Introduction

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot commissioned the Invest South West Initiative in October of 2019 which has identified 12 corridors across 10 neighborhoods on the south and west sides of the city for future development. The initiative has a budget of $750 million in public funding that will be distributed across a series of RFPs in which developers will work with local and national prequalified architects to support improved programming, infrastructure, and policies that will create a lasting impact in key commercial corridors.

A wide array of design teams are exploring interventions across each of the selected corridors. The Chicago Avenue Corridor of Humboldt Park was selected for the present study given its proximity to the University of Illinois, Chicago and the generous partnership of the Neighborhood SSA.

The Study Area

What surrounds this place?

Chicago Avenue does not exist in a vacuum. The surrounding neighborhood, approximately defined by a half-mile radius surrounding the corridor, is key to determining the future of the corridor. To ensure a more expansive understanding of the neighborhood context in which Chicago Avenue resides, the design team decided to analyze a broader area surrounding the corridor. Our precise study area is bound by Division Street. to the North, Kedzie Avenue to the East, the Union Pacific Railroad to the South, and Pulaski Rd. to the West.

0.5 Mile

Chicago Avenue

An Historic Community What has happened here?

Established in 1869, West Humboldt Park is situated within the greater Humboldt Park community area. Humboldt Park’s Chicago Avenue holds historic significance for the community, as it has been identified as one of the northernmost boundaries of the Great Migration, in which Black Southerners migrated north between 1916-1970. West Humboldt park retains a strong ethnic identity for Black Culture, and also has roots in Puerto Rican Culture. . The neighborhood was designed for a working class population and has retained this demographic. The residential, family-oriented community boasts an eclectic mix of bungalows, two-, three- and flour-flat houses. Neglect from planning efforts in recent decades has contributed to crime and vacancies across the Chicago Avenue corridor.

Humboldt Park, 1930

The Great Migration Puerto Rican Parade

Historic Chicago Avenue

Previous Planning Efforts and Community Input

What are the hopes here?

Learning from the Past

Several previous planning studies were reviewed to inform the present study. Most recently, the LISC Quality of Life Plan from May 2005 and the Humboldt Park Smart Communities Plan from March 2010 engaged the community, in which residents called for the following:

• Children are cared for and educated • Adults can find adequate jobs • All residents can enjoy safe streets • Attractive open space • After school and summer programs • Affordable, safe housing • Excellent city services • Health in mind, body and spirit • Decreased crime and gang activity • Accessibility for seniors and individuals living with disabilities

Key Community Groups and Stakeholders

West Humboldt Park is fortunate to have the support of numerous community groups and stakeholders actively making a difference in the neighborhood. Below is a non-exhaustive list of key community member organizations that should be tapped for public input in any future development.

• SSA • Blocks Together • The Bloc • The Greater Humboldt Park Community of Wellness • United Blocks of West Humboldt Park • Historic Humboldt Park Stables and the Institute of

Puerto Rican Arts and Cultures • Bickerdike • LUCHA • Hispanic Housing