As a follow-up to our August 28th General Membership meeting, we’ve consolidated updated information shared with us regarding the Elise Malary plaza. The space is located on Catalpa, between Clark and Ashland.

Click here to view the final design Click here for community identifier options

PROCESS & FINAL DESIGN:

Was community input considered in designing this space? 

• A community engagement plan was implemented including aldermanic meetings, task force meetings w/ four surveys, 3 public meetings, and numerous meetings with the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, and public surveys.  The design of the plaza responds to all feedback received during this process as well as resolves conflicting feedback provided, while following city standards and requirements.

• The final design was shown and discussed at the fourth and final Task Force Meeting on August 16, 2023. Comments received at that meeting and from the Chamber following this meeting were addressed with both Ward offices and the Chamber of Commerce (more on that below!). 

• As construction begins, CDOT intends to host regular public construction meetings to provide updates on progress

How was the final design achieved?

• Concept B was the community’s preferred concept, and the final design was developed from this concept.  The purpose for choosing between Concept A and B was to determine the preferred site layout.

• Various elements, such as the entry gateway feature/community identifier, were voted on separately (see survey question below). At the April 18, 2023 Public Meeting #2 the lit Andersonville column was most preferred, with the two pergola options following.

• At the August 16, 2023 Task Force Meeting #4 it was decided to move forward with the lit Andersonville columns at both ends of the plaza.

What about elements that would provide shade or places for gathering?

• ·The Chamber has indicated that they are considering installing a larger pavilion structure in the future. The final design takes into consideration the space required for a 30’x50’ pavilion structure.

• Two shade features are also included within the plaza design, 20’L x10W’x10’H, to accommodate those who preferred the pergola.

• The community also identified concerns about the obelisk/lit Andersonville column due to it blocking the sidewalk, and it has since been removed from the design! A smaller plaza sign, per the ordinance passed, will be now be included, and set back within the plaza. 

What consideration for the environment are included in elements of the design?

• 35 trees, 219 shrubs 1,442 perennials and ornamental grasses will be planted

• The landscape planting focuses on native species to help support pollinators and reduce irrigation needs

• There will be a high point down the center of the plaza to help divert water into the planter bed curb cuts to increase infiltration and reduce run-off.  There will also be curb cuts for water run-off into the landscaping beds

• The lightly colored pavers and pavements will reflect 3x more light and re-emit less heat than traditional asphalt to help to reduce the heat island effect

CONSTRUCTION:

When will construction begin?

• We can begin construction in 2025, which is a year after intended.  Construction duration is anticipated to be 8 months long. Depending on when the construction contract gets awarded this will determine the completion date and when it will be open to the public as the project may or may not span a winter shutdown period.·        ,

Once started, how long will it take to complete?  When is it expected to be open to the public?

• ·Most likely a year to a year and a half, depending on supplies, weather/seasonality.

What is the total anticipated cost to complete the project?

• The project budget for design and construction is $2.5M. 

USAGE and PURPOSE:

·How will the space be connected to the community?

• As the first and only public space in the city of Chicago to be named in honor of a Black Trans Woman, the final identifiers will be more closely tied to Elise Malary, for whom the space is named. A partnership between the 40th Ward office, the Andersonville Chamber and Chicago Therapy Collective will ensure that the identifier pays tribute to the history of the stretch as a place that functioned as a public square and was the first Black Trans Lives Matter mural, which was created there during the pandemic.

Is it also called Catalpa Plaza?

• Although the work for this space began several years ago, the space has since been named in honor of Elise Malary by Chicago’s City Council. There is also another section of Catalpa west of our neighborhood using the handle Catalpa Plaza

Who is going to care for the space once construction is completed?  Who will make sure the plants are watered and the sidewalks shoveled?

• The Andersonville Chamber will ultimately be responsible for programming and maintenance as the City’s maintenance partner.

How can members of the community reserve the use of the space?  What parameters or restrictions would you expect?

• Once construction nears completion, this will be finalized as well.  It’s anticipated that the Andersonville Chamber would maintain a website to book the space.  This would likely be modeled similarly to how Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce has a site to book Ainslie Arts Plaza.

• As a public space, the range of events would be very open as the more programming and use of the space, the better.  This would include block club events and similar community organizations.

• Any potential ticketed and private events would need to follow the City of Chicago’s established requirements through the Special Event process with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. There is a cost for a special events permit with DCASE, and the cost is significantly higher the closer to the date they would be trying to reserve so these events would likely be booked out well in advance.

Will the farmers market still be held in this space moving forward?

• Yes - the space was designed with programming and events like this in mind.

Is there any concern about congestion/flow through the space given the organic shape and large beds?

• The space was designed to accommodate the Farmer’s Market. Three proposed layouts were provided reflecting desired open widths discussed with the task force. There are some pinch points; however, adjustments can be made to the layout during the Farmers’ Market season to determine the best layout. The majority of the year the space will exist as a public plaza.

There is concern that this space will create a dangerous environment for pedestrians shopping at Jewel by vehicles cutting across the parking lot.  Is there any plan to help mitigate risk? 

• The 40th ward had discussed the closure of the entrance on Catalpa, has had conversations and remain in contact with Jewel management.  A formal plan is not in place, but believes the space directly in front of the Jewel is something to monitor.