SPLASH! Paint hit pavement in early November as a kaleidoscopic street mural took shape between Ainslie and Gunnison Streets in Lincoln Square. This triangular paved block is being transformed by local placemaking efforts into Ainslie Arts Plaza, a people-friendly place where arts and culture meet physical space.
A Need for People-Friendly Places
Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood recently adopted their Master Plan in 2019. The Plan, which addresses urban design, transportation, and market strategies, was highly influenced by a robust public outreach initiative. Following this process and the adoption of the plan, attention quickly turned to implementation, namely expanding public placemaking north of the 4700 block and supporting the arts.
An opportunity to reimagine the triangular block between Ainslie and Gunnison Streets came at just the right time as the community began their implementation efforts. This underutilized space within Lincoln Square presented a great opportunity to create a people-friendly space via the City of Chicago’s “Make Way for People Program.”
“The Make Way for People program enables communities to use public ways such as streets, parking spots, plazas and alleys for programming that promotes safer and more walkable communities while encouraging economic development in Chicago neighborhoods.”
- City of Chicago, 2016 | Source
Teska partnered with SSA #21, the 40th Ward Aldermanic Office, Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (CDPD), Department of Transportation (CDOT), adjacent restaurant owner, and the community to conduct public outreach, visualize and implement Ainslie Arts Plaza.
Public outreach for this project included a neighborhood poll and a virtual town hall with a live polling activity. Design services included concept design through construction documentation and permitting for a City of Chicago “Make Way for People” project. Following permitting in October 2020, Ainslie Arts Plaza immediately started to take shape.
Designing Flexible and Safe Public Spaces
We all need space... just a little more right now. The Ainslie Arts Plaza design is based on tried-and-true placemaking elements/features with a bit more focus on the adaptability of space itself. The design lends itself well to our new way of life during COVID-19, with mobile elements and flexible seating that provide options for safe outdoor gatherings and social distancing.
Ainslie Arts Plaza "Day-time" Rendering | Source: Teska
Ainslie Arts Plaza "Night-time" Rendering | Source: Teska
“In the world of COVID, we have to figure out how to have more public space for people to be socially distant but still come together... there’s so much opportunity here.”
- Alderman Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward | Excerpt, Source
Features of the plaza include:
- Roadway mural commissioned through Lincoln Square’s “Paintworks” program and produced by local artist Andrea Jablonski (Completed November 2020)
- Barrier fence, art panels, and welcome signage along Western Avenue
- Entry pylons with signs, chalkboards, and engagement activities at the north and south plaza entrances
- Outdoor seating and dining surrounded by planter cubes, overhead string lights, and picnic tables
- Hammock area surrounded by existing tree canopy and overhead globe lights
- Flexible areas designed to accommodate movie nights, yoga and fitness classes, fests, and events.
Ainslie Arts Plaza Concept Plan | Source: Teska
Roadway Mural Underway | Source: Teska
Completed Mural + Wood Planter Cubes | Source: Teska
Artist Spotlight
Andrea Jablonski is a multidisciplinary artist born in Poland and calling Chicago home. She has spent the last few years translating her artistic design aesthetic into a successful career as a muralist and fabricator gaining a diverse and loyal clientele. Her work focuses on immersive and site-specific installations and themes. Jablonski also teaches painting through After School Matters, teaches power tools 101 to young women, and hosts a monthly radio show highlighting Polish/Eastern European music from all genres.
Press
"From ‘Dead Space’ To Community Hub: Neighbors Want Food Trucks, Movies And More In New Ainslie Plaza" | Chicago Block Club | September 9, 2020
"Lincoln Square’s New Ainslie Arts Plaza Getting Its Vibrant Mural This Week" | Chicago Block Club | November 4, 2020