Pubic Realm

Nodes

Community gathering places have long been locations of pride and a source of local identity for cities and neighborhoods around the world. Without them places can be unwelcoming and unattractive to outside parties or even nearby residents. It is for this reason that so many neighborhoods in Chicago invest money into creating places that define the character of their community and invite socializing with the space. In an attempt to forge such a space from the elements present along Chicago Avenue already, the UIC design team explored representative interventions that could galvanize the corridor and spawn investment throughout the neighborhood.

The Portal

A Community Gateway

One of the most common points of discussion in conversations with local organization leaders during the design process was a desire for Chicago Avenue’s intersection with Kedzie Avenue to act as a gateway to West Humboldt Park. In support of this goal, one recommendation put forth by the design team has been the creation of a grand entrance spanning over the length width of Chicago Avenue and adorned with community branding to convey a sense of place. However, rather than merely make an empty aesthetic gesture with no practical purpose aside from basic wayfinding, an attempt to create a more activated and usable space would be recommended.

In the design team’s representative illustration of what an intervention of this type could look like, the gateway landmark also serves as both a pedestrian bridge, a communal space, and a location for occasional commercial activity. The elevated walkway would be adorned with flowers and foliage to incorporate the natural elements present within Kells Park where the foundation of the site rests. The circular ramp within Kells is surrounded by terraced levels of step seating to provide places to rest and take in any events that may be taking place inside the park. Also within the steps of the site are a series of half-a-dozen inset booths that can either act as private areas to picnic with protection from the sun and elements, or allow for occasional pop-up markets for local vendors during local events.

Ultimately, whatever form the final node may take when it is eventually deployed at the site, it should galvanize and magnetize the site in order to attract activity to the commercial and recreational spaces located at the introduction to the corridor.

High Crash Intersection

Chicago Ave. The Portal Site

Kedzie Ave.

The Portal

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After

The Boldt

A Community Gathering Spot

Strong, stable, sustainable communities with long-term success are nearly always anchored by some combination of businesses, landmarks, institutions, and other settled elements in the urban landscape. These anchors help to provide balance between security and new opportunity as cities and neighborhoods withstand the turbulent times and troubles that all areas inevitably encounter at one time or another. Ensuring that West Humboldt Park has access to such facilities can help them to weather the storms to come and support a successful future. The site identified for such a potential landmark was selected due to its proximity to active and vibrant social hubs, the Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy, and the large pedestrian plaza introduced by reimagining the streetscape of Chicago Avenue. Access to these amenities provides a prime opportunity to construct a space that supports local businesses, creates a third place where local residents can congregate and socialize, and acts as a pillar and beacon of hope in the community.

In the representative illustration of what an intervention of this type could look like, the design team’s portrayal depicts a radical and unique structure that incorporates the use of indoor and outdoor spaces across multiple levels to create a sense of osmosis with the outside area. The building is comprised of multiple pods that can play host to local start-up entrepreneurs, established retailers from across the city or the country, and flex spaces that can be utilized by members of the community for gatherings, youth services and tutoring, organizational meetings, and innumerable other activities. While this illustration is merely meant to act as a representative depiction and is not a formal proposal, the intent and knowledge informing the design should most definitely be considered whenever developers may consider developing the site. The West Humboldt hub should build upon the existing assets and vibrancy present along the corridor to generate a dramatic and impactful beacon of health, hope, and happiness that can serve as a focal point for activity and local business for decades to come.

Active Social Hub

The Boldt Site

Re-imagining the Street

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