishments.

MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

LOWER WEST SIDE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS BEVERLY

±

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund

MOUNT GREENWOOD

Thrive Zones

± 0 0.5 1

0 0.5 1 2

30

3

2

ROSELAND

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

3

• Creating community-based wealth and local jobs by supporting existing small business owners and new entrepreneurs By focusing on targeted areas, the City is able to roll out programs more quickly, experiment with new ideas, and expand those that are successful to other parts of the city.

Retail Thrive Zones Initiative

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

• Reestablishing corridor health by activating underutilized real estate and making infrastructure improvements

OAKLAND

BRIGHTON PARK

CLEARING

• Catalyzing development by providing greater access to capital and financial incentives

NOF aims to develop sustainable neighborhood growth by building community-based wealth. Supporting locally-based business and property owners will ensure that investments in these neighborhoods remain in those neighborhoods, helping to catalyze new businesses and new employment opportunities.

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE

In general, the Retail Thrive Zones program will focus on three goals:

Thrive Zone Initiative is a three-year pilot program aimed at strengthening the economic vitality of eight neighborhood commercial corridors. Each of the Retail Thrive Zone corridors, located on the City’s South, Southwest, and West sides, have economic challenges, but they also have strong potential for growth. Within those corridors, the City will offer an evolving package of financial assistance to entrepreneurs and business.

The bedrock of this economic development platform is to improve quality of life in our neighborhoods with a particular focus on communities that are not receiving private investment. The Thrive Zones program is intended to promote entrepreneurship, build community-based wealth and employment, and improve access to amenities in those neighborhoods. To do this, the City is working with local community organizations to implement a series of evolving initiatives.

Image from chicago.gov

RIVERDALE

4 Miles

HEGEWISCH

4 Miles

DRAFT

DRAFT

31

An Overview of Tax Increment Financing

How Chicago Uses TIF Since 2011, the City of Chicago has approved the use of more than $4.4 billion in TIF for eligible redevelopment projects. The overwhelming majority of those costs - $3.6 billion, or 83.1 percent of all expenditures – went towards projects for fully public projects, including public infrastructure, schools, parks, transit, and municipal facilities.inThe provides specific details on how these funds were allocated, but there are four basic Tax Increment Financing, or “TIF”, is a financial tool used to promote economic development thechart City below of types of TIF-funded projects: pubic infrastructure and facilities, affordable housing, economic development, Chicago’s neighborhoods. Funds are primarily used to make improvements to Chicago’s physical assets, andand planning andTIF administration. which include city infrastructure, neighborhood economic development, schools, transit, parks. is

also used to leverage private-sector investment, including commercial, industrial, and affordable housing redevelopment projects.

Tax Increment Financing

HOW TIF DISTRICTS GENERATE FUNDS (TIF) is a funding tool used by the Tax Increment Financing

ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

of Chicago to promote public and investment Funds for theseCity projects are generated from property taxes on private increasing property taxes within the district SCHOOLS 5.3% over a period ofacross 23 years.

TIF district created, the totalto Equalized Assessed theWhen city.aFunds areisprimarily used build and repairValue (EAV) of the properties within the district establishes the base value of the TIF.land As development in the area occurs, new MUNICIPAL roads and infrastructure, clean polluted and put vacant FACILITIES property taxes are generated from the increase in EAV above the TIF district’s base. These funds are called 6.0% properties back to productive use, usually in conjunction with incremental property taxes – which is often referred to either as “IPT” or just “increment” – and can be used private development projects.

Funds are generated thebase continue toECONOMIC for eligible redevelopment costs. Meanwhile, the taxes assessed on the value by of the be DEVELOPMENT dispersed to theincreasing other taxing property bodies throughout the life of thedistrict TIF. When a TIF taxes within the over a district periodexpires, of the increased 11.1% EAV over the base is taxed normally with funds distributed to each taxing body according to their levy.

The 23 years. chart below explains this process.

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE

BELMONT CRAGIN LOGAN SQUARE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

GAGE PARK

CLEARING WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS BEVERLY

±

MOUNT GREENWOOD

Tax Increment Financing

± 0 0.5 1

0 0.5 1 2

32

3

2

3

$300,000

$300,000

$365,000

2029

2039

2042

2043

ROSELAND

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

Incremental EAV: The EAV above the base that is captured by the TIF for a period of 23 years.

districts do not directly change either the value of a property or the tax rate, any given property would have the same tax bill whether itlevels was within a TIF or not.

Funding for specific projects are coordinated with

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

Graphic City of Chicago TIF Program Guide TOTALfrom ALLOCATION PERCENTAGE $2,356,407,744 48.7% Transit Facilities The use of TIF funds starts with the $952,615,500 creation, or designation, 19.7% Economic Development $537,577,140 11.1% of a TIF district. There are three kinds of TIF districts -- each Municipal Facilities $289,440,771 6.0% with a different eligibility criteria for designation: Blighted Schools $257,942,520 5.3% Districts, Conservation TIF Districts, and Transit TIF AffordableTIF Housing $244,232,941 5.1% Parks and Districts.

Open SpacesThese districts are typically$173,933,018 3.6% in place for 23 years, Plans, Studies, and Administration $21,668,458 although they can be terminated early if they are inactive, the 0.4% TOTAL $4,833,818,092 100.0% Public Infrastructure

obligations are met, or if the redevelopment goals set at the establishment of the district are met. In addition to capital Graphic from City of Chicago TIF Program Guide CityPolicy usesGuidelines TIF to fund planning studies that help City of Chicagoexpenses, Tax Incrementthe Financing 10 It is important to note that the inclusion of a property within a TIF does not increase its taxes. Since TIF guide the future of the City’s neighborhoods.

OAKLAND

NEW CITY

$60,000

LIFE OF A TIF: 23 YEARS

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

WEST ELSDON

2019

$55,000

Equalized Assessed Value (EAV): Taxable value of all property in the taxing district.

BRIDGEPORT

BRIGHTON PARK

$300,000

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

$40,000

$300,000

LOWER WEST SIDE

GARFIELD RIDGE

[ Value at TIF Designation ]

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE

ARCHER HEIGHTS

TIF USE

CATEGORY

Incremental EAV [ At TIF expiration, full amount returns to the total taxable EAV for all taxing districts ]

WEST TOWN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

Base EAV

NEAR NORTH SIDE

AUSTIN

WEST GARFIELD PARK

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE 48.7%

TRANSIT FACILITIES 19.7%

LINCOLN PARK

TIF HUMBOLDT PARK

PARKS AND OPEN SPACES 3.6%

HOW DOES TIF WORK?

MONTCLARE HERMOSA

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 5.1%

WEST PULLMAN

area plans and goals. When an area is declared a TIF district, the amount of property tax the area generates is set as a base EAV amount. As property values increase, all property tax growth above that City amount can be used to fund of Chicago Tax Increment Financing Policy Guidelines redevelopment projects within the district. The increase, or increment, can be used to pay back bonds issued to pay upfront costs, or can be used on a pay-as-you-go basis for individual projects. At the conclusion of the 23-year period, the increase in revenue over the base amount is distributed annually among the seven taxing bodies in the city that are based on property values.

3

As of January 1, 2020, there are 136 active TIF districts in the City of Chicago. The majority of TIF funds are used to for fully public improvements. The remainder of funds are used to leverage private investment in these districts to foster an increase in EAV in the district.

RIVERDALE

4 Miles

HEGEWISCH

4 Miles

DRAFT

DRAFT

33

ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

SOUTH LAWNDALE

BRIDGEPORT

NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

This program established special tax incentives for qualified businesses, designed to stimulate private investment and create jobs within the community. These incentives were focused on funding for hiring residents within Enterprise Communities to create benefits for investing in these designated neighborhoods.

DOUGLAS

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

The primary benefit of the Enterprise Zone program is a sales tax exemption on all building materials needed for a commercial redevelopment project. In many cases, this benefit can be significant, up to a ten percent savings on the total cost of materials. Larger projects may also qualify for additional incentives, such as sales tax exemptions for equipment and utilities, but must meet certain eligibility criteria.

OAKLAND

BRIGHTON PARK

CLEARING

In 1994, Chicago was one of six urban areas awarded an Empowerment Zone by the federal government on the basis of a comprehensive strategic plan submitted by the City. The Empowerment Zone Program is part of a nationwide strategy to revitalize distressed neighborhoods.

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

MCKINLEY PARK

WEST ELSDON

The Enterprise Zone program was created in order to stimulate economic growth and neighborhood revitalization in distressed communities. There are six designated Enterprise Zones in Chicago, generally located on the south and west sides.

LOOP

LOWER WEST SIDE

GARFIELD RIDGE

Empowerment Zones

NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE

ARCHER HEIGHTS

Enterprise Zones

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS BEVERLY

±

Empowerment Zones

MOUNT GREENWOOD

Enterprise Zone

± 0 0.5 1

0 0.5 1 2

34

3

2

3

ROSELAND

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

Image from The Plant

RIVERDALE

4 Miles

HEGEWISCH

4 Miles

DRAFT

DRAFT

35

Summary ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

The layering of these six funding sources creates a heat map of funding availability that can be applied to public realm interventions. The combination of these funding sources is concentrated in neighborhoods in the south and west sides of Chicago. However, there are areas in the north side of the city with public funding available for private developments.

These areas and commercial corridors offer a unique opportunity due to available funding specifically set aside by the City of Chicago based on predetermined need. The highlighted areas establish the boundaries of this framework.

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE LOWER WEST SIDE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

BRIGHTON PARK NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

CLEARING

Invest South West Community Areas Invest South West Corridors

WEST LAWN

OAKLAND

CHICAGO LAWN

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

CHATHAM

Thrive Zones

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS

Tax Increment Financing

±

SOUTH CHICAGO

BEVERLY

ROSELAND

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

Empowerment Zones Enterprise Zone

MOUNT GREENWOOD

Zones with Funding Overlap

± 0 0.5 1

0 0.5 1 2

36

3

2

3

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

RIVERDALE

4 Miles

Image from the Lamar Johnson Collaborative

HEGEWISCH

4 Miles

DRAFT

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37

Community Needs and Connections

Strengths

Weaknesses

Proximity to transit increases the accessibility of the site. Proximity to public institutions and schools creates potential partners for maintenance and connection to the community.

Defining Need The analysis criteria methodology for determining best fit public realm improvements finds the intersectionality between existing locations of needs-based on incentives and/or initiatives, quality of life determinants, and available space.

Industrial corridors are weaknesses to sites due to a potentially unfriendly pedestrian environment. These areas are also desired to be away from other land uses.

Opportunities

The following maps identify specific criteria that factors into determining where public realm improvements would have the greatest positive impact and value citywide. Community capacity and social capital needed to implement proposed public realm improvements were not studied as a part of the scope of this project, however, this aspect of successful implementation is discussed in the Next Steps chapter of this document.

Threats

Vacant city-owned land is an opportunity to utilize space that is underutilized and create connections between the city and its neighborhoods. A lack of green space shows a need for publicly accessible spaces.

Lack of a community partner Maintenance Issues Lack of Access

SWOT Analysis Strength

Opportunity

Close proximity to transit is a strength due to an increased ease of access from neighboring communities and from within the community. Transit hubs have increased pedestrian traffic and will aid in the success of these improvements as they are more heavily used. The city also continues to invest in the public transit system and its surrounding areas to improve the transportation network around the city. Nearby institutions and schools are invested in their communities due to their public nature and the ability to create long-term lasting partnerships. These partnerships can aid in maintenance planning and lead to more successful outcomes.

Industrial corridors can also act as opportunities to create connections in underutilized spaces that would not be appropriate for other uses. Vacant city-owned land is another opportunity due to ability for the city to be involved in the process of designing solutions for underutilized lots. The city can be an integrated partner through the utilization of these lots while also encouraging economic development.

Weakness Industrial Corridors can be weaknesses because of perceived or actual barriers due to their different uses. While these corridors are necessary in the creation of cities and the industry that sustains it, they are, often by design, separated from other commercial and residential uses. This can result in unfriendly pedestrian environments which can be difficult to sustain thriving businesses.

Threat The lack of adjacent community partners are a threat to the continued success and maintenance of public realm spaces.

Improvements in the public realm need invested partners so that communities can continue to maintain spaces and have a sense of ownership. Community partners aid in the creation of community around spaces so they can be available for the public and ensure a sustainable solution.

Image from the Choose Chicago

38

DRAFT

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39

City Owned Land

City Owned Land ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

The City of Chicago owns a large amount of land especially concentrated in the south and west sides of the city. While some of these spaces are programmed with specific uses, a large number of them are vacant lots that can have a negative impact on the neighborhood. These sites offer an opportunity for a partnership with the city for publicly accessible improvements that can act as a catalyst for economic development. While partnerships on privately-owned land can be utilized for improvements as well, publicly owned land is especially beneficial because they provide a stakeholder invested in the improvement of the public realm.

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE LOWER WEST SIDE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

OAKLAND

BRIGHTON PARK NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

CLEARING WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS BEVERLY

±

City Owned Land

± 0 0.5 1

40

3

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

0 0.5 1 2

MOUNT GREENWOOD

ROSELAND

2

3

RIVERDALE

4 Miles

HEGEWISCH

4 Miles

DRAFT

DRAFT

41

Vacant Land

Vacant Land ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

This map identifies locations of both publicly and privately owned vacant lots in the City. As illustrated, vacant lots are concentrated on the south and west sides of the city with a third concentration on the northeast side approximately following an industrial corridor. Vacant lots are categorized into five land uses which determine their function and utilization. For pubic realm improvements, vacant lots are an underutilized assets. These spaces have flexibility to contribute to overall neighborhood quality and create much needed open space amenities in dense areas of the city.

In David Brown's 'Available City' project, it was shown that the land area total of all vacant properties in the City of Chicago would be approximately the same size as the loop.

Opportunities to more effectively operationalize this land creates community and citywide benefits.

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

NORTH LAWNDALE LOWER WEST SIDE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

OAKLAND

BRIGHTON PARK NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

CLEARING WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

If land uses were overlaid on vacant parcels, it would show the diversity of opportunity for these areas. While most vacant land is residential, it was not considered for improved public realm uses. One of the goals of the methodology was to identify areas that could benefit most from enhanced economic activity. Therefore, commercial and industrial land uses were considered the most valuable land uses to satisfy this goal.

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS BEVERLY

±

Vacant Land

± 0 0.5 1

42

3

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

0 0.5 1 2

MOUNT GREENWOOD

ROSELAND

2

3

RIVERDALE

4 Miles

HEGEWISCH

4 Miles

DRAFT

DRAFT

43

Industrial Corridors

Industrial Corridor ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

Industrial corridors provide necessary space to foster innovative technologies, move goods and services, provide space for manufacturing and industry, and create jobs. These areas of the city generally follow transportation infrastructure including waterways and rail lines. They are important to consider due to their proximity to residential and commercial areas. Public realm improvements in and around industrial areas can contextualize these areas and connect them to adjacent uses.

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE LOWER WEST SIDE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

OAKLAND

BRIGHTON PARK NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

CLEARING WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS BEVERLY

Industrial Corridors

MOUNT GREENWOOD

ROSELAND

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

RIVERDALE HEGEWISCH

44

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45

Transit

Transit ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

The City of Chicago has a robust rail system that is the 3rd busiest in the nation behind only New York City and Washington DC. It’s been credited with fostering the continued growth of the urban core. However, there are surrounding neighborhoods that are not served by a rail system that instead are served by a CTA Bus Line. Proximity to both a rail or bus lines are strengths to proposed public realm improvements due to the increase in access to and from these sites. This connection to transit fosters the creation of a network of improvements connecting neighborhoods.

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE LOWER WEST SIDE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

OAKLAND

BRIGHTON PARK NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

CLEARING WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS BEVERLY

±

CTA Rail Lines

MOUNT GREENWOOD

CTA Bus Lines

± 0 0.5 1

46

0 0.5 1 2

3

2

3

ROSELAND

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

RIVERDALE

4 Miles

HEGEWISCH

4 Miles

DRAFT

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47

Institutions

Institutions ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

Civic and institutional uses are important foundations for neighborhood development and are in a unique position to offer a stabilizing foundation for capacity building and support social capital. The location of neighborhood institutions varies in each community area. These spaces are important to the creation of public realm improvements as the synergies between central places of gathering can be catalytic.

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE LOWER WEST SIDE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

OAKLAND

BRIGHTON PARK NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

CLEARING WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

Government and Admin Services

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS

Religious Facilities

±

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

BEVERLY

ROSELAND

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

Other Institutions (YMCA, etc) MOUNT GREENWOOD

with 500' buffer

± 0 0.5 1

48

0 0.5 1 2

3

2

3

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

RIVERDALE

4 Miles

HEGEWISCH

4 Miles

DRAFT

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49

Schools

Schools ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

Chicago has a large amount of private and public schools from K-12 through Higher Education. A connection to these schools is an opportunity to design a tailored solution to each site based on nearby schools and higher education institutions. Higher Education Institutions are often large land owners in the communities that they are based in.

Therefore, they have a vested interest in improvements to their neighborhoods. They have the potential to be partners in adjacent improvements and help create programs for their continued maintenance. K-12 schools also offer a chance to involve the community in the maintenance in these improvements that can aid in the education of the students in these schools.

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE LOWER WEST SIDE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

OAKLAND

BRIGHTON PARK NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

CLEARING WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

Education K-12

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS

Higher Education with 500' buffer

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

BEVERLY

MOUNT GREENWOOD

ROSELAND

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

RIVERDALE HEGEWISCH

50

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DRAFT

51

Access to Green Space

Access to Green Space A robust open space system in the City of Chicago includes park district lands, the boulevard system, waterways, and school playgrounds. While generally equitably distributed, the map includes a 5-minute walk circle illustrating gaps in the system. While some of these areas roughly follow major rail infrastructure, there are significantly more gaps in on the south side of the City as well as far northwest side. Areas of the city where green space is less accessible, may be candidates for consideration of public realm improvements.

ROGERS PARK

EDISON PARK

WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN

NORWOOD PARK

EDGEWATER NORTH PARK JEFFERSON PARK

OHARE

LINCOLN SQUARE ALBANY PARK

PORTAGE PARK

IRVING PARK

UPTOWN

NORTH CENTER

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

AVONDALE MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

HUMBOLDT PARK

LINCOLN PARK

NEAR NORTH SIDE

WEST TOWN

AUSTIN

EAST GARFIELD PARK

WEST GARFIELD PARK

LOOP NEAR WEST SIDE

NORTH LAWNDALE LOWER WEST SIDE

SOUTH LAWNDALE

NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

ARCHER HEIGHTS

GARFIELD RIDGE

WEST ELSDON

OAKLAND

BRIGHTON PARK NEW CITY

GAGE PARK

CLEARING WEST LAWN

CHICAGO LAWN

GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

ENGLEWOOD WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING ASHBURN

AUBURN GRESHAM

SOUTH SHORE

CHATHAM

AVALON PARK

BURNSIDE

SOUTH CHICAGO

CALUMET HEIGHTS

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS BEVERLY

±

Open Space

MOUNT GREENWOOD

5 min Buffer

± 0 0.5 1

52

0 0.5 1 2

3

2

ROSELAND

PULLMAN

EAST SIDE

SOUTH DEERING

MORGAN PARK

WEST PULLMAN

3

RIVERDALE

4 Miles

HEGEWISCH

4 Miles

DRAFT

DRAFT

53

Chicago Urban Agriculture

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According to the Food Empowerment Project, an estimated 500,000 people in the City of Chicago live in a food desert.

An additional 400,000 live in neighborhoods with fast food restaurants, but lack grocery stores. The majority of neighborhoods with a food desert are in the south and west side of Chicago. A lack of access to healthy foods, is one of the reasons why lower income communities have higher cases of obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The Chicago Urban Agriculture Mapping Project (CUAMP) is an ongoing collaboration between individuals, organizations, businesses and institutions that has sought to collaboratively map and inventory urban agriculture and community gardens in Chicago since 2010. This information can help determine possible partnerships with organizations that are working to increase access to urban farms and community gardens. It also shows areas without access to local agriculture in order to fill in the gaps leading to more equitable outcomes for communities.

( !

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WEST RIDGE

( ! ( !

( !

( !

EDISON ( !

PARK

Chicago Urban Agriculture

! ( ( (! ! ( ! ( (! ! ( !

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5 min Buffer

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WEST !(PULLMAN ( ! ( ! ( ! ( !

RIVERDALE ( !

( ! ( !

( !

( !

HEGEWISCH

( ! ( !

54

DRAFT

DRAFT

55

Chapter

4

Site Typology

Image from Site Design Group

56

DRAFT

photo: Ed Bradley Community Oasis, structure work by Tiny WPA

DRAFT

57

Site Typology The methodology for evaluating specific sites combines available datasets discussed in the previous chapter and existing funding sources and incentives to determine the general location of sites that would benefit from public realm improvements. Each typology provides an opportunity for a unique intervention that aids in creating vibrant neighborhoods with resilient social and economical infrastructure. Each typology offers a different personal experience that aids in the identification and programming of public realm improvements. The three typologies examined are: • Public Right of Way • Walls/ Surfaces • Vacant Lots These are categorized as types of spaces but also as different opportunities currently present in every neighborhood within the established boundaries. An inherent characteristic in each of these sites is a need for safe, hospitable, areas with diverse uses and programming.

58

Public Right of Way

Walls and Vertical Surfaces

Vacant Sites

The public right-of-way is defined as the area between building property lines on either side of the street. This space may include drive lanes, parking, bike lanes, sidewalks, and any required setbacks. The right of way offers an opportunity to activate underutilized spaces as well as provide visual interest. The right-of-way is generally used to facilitate movement of people and various modes of transportation.

The rights-of-way that are being considered for this study are locally recognized commercial corridors. Commercial corridors have the opportunity to become enhanced destinations for the surrounding residential areas, are centers of economic activity, and generally are easily accessed by a variety of transportation modes. Many commercial corridors in the city have organized central leadership for maintenance and programming in the form of Chambers of Commerce.

Some corridors have created Special Service Areas which assess a tax to businesses to fund improvements, seasonal displays, and shared maintenance, such as snow removal on sidewalks. The study analyzes the right of way for its ability to facilitate additional activity as well as support or improve the overall health of corridors in the City.

Walls and vertical surfaces on buildings are the second type of space for public intervention. These spaces are plentiful throughout the city and have variety in their ability to be viewed, size, and location. Walls and vertical surfaces can be armatures for art, murals or signage. They can enhance the public realm and support larger scale public realm improvements similar to the image on the facing page.

Installing art or murals on walls or vertical surfaces provides an opportunity to engage the community its design or employ local artists to create the preferred option.

Vacant sites are the plentiful throughout the city and generally present the best option for public realm improvements, depending on their location and consistency with other analysis criteria. Vacant lots can have a deleterious effect on communities if gone unchecked or unprogrammed. The vacant lots reviewed for this document are centered on existing commercial corridors or other existing areas that are otherwise active. The size of vacant lots throughout the city vary and for the purposes of this exercise, can be combined to form larger public realm improvements with greater impact.

Public realm improvements in vacant lots can become catalysts for additional investment or transition spaces prior

DRAFT

to development improving the vacant lot.

DRAFT

59

Site Evaluation

Image from ALT_ Chicago

60

DRAFT

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61

DUNNING

LAKE VIEW

( !

AVONDALE

Site A - Humboldt Park

City Owned Land Government and Admin Services

BELMONT CRAGIN

Religious Facilities

Urban Agriculture

NEAR NORTH SIDEProposed Site

CTA Bus Lines & Stops

8

Kinzie St 1

EAST GARFIELD PARK

( !

LOOP Chicago Ave

NEAR WEST SIDE

6

7

3

5

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund/ Retail Thrive Zones Initiative

Tax Increment Financing

Community Garden

2

New Holyland MB Church

3

United Star Baptist Church

5

NEAR SOUTH ( !

SIDE LOWER WEST SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE Huron St

SOUTH LAWNDALE

±

Pizza Bella's

7

Mylene's Place

8

Kelly Hall YMCA

9

Mission of our Lady of the Angels

10

Illinois Department of Human Services

4

Enterprise Zones/ Empowerment Zones

Kipp One Academy & Orr Academy Highschool Mini Mart

10

NORTH LAWNDALE

1

4

2

Sources of Funding

Invest South/West

CTA Rail Lines

Avers Ave

WEST TOWN

Springfield Ave

Division St

Chicago Ave

WEST GARFIELD PARK

Open Space

Iowa St

HUMBOLDT PARK

AUSTIN

Higher Education

( !

North Ave

Harding Ave

Kostner Ave

dA ve

9

Pulaski Rd

an

Pulaski Rd

Gr

Other Institutions (YMCA, etc)

LINCOLN PARK

Education K-12 Central Park Ave

HERMOSA

LOGAN SQUARE

Kedzie Ave

MONTCLARE Site Context

Vacant Land

BRIDGEPORT

DOUGLAS

MCKINLEY PARK

±

62

DRAFT

0

0 0.02

0.02 0.04

0.06

0.08 Miles

0.04

0.06

OAKLAND

0.08 Miles

DRAFT

63

1 Community Garden 2 New Holyland MB Church 3 United Star Baptist Church 4 Kipp One Academy & Orr Academy Highschool 5 Pizza Bella's 6 Mini Mart

9

7 Mylene's Place 8 Kelly Hall YMCA

PROPOSED SITE: Vacant Lot Owned by City Eligible for: Invest SW, NOF, TIF and Retail Thrive Zone

9 Mission of our Lady of the Angels

8

N

rs

1

Av e

e

ago Av

NH

N Pulaski Rd

Av e

W Chic

ing

ard

2

eld gfi

3

rin

7

Sp

6

N

Ave

5

e Av

4

64

DRAFT

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65 Image from Google Earth Pro

Potential Typology

Potenital Partners

The location of the site makes it a prime candidate for either a community gathering space or a public art installation/ demonstration garden

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Image from Google Earth Pro

Why this site?

Humbolt Park is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history and a thriving Puerto Rican community. It is located on the West Side of Chicago and one of the communities identified by the Invest South West Initiatives.

The selection criteria established in the earlier portion of this document helped identify the site at 3926 W Chicago Ave as a perfect candidate for an urban intervention.

First and foremost, the site is located within various funding zones. It located within the boundaries of the Invest South West Corridor in Humbolt park. In addition, it is also within the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and Retail Thrive Zone Initiative. 3926 W Chicago Ave also qualifies for Tax Increment Financing and is on the edges of both the Enterprise and Empowerment Zones.

United Star Baptist Church

The site's proximity to institutions such as New Holyland MB Church, Kelly Hall YMCA and Kipp One Academy & Orr Academy Highschool make it a great candidate to establish strong community partners to help maintain and program the site.

Located along busy Chicago Ave, this location also ensures high visibility and therefore could have a positive impact on the feel and identity of the corridor and act as a catalyst for future development in the area.

Precedent Projects

The site is currently vacant and owned by the city which eliminates the need for a procurement process or any demolition.

Lastly, the site is adjacent to an existing Urban Agriculture Garden. There is potential to expand this existing community gathering space by creating a public facing extension of the garden.

Orr Academy Highschool

Bus Stop

Urban Agriculture Garden Ed Bradley Community Oasis Image from Tiny WPA

66

Aspira Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Blocks Together Chicago Transit Authority Garfield Area Partnership Humboldt Park Empowerment Partnership-Youth Action Team Humboldt Park Local Park Advisory Council Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center, a branch of Wright College Nobel Neighbors Openlands Project Orr Academy High School Open Space Coalition West Side Health Authority Youth Service Project

DRAFT

DRAFT

Cultural Transit Assembly Exhibition Image from Floating Museum

67

SOUTH SIDE LOWER WEST SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE

Site B - Grand Boulevard Site Context

City Owned Land

42nd St

Government and Admin Services

( !

LAWNDALE

BRIDGEPORT

Religious Facilities

DOUGLAS

Other Institutions (YMCA, etc)

MCKINLEY PARK

Education K-12 Higher Education

OAKLAND

Pershing Rd

Open Space Urban Agriculture

43th St

ENGLEWOOD

WEST ENGLEWOOD

WOODLAWN

GREATER GRAND CROSSING

68

±

S Drexel Blvd

4

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund/ Retail Thrive Zones Initiative

Tax Increment Financing

AUBURN GRESHAM

AVALON PARK

2

Illinois Department of Human Services City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation

4

Bright Star Church

5

Carter G. Woodson School

6

Carter G Woodson Child Parent

7

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School

( !

45th St

±

6 SOUTH CHICAGO

± 0

DRAFT

Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center

( !

Enterprise Zones/ Empowerment Zones

CHATHAM

7

SOUTH SHORE

1

3

44th St

5

SHBURN

Proposed Site

S Drexel Blvd

1

3

Sources of Funding

Invest South/West

Cottage Grove Ave

2

WASHINGTONHYDE PARK PARK

( !

CHICAGO ( !

LAWN

CTA Bus Lines & Stops

43th St

Cottage Grove Ave

GAGE PARK

Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr

State St

NEW CITY

CTA Rail Lines

GRAND BOULEVARD 47th St KENWOOD FULLER PARK 51st St Michigan Ave

BRIGHTON PARK

S Evans Ave

N

Vacant Land

0 0.02

0.02 0.04

CALUMET

0.06

0.08 Miles

0.04

0.06

0.08 Miles

DRAFT

69

1

Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center

2

Illinois Department of Human Services

3

City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation

4

Bright Star Church

5

Carter G. Woodson School

6

Carter G Woodson Child Parent

7

S

Co

Proposed site: Vacant Lot Owned by City Eligible for: Invest SW, NOF, TIF and Retail Thrive Zone, Enterprise Zones/ Empowerment Zones

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School

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St 4rd

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5 70

DRAFT

DRAFT

CO

RR

ID

OR 71

Potential Typology

Potenital Partners

The location of the site makes it a prime candidate for an urban park that connects with the community garden adjacent to it (maybe establishing a future pedestrian connection to connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School through the vacant lot on 4324 S Drexel Blvd.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Black Metropolis Convention and Tourism Council Bronzeville Historical Preservation Society Bronzeville Community Development Partnership Chicago Community Ventures Chicago Transit Authority The Community Builders, Inc. The Field Museum, Center for Cultural Understanding and Change Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development Quad Communities Development Corporation

Image from Google Earth Pro

Why this site?

Grand Boulevard, located on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. It contains a portion of the Bronzeville district, renowned as an early-20th-century African-American business and cultural hub. The area is bounded by 39th to the north, 51st Street to the south, Cottage Grove Avenue to the east, and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad tracks to the west.

The selection criteria established in the earlier portion of this document helped identify the site at 4323 - 4325 S Cottage Grove Ave as a perfect candidate for an urban intervention.

First and foremost, the site is located within various funding zones. It located within the boundaries of the Invest South West Corridor in Grand Boulevard. In addition, it is also within the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and Retail Thrive Zone Initiative. 4323 - 4325 S Cottage Grove Ave also qualifies for Tax Increment Financing and is on the edges of both the Enterprise and Empowerment Zones.

The site is across the street from the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center which could make it a great site for an expansion of their services. There are also other potential community partners in the area such as the Bright Star Church, Carter G. Woodson School, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School.

Similar to the site identified in Humbolt Park, this site's location along Cottage Grove Ave ensures high visibility to local traffic. It's prominence along the Invest South West Corridor could have a positive impact on the feel and identity of the street and continue to encourage more future development along the corridor.

Precedent Projects

The site is currently vacant and owned by the city which eliminates the need for a procurement process or any demolition.

Play Everywhere Philly Image from Tiny WPA

Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center

72

City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation

DRAFT

New Development in the corridor

El Paseo Community Garden, Chicago Image from Lamar Johnson Collaborative

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School

DRAFT

73

Site C - Rogers Park

Vacant Land Paulina St

City Owned Land

Site Context

8

Government and Admin Services Religious Facilities

7

Other Institutions (YMCA, etc)

Open Space

ridan 3

Clark

St

e Blv

W Pratt Blvd

CTA Bus Lines & Stops

d

Morse Ave

4

1

NORTH PARK

Farewell Ave

LINCOLN SQUARE

ALBANY PARK

1

Roger Park Branch Chicago Public Library

2

New Field Elementary School

3

St Jerome Roman Catholic Church

4

Misión Cristiana Elim

5

United Church of Rogers Park

6

Joyce Kilmer Elementary School

7

International Society for Krishna Consciousness

8

Eugene Field Elementary School

( !

2

t

Ashland Ave

Clark S

5

EDGEWATER

Sources of Funding

CTA Rail Lines

W Devon Ave

FOREST GLEN

ON

Urban Agriculture

Ashland Ave

Touhy Ave

Rd

Damen Ave

Higher Education

ROGERS PARK

WEST RIDGE

Education K-12

She

e Av ers

g

Ro

Ridg

Wester Ave

Lunt Ave

Proposed Corridor

UPTOWN W Pratt Blvd

Invest South/West

IRVING PARK

NORTH CENTER Tax Increment

WEST RIDGE

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund/ Retail Thrive Zones Initiative

Financing

Enterprise Zones/ LAKEEmpowerment VIEW Zones

±

AVONDALE

± 74

T CRAGIN

DRAFT

LOGAN SQUARE

Columbia Ave

0

0 0.02

6

( !

Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and th

0.02 0.04

Ashland Ave

AGE PARK

0.06

0.08 Miles

0.04

0.06

0.08 Miles

DRAFT

75

1

Roger Park Branch Chicago Public Library

2

New Field Elementary School

3

St Jerome Roman Catholic Church

4

Misión Cristiana Elim

5

United Church of Rogers Park

3 4

Morse Ave

5

2

Farewell Ave

Proposed Corridor: North Shore Ave to Pratt Blvd is eligible for TIF

1

Ashland Ave

rk

Cla St

Ravenswood Ave

d

W Pratt Blv

ve Columbia A

e

hore Av

North S

76

DRAFT

DRAFT

77

Potential Typology

Potenital Partners

The location of the site makes it a prime candidate for right of way improvements such as sidewalk expansion and enhancement, corridor placemaking and traffic calming measures.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chicago Transit Authority CDOT Lifeline Theatre Loyola University Chicago Misión Cristiana Elim New Field Elementary School No Exit Theater Northside Community Resources Roger Park Branch Chicago Public Library Small Business Development Center St Jerome Roman Catholic Church United Church of Rogers Park Wisdom Bridge Arts Project Women’s Business Development Center

Image from Google Earth Pro

Why this site?

Rogers Park is located on the northernmost edge of Chicago and marks the north boundary of the city. The neighborhood is commonly known for its cultural diversity, early 20th century architecture, live theater and proximity to Lake Michigan beaches .

The corridor is also within walking distance to the Rogers Park Station, the last stop on the Green line within city boundaries. As a result of this proximity, this corridor could become a destination for people from all over the Chicagoland area and would greatly benefit from an improved sense of place through public art and branding.

Precedent Projects

The selection criteria established in the earlier portion of this document helped identify the corridor along Clark st, between North Shore Ave and Morse Ave as a perfect candidate for Right of Way interventions.

Unlike the two previous sites, the corridor does not qualify for an abundance of city funding. Only a portion of the corridor (between Pratt Blvd and North Shore Ave) qualifies for Tax Increment Funding and is within an Empowerment zone.

Despite this the area is in dire need of public right of way improvements.

This corridor was identified due to several factors, the main being the poor pedestrian experience along Clark St created through narrow sidewalks, empty storefronts, and lack of traffic calming interventions.

The north arm of the corridor contains the New Field Elementary School and The Roger Park Branch Chicago Park Library. The proximity to these institutions brings vehicular and pedestrian traffic to the area that could be leveraged by the local businesses. Public Right of Way improvements would encourage people to linger in the area longer and could boost the economic viability of the area.

78

People Spot for Albany Park, Chicago Image from Territory Chicago.

Roger Park Branch Chicago Public Library

DRAFT

College Square, Croydon Image from dezeen.com

New Field Elementary School

DRAFT

79

Chapter

5

Next Steps

Image from chicago.gov

80

DRAFT

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81

Successful Outcomes Defining Successful Outcomes The positive outcome is the opportunity to strategically plan for public realm improvements based on need, vitality, and a mixture of typologies. This creates an opportunity for varied and measured interventions that reinvigorate commercial corridors and lead to equitable development.

This framework provides the tools for thoughtfully planned improvements that are tailored to its specific site and prioritizes the needs of these specific neighborhoods.

A local investment in maintenance is important to their continued success. The success of each improvement creates a network of connected places that are integrated into their neighborhoods while providing a model for other interventions. These connections can lead to a stronger, more equitable public realm for the City of Chicago and be a driver to economic development.

Identifying Stakeholders In order to utilize the tools outlined earlier in this document, identifying funding sources can determine potential partners and stakeholders that are necessary to receiving the funding.

There are also other local and civic stakeholders that are involved in public realm improvements that have a vested interest in developments.

improvements that tackle publicly accessible spaces while creating and improving local businesses. More information for each of these sources contains more information and instructions via the City of Chicago website.

Public Institutions As mentioned earlier, institutions and schools are great opportunities in the development of a public realm intervention. These institutions are key stakeholders in the creation of maintenance programs for improvements.

These institutions also offer resources in established relationships within communities that can develop programs that are tailored to each site. The Chicago Transit Authority is an important civic institution that is involved in public improvements in close proximity to bus and rail lines.

Public Engagement The City of Chicago is divided into 50 legislative districts or wards each represented by an Alderperson. The boundaries of these wards are available on the City of Chicago website.

Each Alderperson is an elected position that represents their ward in the city council and is therefore invested in improvements in their communities. Neighborhood associations are often critical in getting buy in and finding local partners for improvements to any community. These groups are often the first step in engaging with a forum of invested community members.

Identify Funding Sources Funding sources are available based on the mapping above.

Further information is available on the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development website. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has a specific approval process for accepting proposals for financing. Proposals are submitted to the TIF Investment Committee and follow an approval process. This type of financing would apply to parks and open spaces and would most likely involve an agreement with the Chicago Park District. Invest SouthWest has a designated community corridor champions for each of the 10 neighborhoods identified. These are important stakeholders in the development of public realm improvements. Unlike TIF and Invest S/W, Enterprise Zones are predetermined at the state level and have clear instructions for how this funding source can be used. However, they offer a great source of funding for making improvements to local businesses. This can be used as a multi pronged approach to public realm

82

DRAFT

DRAFT

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December, 2021IL City of Chicago, Framework for Public Realm Improvements Image from the Lamar Johnson Collaborative