The North Park neighborhood on Chicago’s northside is home to diverse people and uses, where one-third of all households speak a language other than English and uses range from institutions to commercial storefronts to transportation hubs. Despite these strengths, there are high vacancy rates along the three main commercial corridors (Foster Avenue, Bryn Mawr Avenue, and Kedzie Avenue).
The City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development hired Teska to lead the North Park Commercial Corridors Study and identify ways to activate the corridors (both temporarily and long-term). The final document included a market study, land use analysis, design guidelines, and recommendations for supporting economic growth. It will be used as a reference guide for local businesses, potential investors, and residents, with information on incentives, recommendations for preserving and attracting businesses, and design guidelines to assist property owners in the rehabilitation of existing buildings.
The study was informed by an extensive engagement process, which included a survey of over 300 households, three interactive pop-up events that featured a variety of activities, and a community open house.
