Chicago Neighborhoods 2015: Assets, Plans and Trends – A project of The Community Trust

MILWAUKEE AVENUE A Plan for Chicago’s Near Northwest Side September 2002

Community Areas: Loop, Near North Side, Near West Side, West Town

Department of Planning and Development, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, Urban Works Ltd., Goodman Williams Group

The Near Northwest Side encompasses the northwest Loop, Eckhart Park, Noble Square, East Village and Ukrainian Village neighborhoods. The community is also home to the Kinzie Industrial Corridor and the Chicago-Halsted Planned Manufacturing District, which includes both older, established facilities and new high-tech operations. A Plan for Chicago’s Near Northwest Side focuses on public open space and transit, development guidelines for new construction and techniques to promote livability in the area. The plan is intended to be viable for 20 years.

General Recommendations: Provide more open space and recreational amenities to accommodate long-term residents, new residents and future residents; Improve the quality and capacity of transit and transportation infrastructure; Guide new development to fit within existing neighborhoods and provide clarity to the development community; Construct new buildings which properly address the street; Create new retail and commercial uses to meet the needs brought by new residential development.

Specific Recommendations: Develop a publicly accessible riverfront; Create new neighborhood parks; Create school parks at neighborhood schools; Upgrade neighborhood streets and create dedicated bike routes; Develop new open spaces on underdeveloped land adjacent to infrastructure projects such as rail lines and the expressway; Develop new Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Green line stations; Enhance CTA Blue line station entrances; Strengthen pedestrian connections between the CTA and Metra stations; Improve bus stops with new shelters, benches, signage and lighting; Implement the Central Area Plan transportation recommendations; Support Chicago Avenue as a neighborhood main street; Support the Italian restaurant district and new mixed-use and residential uses on Grand Avenue; Consolidate retail, improve transit facilities and upgrade the streetscape on Milwaukee Avenue; Focus retail at major intersections and transit transfer points on Ashland Avenue; Reflect the historic character of commercial corridor buildings in new developments; Respect historic context of the East Village, Eckhart Park, Noble Square and Ukrainian Village neighborhoods in new development; Respect the scale of existing buildings and zoning regulations for a C 3-5 district with new buildings in the Fulton River District; Locate taller buildings to the east of the district.

Plan Maps and Data References: Near Northwest study area, Introduction page; Community influences today, p. 1-3; Regional open space, p. 1-6; Neighborhood open space and schools, p. 1-7; Regional circulation, p. 1-8; Neighborhood transit and circulation, p. 1-9; Commercial development along the neighborhood corridors, p. 1-11; Building types and locations in the neighborhood, p. 1-13; Plans completed or in progress, p. 1-14; Industrial districts, p. 1-14; TIF districts, p. 1-14; Existing zoning, p. 1- 15; Corridors and neighborhoods, p. 2-13; The open space network, p. 2-5; The transit system, p. 2-9; Development in the neighborhood, p. 2-11; Street character framework, p. 2-13; Chicago Avenue revitalization, p. 2-14; Milwaukee Avenue revitalization, p. 2-15; Grand Avenue revitalization, p. 2-16;

Chicago Neighborhoods 2015 Plans Synthesis – Milwaukee Ave – February 2015 – Page 1 Chicago Neighborhoods 2015: Assets, Plans and Trends – A project of The Chicago Community Trust

Ashland Avenue, and Ogden Avenue recommendations, p. 2-17; Implementation plan, pp. 3-3 to 3-5.

Highlighted Accomplishments: Upgraded streets and added bike lanes on Milwaukee Avenue, Wood Street and Kinzie Street; Improved bus stops with electronic signs; Added new Green Line stations; Created and subsequently successfully reconstituted Chicago Avenue Special Service Area to support Chicago Avenue as a neighborhood main street; Began enhancement of CTA Blue Line stations.

Key Unfinished Projects: Develop a publicly-accessible riverfront; Create new neighborhood parks; Develop new open spaces on underdeveloped land adjacent to infrastructure projects such as rail lines and the Expressway; Upgrade lighting and infrastructure on Chicago Avenue.

A Plan for Chicago’s Near Northwest Side

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Logan Square Open Space Plan Adopted by the Chicago Plan Commission July 2004

Community Area: Logan Square

Department of Planning and Development, Chicago Park District (CPD), Department of Transportation (CDOT), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Chicago Public Schools, Alderman Rey Colón, Alderman Manuel Flores, Alderman Theodore Matlak, Alderman Billy Ocasio, Alderman Ariel Reboyras, Alderman Ray Suarez, CTE Engineers, JJR Smith Group, Site Design Group, TPAP, Jill Riddell

As one of Chicago’s most densely developed areas, Logan Square has the least amount of open space per capita of any Chicago community area except South Lawndale. The majority of the community’s open space is along wide, tree-lined boulevards; acreage for traditional open spaces, such as parks and ball fields, is well below minimum standards. The Logan Square Open Space Plan identifies several opportunities to increase open space. More than fifteen acres of new open space and facility enhancements at existing locations will provide residents with increased recreational opportunities and also improve the aesthetics of the Logan Square community when the plan is fully implemented.

General Recommendations: Create new campus parks; Improve and expand Palmer Square; Create new Logan Gateway parks; Create Bloomingdale linear park; Create new, safe pedestrian and bicycle connections; Redesign Logan Square; Develop new market plaza; Create new community-managed open space; Improve Kosciuszko Park; Improve and expand Haas Park; Reconfigure Brentano Campus Park.

Specific Recommendations: Include Mozart School in the 2004 Campus Parks Program; Include Drummond School in the 2005 Campus Parks Program; Study parking and traffic patterns and make recommendations regarding expansion of Palmer Square; Explore ownership transfer of the new Palmer Square space to CPD for maintenance and management as parkland; Explore ownership transfer of vacant land at Artesian Avenue and Logan Boulevard to CPD from the Illinois Dept. of Transportation; Identify funding for construction; Work with local residents on park design; Have CDOT review plans to ensure sight distances for drivers are checked and there is safe pedestrian access; Assess the structural integrity of 37 viaducts along the route of the Bloomingdale Linear Park; Conduct an environmental assessment of the Bloomingdale project; Identify potential sources for park development and potential viaduct repair and replacement costs; Negotiate rail line acquisition from Canadian Pacific Railway; Examine the potential acquisition of riverside land at 1501 W. Cortland; Install bike lanes on Diversey Avenue, Damen Avenue, Armitage Avenue, and around Palmer Square and Logan Boulevard; Enhance existing bike routes at Kedzie Boulevard, Humboldt Boulevard, California Avenue, Milwaukee Avenue, Central Park Avenue and Armitage Avenue; Create new bike routes on Avers Avenue, Hamlin Avenue, Wrightwood Avenue and Palmer Street; Analyze the feasibility of redesigning the rotary and/or other improvements for Logan Square; Pursue a lease from the CTA for the vacant space at Milwaukee Avenue and Logan Boulevard for the market plaza; Address parking issues around the proposed site; Identify a management entity for the market; Identify funding to design and implement the market project; Design and implement safe pedestrian crossing at the market site; Continue to distribute information about developing community-managed open space to groups that have expressed interest; Identify funding to improve Kosciuszko Park; Investigate all opportunities to expand Haas Park; Include upgrades to Brentano School in the 2006 Campus Parks Program.

Plan Maps and Data References: Community areas location and population density, p. 4; Map of study area, p. 5; Existing open space, p. 7; Open space service areas before and after development of Campus

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Parks, p. 8; Population density, p. 9; Children density, p. 9; Existing land use, p. 10; Key recommendations, p. 13; Bloomingdale Linear Park safe and secure passages, pp. 22-23; Bloomingdale Linear Park access points, pp. 24-25; Enhanced bike circulations, p. 26; Community-managed open spaces, p. 33; Existing open space, p. 40.

Highlighted Accomplishments: Improved Mozart Park, Drummond Park, Haas Park and Brentano School, including a new LEED Gold building at Haas Park containing a half-size gym for basketball and volleyball, a fitness center and community rooms; Installed bike lanes on Diversey Avenue between Kimball Avenue and Kostner Avenue, and on Armitage Avenue between Damen Avenue and Western Avenue; Acquired majority of land needed for the market plaza at Milwaukee Avenue and Logan Boulevard; Initiated Chicago Rarities Orchard Project; Began process of acquiring landmark status for Kosciuszko Park’s fieldhouse with National Register of Historic Places; Initiated pursuit of development of Park 556, a 10,000 square foot dog-friendly area between Artesian Drive and Western Avenue.

Key Unfinished Projects: Develop the market plaza at Milwaukee Avenue and Logan Boulevard; Examine the potential acquisition of riverside land at 1501 W. Cortland Avenue; Complete the Chicago Rarities Orchard Project.

Logan Square Open Space Plan

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Humboldt Park: Staking Our Claim May 2005

Community Area: Humboldt Park

Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation, LISC Chicago, Camiros, Kym Abrams Design

Humboldt Park is a large community roughly bounded by Western, the Belt Railway, Kinzie Street and the Bloomingdale rail corridor. For the past 25 years, the community has been a mixed community with a strong Puerto Rican heritage to the east and a largely African-American population to the west. Recognizing that both industry and retail have declined, leaving less earning power and fewer local businesses, Humboldt Park: Staking Our Claim recommends seven strategies that embrace new development and protects longtime residents from potential gentrification. As a quality of life plan, the strategies work to provide jobs and job training, create a safe environment, preserve affordable housing and improve education.

General Recommendations: Improve local schools using a community-based and culturally sensitive approach; Create a community of wellness where health is a dimension of community improvement; Provide resources to sustain healthy individuals and families; Increase community control over use of physical resources; Engage community youth in productive ways; Improve physical, economic and social infrastructure through marketing, communications, beautification and safety; Provide jobs through training and local business development.

Specific Recommendations: Create a new organization or enhance the capacity of existing organizations to link teachers, parents and students; Establish community centers at schools that will be open evenings and weekends; Create school programs that connect students with their cultures to increase self-esteem and broaden self-identity; Use traditional and non-traditional means to motivate students and create ladders of educational opportunity; Create a five-year vocational high school that prepares students for jobs in their trades; Develop programs to retain students at risk of dropping out and connect with those who have already dropped out; Provide leadership on advocacy issues related to health care; Inform residents about and link them to new and existing health care services; Establish or expand programs that address asthma; Work to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS through screening, testing, counseling and prevention; Increase sliding-fee, community-based dental services; Use schools and youth service agencies to deliver anti-smoking and anti-substance abuse messages; Increase the number of school-based clinics that provide treatment, education, psychological counseling and other services; Promote active lifestyles for adults and youth to combat obesity and related health problems; Develop a center that provides employment services, financial services and financial education under one roof; Coordinate existing homeownership counseling programs to better prepare prospective homeowners; Coordinate and expand job placement and exchange programs for former prisoners; Identify available programs and resources to support and inform parents; Develop forums in schools to help students and parents understand each other’s perspectives; Gather data on existing services to facilitate development of new child care programs as needed; Increase availability of counseling services in Spanish; Develop a holistic system to connect residents with case management services; Expand adult day care and home care programs; Develop gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender services to meet the needs of the area’s diverse population; Institute the “First Community Land Trust of Chicago” in West Humboldt Park to encourage balanced development and increase control over land use; Monitor land use and negotiate with developers to ensure projects meet local needs; Undertake zoning education activities to prepare for the city’s zoning remap; Develop affordable rental housing and stake a long-

Chicago Neighborhoods 2015 Plans Synthesis – Milwaukee Ave – February 2015 – Page 5 Chicago Neighborhoods 2015: Assets, Plans and Trends – A project of The Chicago Community Trust term claim for the lowest-income residents; Develop affordable homeownership projects for moderate- income residents; Research needs of and develop supportive housing for special needs groups; Establish a fair housing program to address violations; Collaborate with employers to develop subsidy and incentive programs for local home purchases; Develop a program to help residents purchase and rehabilitate abandoned buildings; Strengthen existing retail corridors to ensure that local businesses thrive and new businesses are attracted to Humboldt Park to fill identified retail gaps; Create an Open Space Coalition to help implement the “Open Space Plan for Humboldt Park;” Enhance existing parks and create new parks and green space; Develop new and re-use facilities to serve community needs; Bolster opportunities for youth to give back to their community and become leaders; Increase after- school and summer programs that emphasize music, sports, gardening and service projects; Expand opportunities through summer jobs programs and internships; Develop an annual economic development summit for business leaders, policy makers and residents; Develop a web-based resource guide to serve as an electronic bulletin board; Create a tour map that identifies key landmarks and points of interest; Promote Humboldt Park itself as the center of activities for residents, schools and others; Implement streetscape and community gateway projects to provide a sense of welcoming front door; Develop art and mural projects at prominent intersections and preserve the mural at North and Artesian; Enhance and expand the “between the flags” Paseo Boricua Restaurant and Cultural District; Develop a program to creatively address racial and cultural relations between east and west Humboldt Park; Encourage regular attendance at CAPS policing meetings and expand involvement of local businesses; Sponsor creation of a CeaseFire branch or other safety initiative in Humboldt Park; Create bridge programs that lead to advancement up the healthcare and health policy career ladder; Provide paid internships for students in medical allied health programs and technical programs at the Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center; Coordinate and enhance existing basic skills training programs and improve access for residents of subsidized housing; Create a minority/Latino contractors’ association to provide referrals and other services; Increase access to small business development resources through lending institutions; Create a Latino Technology Development Center at the Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center.

Plan Maps and Data References: Study area map, p. 7; Key organizations, p. 10; Projects already underway, p. 12; Key projects of the plan, p. 16; Returning from prison, p. 23; Land use policy, p. 24; First community land trust, p. 25; Housing development, p. 27; Tax increment finance districts, p. 35.

Highlighted Accomplishments: Secured Chicago Commons to provide services similar to those of the Center for Working Families; Created Special Service Area #63 in West Humboldt Park; Redeveloped Chicago-Kedzie plaza into vibrant shopping center with 22 stores, providing more than 70 jobs for residents; Created the First Community Land Trust of Chicago; Established TIF Advisory Panel; Conducted MetroEdge retail audit; Organized West Humboldt Park Business Association; Recruited first new sit-down restaurant on Chicago Avenue in more than 15 years; Created Building Employment and Entrepreneurial Partnerships (BEEP); Organized and assembled nearly 40 neighborhood block clubs; Provided business training and education for 100+ businesses; Launched Healthy Corner Stores Campaign; Completed La Estancia mixed-use development with 57 affordable apartments.

Key Unfinished Projects: Enhance existing parks and create new parks and green space; Develop retail corridors; Pursue redevelopment and streetscape improvements on commercial corridors; Complete Chicago Avenue commercial corridor planning process; Enhance and expand the “between the flags” Paseo Boricua Restaurant and Cultural District; Promote Humboldt Park itself as the center of activities for residents, schools and others.

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Humboldt Park: Staking Our Claim

Chicago Neighborhoods 2015 Plans Synthesis – Milwaukee Ave – February 2015 – Page 7 Chicago Neighborhoods 2015: Assets, Plans and Trends – A project of The Chicago Community Trust

Logan Square: A Place to Stay, a Place to Grow May 2005

Community Area: Logan Square

Logan Square Neighborhood Association, LISC Chicago, Camiros, Kym Abrams Design

Logan Square: A Place to Stay, a Place to Grow is a quality of life plan to preserve diversity in Logan Square. The plan cites gentrification as a threat to the community and proposes eight strategies to protect the economically vulnerable population and the physical identity of the community. The strategies intend to preserve diversity through housing options, new community spaces, education, retail and commerce, industry, health and safety, art and overall community leadership. While protecting against gentrification, the plan also welcomes new residents, especially immigrants, to experience Logan Square.

General Recommendations: Preserve and expand affordable housing; Expand and improve parks and recreational programs and create new community spaces; Improve and expand model community school programs and foster educational opportunities for residents of all ages; Revitalize key commercial corridors by working with elected officials, businesses and property owners; Support industrial retention and business development, and provide coordinated job training, job placement and financial education to community residents; Improve the health, safety and well-being of Logan Square residents and families; Support local arts organizations, promote arts activities and expand arts programming and cultural events; Build community leadership and enable all residents to participate effectively in decisions affecting their lives.

Specific Recommendations: Preserve affordable rental housing; Establish a Logan Square housing center; Partner with community development corporations to build housing; Advocate for affordable set-aside units in new and substantially rehabbed market-rate housing developments; Start limited- equity housing cooperative projects; Develop supportive housing in Logan Square; Establish the Logan Square Legacy Project; Expand and improve Haas Park; Support construction of the Bloomingdale Bike Trail and Greenway; Work with park advisory councils to improve park facilities and programming; Construct small playgrounds and gardens on vacant parcels; Support creation of a multi-use plaza on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) property off Logan Square; Reconfigure the Ames School athletic field; Support renovation of the West Park Commission Comfort Station on Logan Square; Expand the Parent Mentor program; Build upon school-based Community Learning Centers; Enhance the Literacy Ambassadors program; Develop the Parents as Tutors program; Expand high school service learning opportunities; Continue the Grow Your Own Teachers program; Expand pre-kindergarten and Head Start programs and develop a new pre-school; Improve access to computers at local schools, the new public library and other public spaces; Improve opportunities for high school students to advance to college; Commission research on school mobility in Logan Square; Pursue school-to-school housing and retail redevelopment on Armitage Avenue; Study potential zoning changes to encourage mixed-use projects; Recruit badly needed businesses and services; Support streetscape and façade improvements along Fullerton, Armitage and Milwaukee Avenues; Expand Community Learning Centers to provide coordinated employment services and financial education; Assist local entrepreneurs with training and business development; Work with local industrial councils and others to protect manufacturing jobs; Initiate a Healthier People/Healthier Workforce program; Continue to expand health and nutrition programs; Expand PrimeCare, a full-service health clinic in Logan Square; Expand physical fitness and

Chicago Neighborhoods 2015 Plans Synthesis – Milwaukee Ave – February 2015 – Page 8 Chicago Neighborhoods 2015: Assets, Plans and Trends – A project of The Chicago Community Trust sports programs at schools, facilities and parks; Improve access to mental health services, addiction counseling and dental care; Help young people make healthy lifestyle choices through a community- wide effort; Make Logan Square a safe place to bike and walk; Form new block clubs to take on health and safety issues; Increase participation in crime prevention strategies; Identify suitable workspace and buildings for lease or purchase by artists and arts organizations; Expand arts programming in Community Learning Centers; Strengthen the Logan Square Arts Council; Undertake public art projects; Establish a cultural center to serve as the hub of arts activities; Strengthen institutional ties and build new relationships to advance the plan; Organize to protect and advance the rights of immigrants; Help immigrants obtain services and certifications needed for citizenship; Organize young people to have a voice in their future; Connect young and old, organize seniors and help them get needed services; Expand voter registration efforts.

Plan Maps and Data References: Map of study area, p. 7; Neighborhood issues, p. 8; Key projects of the plan, p. 14; Median home values and monthly rents, p. 17; Project-based Section 8 sites, p. 18; Armitage Avenue “School to school: housing initiative,” p. 24; Tax Increment Financing districts and commercial corridors, p. 27.

Highlighted Accomplishments: Redeveloped Zapata Apartments on Armitage Avenue; Expanded Parent Mentor program statewide; Continued Grow Your Own Teachers program; Renovated the West Park Commission Comfort Station on Logan Square; Initiated streetscape and façade improvements along Fullerton, Armitage and Milwaukee Avenues; Provide coordinated employment services and financial education through the Center for Changing Lives; Identified Hairpin Lofts as suitable workspace and buildings for lease or purchase by artists and arts organizations; Created “I Am Logan Square” organization to support arts and culture; Began Bloomingdale/606 Trail development, which is scheduled to open in 2015.

Key Unfinished Projects: Complete Bloomingdale Bike Trail; Support creation of a multi-use plaza on CTA property off Logan Square; Construct small playgrounds and gardens on vacant lots.

Logan Square: A Place to Stay, a Place to Grow

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North Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Plan Adopted by the Chicago Plan Commission December 11, 2008

Community Area: Logan Square

Department of Planning and Development, Alderman Manuel Flores, URS Corporation, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP, Site Design Group, Urban Works, Center for Neighborhood Technology

The North Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Plan studies ¾ of a mile of Milwaukee Avenue, one of the city’s key diagonal streets, between Western and California Avenues in Logan Square. The plan recognizes that the corridor is in transition as development pressures increase, and establishes a vision to embrace but regulate development through development principles informed by community-wide meetings. These development principles include opportunities for the reuse and redevelopment of vacant buildings, vacant land, underutilized and deteriorated structures and incompatible uses. The plan provides demographic and market overviews of the community as well as an analysis of existing plans and studies to further support the development principles. Ultimately, the plan and the proposed development principles work toward a mixed use, transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly corridor that leverages development pressures to accommodate the needs of the community.

General Recommendations: Encourage compact, mixed density development with multiple uses; Design for people, not cars; Involve the private sector and encourage public/private partnerships; Promote diverse housing options; Create public spaces; Promote pedestrian connections and innovative use of public right-of-way; Establish attractive landmarks and gateways; Develop retail that is market driven; Promote environmental best practices.

Specific Recommendations: Accommodate a wide range of businesses via a mix of building types in the corridor (height, age, size,); Recognize the desire for transportation options beyond driving; Continue a pedestrian/bicyclist/non-motorized transportation orientation; Encourage bicycle parking in new developments; Set aside more area for dedicated, secured bicycle parking and storage; Implement existing zoning regulations that allow for lower parking standards when developing within .25 miles of either the Western or California Blue Line stations; Incentivize development, whenever appropriate, that conforms to the vision and development principles put forth in this plan; Allow higher density and require a mix of housing types for a broad range of incomes; Include rental and for-sale housing at both market and affordable housing price ranges; Encourage creative opportunities for open and green space, including public art, street vendors, markets, concerts and performances that draw people and vitality into the area to stimulate economic activity; Encourage public plazas and gathering spots as part of any new, larger scale residential development; Work with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to use the land under the CTA elevated tracks for public use around the Western and California stations and local parking at selected mid-block locations; Incorporate unique streetscape elements along the corridor; Understand that “retail follows rooftops” and focus on a few busy, successful stores rather than oversaturating market demand; Promote environmental best practices; Promote use of green roofs and U.S. Green Building Council standards; Plant trees along the corridor.

Plan Maps and Data References: Planning framework, p. 3; Community context, p. 9; Fullerton/Milwaukee Tax Increment Financing boundary, p. 11; Affordability range, p. 20; Existing ground floor land use by parcel, p. 24; Existing zoning, p. 25; Existing zoning, p. 26; Average daily traffic, p. 29; Average station entries, p. 30; Planning framework, p. 36; Sites susceptible to change, p. 38; Sites for maintenance and enhancement, p. 40; Green space/plaza/market opportunity sites, p. 42; Current

Chicago Neighborhoods 2015 Plans Synthesis – Milwaukee Ave – February 2015 – Page 10 Chicago Neighborhoods 2015: Assets, Plans and Trends – A project of The Chicago Community Trust building heights, p. 48; Concept A, p. 51; Concept B, p. 53; Compliancy of parking lots, p. 60; Parkway plantings: proposed trees, p. 61; Business and commercial zoning, p. 67; Floor area ratio with bulk and density standards, p. 68; Potential Special Service Area 2000 base EAV, p. 71. Appendix: Ring areas, p. 3; Population estimates and growth projections, p. 4; Racial classification, p. 4; Hispanic/Latino population, p. 4; Language spoken at home, p. 5; Age characteristics, p. 5; Household characteristics, p. 5; Income characteristics, p. 6; Household incomes, p. 6; Educational characteristics, p. 6; Employment status, p. 7; Class of worker, p. 7; Occupation characteristics, p. 7; Commute and transportation characteristics, p. 8; Housing characteristics, p. 8; Retail demand and supply, 0.25 mile radius, p. 9; Retail demand and supply, .5 mile radius, p. 10; Retail demand and supply, 1.0 mile radius, p. 11; Retail requirements, p. 12; Recent residential sales of attached dwelling units, Logan Square, p. 13; Residential sales trends, Logan Square, p. 14; Grocery stores, p. 15; Retail services, p. 16; Food sales and bars, p. 17; Consumer services, p. 18; Average ridership, Milwaukee Avenue bus, p. 19; Average ridership, California/Kedzie bus, p. 20; Average ridership, Armitage bus, p. 21; Average ridership, Western bus, p. 22.

Highlighted Accomplishments: Received $200,000 Green Infrastructure Grant from the Illinois Environment Protection Agency to help finance green, water-saving projects along the entire corridor, such as green roofs, permeable pavers, rain barrels, and rain gardens; Developed market-driven retail throughout corridor.

Key Unfinished Projects: Set aside more area for dedicated, secured bicycle parking and storage; Encourage creative opportunities for open and green space; Encourage public plazas; Work with the CTA to use the land under the CTA elevated tracks for public use around the Western and California stations and local parking at selected mid-block locations; Incorporate unique streetscape elements along the corridor. North Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Plan

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Master Plan for the Wicker Park Bucktown Special Service Area February 2009

Community Area: West Town, Logan Square

Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, Special Service Area #33, Interface Studio, Land Strategies, Inc., Civic Economics

The Master Plan for the Wicker Park Bucktown Special Service Area recognizes that with soaring real estate prices and shifting demographics, the Wicker Park and Bucktown (WPB) neighborhoods are becoming more transient, less diverse and far more affluent. The plan notes that the commercial corridors of Milwaukee Avenue, , North Avenue, Western Avenue, Damen Avenue and Ashland Avenue are at risk of losing their “grittiness” and “edge.” The plan for the commercial corridors is an effort to address the community’s shifting identity. It intends to balance increased prosperity along the corridors and within the neighborhoods with the desire to preserve local identity and diversity. The plan attempts this balance by reinforcing local arts, ecology, heritage, transportation, affordability and values.

General Recommendations: Improve the cleanliness and appearance of WPB’s streets without sterilizing them; Increase public safety along WPB’s corridors; Generate buzz, intrigue and excitement about the area and the people, businesses and organizations that make the area unique; Maintain WPB’s creative identity and help artists remain in the community and active in the community; Manage change by embracing a proactive role in shaping WPB’s unfolding future; Become a more environmentally sound and ecologically sensitive community; Foster multi-modal mobility and circulation along WPB’s corridors.

Specific Recommendations: Undertake an annual pressure washing of corridor sidewalks; Adopt eco- friendly street and landscaping practices; Market the SSA snow removal service; Introduce additional trash cans that local artists design; Lobby for bicycle police presence; Develop an online directory and annual calendar for arts, small businesses and services; Advertise to reach tourist shoppers; Create a granting arm of the SSA; Collect and track arts housing and workspace data; Support arts programs in the local schools and celebrate new spaces for arts instruction and incubator studios; Create an interactive online map of arts resources; Create a sign rebate program using arts as designers; Merge streetscape design with local arts talents; Adopt an official stance on density; Promote Low Impact Development and green building techniques in all new construction and rehabilitation projects; Actively recruit retail to fill niches; Develop a complementary and comprehensive recycling program; Offer incentives for the green basics; Help businesses run greener; Integrate stormwater management best practices into streetscape design; Green the alleys; Improve the urban forest; Make the Bloomingdale Trail gateways focal points; Encourage sidewalk repair and maintenance; Advocate for bicycle improvements; Launch a Bike Wicker Park Bucktown! Program; Design and install bicycle signage; Provide bicycle parking at festivals; Provide bus tracker information at bus stops and business locations; Launch a shopper benefit program that rewards transit users; Encourage transit pass provision and car sharing for new developments; Improve dangerous intersections.

Plan Maps and Data References: See three-page list in Executive Summary.

Highlighted Accomplishments: Won national and international awards for plan; Instituted ongoing annual maintenance of district, with regular snow, litter and graffiti removal; Promoted community via

Chicago Neighborhoods 2015 Plans Synthesis – Milwaukee Ave – February 2015 – Page 12 Chicago Neighborhoods 2015: Assets, Plans and Trends – A project of The Chicago Community Trust hotel concierges and directories to tourists and shoppers; Created granting arm of WPB created; Began development of Bloomingdale Trail, to open June, 2015; Activated Polish Triangle with programs and events; Initiated ongoing advocacy for bicycle improvements, facilities, safety, awareness and programs; Offered bike valet offered at festivals; Completed public arts projects; Completed market study to help recruit businesses; Developed tree management plan in 2010, which was updated in 2013; Installed bike racks; Installed bike corral (first in Chicago); Made car sharing available at several sites; Completed parking study Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning; Developed LED sign rebate program; Hosted annual Green Resource Fair; Instituted Festival recycling; Installed ten street recycling cans; Launched pilot program for businesses to share recycling dumpsters; Held Open Streets program/event on Milwaukee Avenue for two years; Undertook intersection improvements at Milwaukee Avenue/Wood Street/Wolcott Avenue, which are nearly complete; Began Northwest Tower development process to transition building to a hotel.

Key Unfinished Projects: Improve viaducts as entrance to the neighborhood at Division Street and North, Damen and Ashland Avenues; Improve the intersection of North/Milwaukee/Damen Avenues; Advocate for improvements to the Clybourn Metra station; Develop shared use parking lot; Install parklets on Damen and Milwaukee Avenues as construction allows. Wicker Park Bucktown Master Plan

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Bloomingdale Trail July 2009

Community Areas: Logan Square, Humboldt Park, West Town

Chicago Department of Transportation, Department of Housing and Economic Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Chicago Park District, The Trust for Public Land, The Friends of Bloomingdale Trail

The Bloomingdale Trail is a planned 2.7 mile multi-use linear park that will be the first of its kind in Chicago. It is a rail-to-trail conversion and will run along an unused, elevated rail line above Bloomingdale Avenue from Ashland Avenue to Ridgeway Avenue. The Bloomingdale Trail will be the backbone of a parks and trail network called "The 606." The 606, including the Bloomingdale Trail and access parks, is expected to open to the public in June 2015.

The Bloomingdale Trail will feature access points at:

 Ridgeway Avenue  Drake Avenue  Spaulding Avenue  Julia de Burgos Park  Humboldt Boulevard  California Avenue  Rockwell Avenue  Western Avenue  Milwaukee Leavitt Park  Churchill Park  Wood Street  Walsh Park

Highlighted Accomplishments: Geofoam has been installed at Milwaukee Avenue; Light pole foundations have been completed; Cleaning of the walls and viaducts is complete; Bridge deck waterproofing has been done along the length of the trail; Concrete foundations have been poured at Spaulding Avenue, Rockwell Avenue, California Avenue, Humboldt Boulevard and Wood Street; Steel substructures and grating for the access ramps at Spaulding Avenue, Rockwell Avenue, California Avenue, Humboldt Boulevard and the west-facing ramp at Western Avenue are finished; Construction fencing is in place along the trail and in access parks.

Key Unfinished Projects: The trail is expected to open in June 2015.

Bloomingdale Trail

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Vision Driving Development: Logan Square Corridor Development Initiative 2010

Community Area: Logan Square

Metropolitan Planning Council, Alderman Rey Colón

The goal of the Logan Square Corridor Development Initiative was to create a set of development priorities for Milwaukee Avenue and arm residents with an understanding of development finance and design to enrich their vision for development along the corridor, preparing them to effectively respond to development proposals in the future. Through a series of three meetings, more than 100 Logan Square residents worked with volunteer architects and developers to create practical development recommendations for parcels along Milwaukee Avenue. The publication is intended to be used by Alderman Colón, local residents and other stakeholders to provide developers, investors and others interested in development along Milwaukee Avenue with an understanding of the type of development the community desires.

General Recommendations: The community generated development plans and recommendations for three sites on Milwaukee Avenue: 2500 North (MegaMall), 2860 North (former Dale Theater/Abt Electronics) and 2746-2778 North (Pay/Half and Gap Outlet).

Specific Recommendations: For the former Dale Theater/Abt Electronic site at 2860 North Milwaukee Avenue, participants recommended a mixed-use building with ground floor retail and upper residential floors, and a pocket park on corner between buildings. The building would consist of 4 stories, with 12 affordable residential units, 6 commercial spaces and 20 parking spaces. The preferred development for the Pay/Half and Gap Outlet area is office and retail space on the first and second floors, residential units on the third and stepped-back fourth floors, an “element of interest” at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Spaulding Avenue and green space on the roof and in front of the building. The total residential units would be 20, with 2 affordable units and 18 units at market rate. There would be 15 commercial spaces and 43 parking spaces. The MegaMall concept includes a theater building on the south end of the site, mixed-use buildings with ground-floor retail and residential above, space between the buildings to ensure visibility for commercial tenants, an open “European-style” marketplace with central green space and pedestrian paths lined with retail/restaurants, and a park on the north end of the site.

Plan Maps and Data References: Study area, p. 3; Demographic analysis, p. 5; Percentage of Logan Square household in income categories, p. 6; Map of development sites, p. 9.

Highlighted Accomplishments: Incorporated many of the principles described as desirable in the Vision Driving Development plan in Alderman Colón’s 35th Ward Application for Zoning Change or Variance; Began holding meetings in September 2014 to discuss redevelopment at the Logan Square Blue line station bus turnaround; Announced plans to redevelop MegaMall into “Logan’s Crossing,” featuring a grocery store, health center, and rental apartments.

Key Unfinished Projects: Demolish current MegaMall, complete traffic study and title/feasibility research and open new development in 2016/2017; Redevelop 2860 N. Milwaukee Avenue and 2746- 2778 N. Milwaukee (former Dale Theater/Abt Electronics store and Gap Outlet, respectively).

Chicago Neighborhoods 2015 Plans Synthesis – Milwaukee Ave – February 2015 – Page 15 Chicago Neighborhoods 2015: Assets, Plans and Trends – A project of The Chicago Community Trust

Vision Driving Development: Logan Square Corridor Initiative Ashland Bus Rapid Transit August 2012 Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Chicago Department of Transportation, Department of Planning and Development, Federal Transit Administration

Community Areas: North Center, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, West Town, Near West Side, Lower West Side, McKinley Park, New City, West Englewood, Auburn Gresham, Beverly

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is planned for 16 miles of Ashland Avenue from Irving Park Road to 95th Street with implementation occurring in 3 phases. The first phase is now being designed for central Ashland Avenue from Cortland Avenue to 31st Street. Ashland Avenue was chosen because it has the highest bus ridership of all CTA routes with 10M boardings in 2012, provides access to more than 130,000 jobs, services popular destinations and large employment centers such as the Illinois Medical District, University of Illinois at Chicago, United Center, Malcolm X College and 99 schools. It also provides access to seven CTA stations and 37 bus routes. It is expected to result in an up to 83% increase in bus speeds, save the average commuter nearly 65 hours per year as compared to the local bus and be 50% more reliable than the local bus.

The Ashland BRT will feature:

 A dedicated center running bus lane in each direction to keep buses out of general traffic during boardings  Limited stops, every 12 mile and at CTA El stations  Transit Signal Priority intersections and longer green lights to keep traffic moving  Potential pre-payment for faster boarding, similar to L stations  Wide doors on left side of new, high-capacity vehicles  Improved lighting, ADA ramps and real-time travel info  Maintenance of existing medians and the addition of more than 75 blocks of new streetscaping, including medians and sidewalks

To build the Ashland BRT, the following accommodations will need to be made:

 Eliminate one vehicle travel lane in each direction, typically leaving one travel lane in each direction  Reduce parking by 8% and loading zones by 4%  Remove left turn lanes

Highlighted Accomplishments: 5 open public meetings; 31 meetings with community organizations; 14 direct ridership outreach events.

Key Unfinished projects: Proposed route and features have not been finalized.

Ashland BRT

Chicago Neighborhoods 2015 Plans Synthesis – Milwaukee Ave – February 2015 – Page 16