Students from the Urban Planning department at the University of Illinois Chicago are continuing their efforts to revitalize West 35th Street. After surveying residents and developing plans for the Central Manufacturing District last year, the students will now focus exclusively on 35th Street this summer.
Building Connections with Business Owners
The students will begin their outreach efforts from the 35th/Archer Orange Line El station on Memorial Day weekend. They will be connecting with business owners along the stretch of West 35th Street between South Leavitt Street and South Ashland Avenue. By working directly with business owners, the students hope to gain insights into what can be done to encourage building rehabilitation and support for mom-and-pop businesses.
Streetscaping and Inventory
As part of their focus on West 35th Street, the students will also be conducting an inventory of building stock and making recommendations for streetscaping. By providing policy recommendations, they hope to encourage the revitalization of the area and support for local businesses.
A Long-Term Plan
The efforts of the Urban Planning students are part of a larger, long-term plan to revitalize the Central Manufacturing District and the surrounding areas. The focus on West 35th Street is a crucial part of this plan, as it is a major commercial corridor that has the potential to bring economic growth to the area.
Collaborative Effort
The revitalization of West 35th Street and the Central Manufacturing District is a collaborative effort between local residents, businesses, and the city of Chicago. The involvement of students from the University of Illinois Chicago is just one example of the community coming together to support the revitalization efforts. By working together, the hope is that the area can become a thriving hub for commerce and culture, benefiting everyone in the community.
With the dedication of the Urban Planning students and the support of the community, the revitalization of West 35th Street is well underway. By focusing on the needs of local businesses and the community at large, the hope is that this area of Chicago will continue to grow and thrive for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is Anabel Abarca?
Anabel Abarca is a former 12th Ward alderwoman in Chicago who introduced an ordinance to up-zone West 35th Street in the McKinley Park neighborhood to encourage commercial development. -
What is the proposed zoning designation for West 35th Street?
The proposed zoning designation for West 35th Street is B2-3, also known as Neighborhood Mixed-Use District zoning. This allows for commercial or residential use on ground floors, residential use on upper floors, and up to seven units on a standard city lot. -
What is the McKinley Park Neighborhood Plan?
The McKinley Park Neighborhood Plan is a comprehensive planning document issued in 2021 by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. It highlights the development potential of the McKinley Park neighborhood’s 35th Street corridor and includes recommendations for community-driven zoning processes. -
Who are the urban planning students from UIC and what are they doing on West 35th Street?
The urban planning students from the University of Illinois Chicago are focusing on West 35th Street in the McKinley Park neighborhood. They are connecting with business owners, taking inventory of building stock, making recommendations for streetscaping, and providing policy recommendations to encourage building rehabilitation and help for mom-and-pop businesses.
