LINCOLN SQUARE — Crews will begin construction on street upgrades for pedestrians and bicyclists along Lincoln Square’s northern commercial corridor this week.
Construction will take place on the stretch of Lincoln Avenue between Western and Catalpa avenues, said Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th).
A groundbreaking is planned for 2 p.m. Friday at Ainslie Arts Plaza, Vasquez said.
The work is expected to continue through 2024 and will include sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, corridor beautification and greening infrastructure, according to the city’s transportation department.
The upgrades are aimed at increasing safety, improving walkability, supporting community and economic developments and enhancing public spaces, officials said.
“With the improved walkability and protected bike lanes that this project will bring to this section of Lincoln Avenue, we’re confident that the increased foot and cyclist traffic will provide an economic boost for our small businesses in the area.” Vasquez said. “It’s more important than ever to have intentional spaces that prioritize pedestrians and allow folks to come together in community.”
For decades, the stretch of Lincoln Avenue north of Lawrence Avenue has been a fairly sleepy area in comparison to the bustling, cobblestone neighborhood center.
Since taking office, Vasquez has been working to turn the north side of Lincoln Avenue into a neighborhood art district, complete with murals and housing for artists to bring vibrancy — and hopefully, commercial and community interest — to the area.
The current round of street upgrades also builds off the 2019 Lincoln Square Master Plan.
The Lincoln Avenue North Arts district already has a southern anchor with the Ainslie Arts Plaza, and the street improvements are the next step in expanding similar programs further north, Vasquez said.
“The arts corridor is a major cornerstone in a number of developments coming to our 40th Ward,” Vasquez said. “With Western, Lincoln, and other streetscapes happening nearby, we are seeing Lincoln Avenue and the surrounding areas come to life.”
Neighbors will be able to learn more about the project at a virtual meeting 6 p.m. Wednesday. To register go to this website.
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