Project Summary
Our office is partnering with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to conduct a plaza improvement project on Catalpa Avenue from Clark Street to Ashland Avenue, which will be called Elise Malary Way. The project will create a pedestrian plaza by closing Catalpa between Clark and Ashland to traffic, and turning it into a beautiful neighborhood destination where the community can gather together, host events, and browse the local farmer’s market during the summer season. The plaza is named in honor of Elise Malary, a Black Trans Woman activist and a beloved member of the Andersonville community who fought fiercely to make that community into a more inclusive place where Black and Brown Trans people could live and thrive.
Project Overview
- Neighborhood: Andersonville
- Zip Code: 60640
- Scope and boundaries: Catalpa Avenue from Clark Street to Ashland Avenue
- Timeline: Spring 2026
- Project Website
Status: Upcoming
Quick Links
Scope & Design
Elise Malary Plaza
This project is the product of the community’s vision to bring more public, pedestrian-focused spaces where the community can gather. CDOT conducted a survey, and we held several public meetings to gather input.
Based on that input, the new pedestrian plaza space will feature specialty lighting, screening from adjacent parking lots, landscaping, custom furniture, and other unique elements to create a destination in the neighborhood and attract pedestrians to the area.
To assist with traffic control on adjacent streets, a stoplight will also be installed at the intersection of Berwyn and Ashland as part of the Ashland Avenue arterial resurfacing project.
Project Goals
- Create a sense of place
- Support and enhance the Andersonville community identity
- Improve Walkability
- Improve Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
- Support Economic Development
- Improve Public Infrastructure
Design Exhibits
- Download the final design exhibits (PDF, 33MB)
Project Features
- Pavers and concrete sidewalks
- Raised planters with native pollinator plants
- Landscaped screens for separation from adjacent parking lots
- Shade Structures
- Catenary Lighting and Pedestrian Lightpoles
- Bench and Island Seating
- Bike Racks
- Trash Receptacles
Timeline & Construction Updates
Project Timeline
- Bidding: Spring 2025
- Construction: Spring 2026 – Construction begins
- Estimated Completion: End of 2026
Construction Updates
We have a long-awaited update on Elise Malary Plaza!
Following the last public meeting, The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has been updating the Elise Malary Plaza design plans to ensure all public feedback has been addressed. Though these design changes were relatively minor—the main update was a redesign of the plaza identifier, after the community raised concerns about its size and proximity to the sidewalk—these changes still impacted the overall engineering of the plaza, and thus needed to be submitted to additional review.
The plaza plans are currently going through the final stages of review. The next step is for the construction contract to be publicly advertised through the City’s Department of Procurement Services.
As a result of these changes, construction has been delayed to 2026. While CDOT anticipates being able to put the project out to bid in the next few months, construction has been pushed to 2026 in an effort to ensure the project is completed one construction season, to minimize the impact to the community,
The project is anticipated to start on site construction Spring of 2026, and be completed by end of year 2026.
Engagement
Community Meetings
Meeting dates will be added as they are announced.
Public Engagement
- The public engagement period has closed! Please subscribe to updates to be notified of any future engagement opportunities.
Archived Meetings
- Open House held April 18, 2024
- The final design for the plaza was unveiled at a community meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024
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